# Place of origin

- Link: https://euemployment.eu/glossary/place-of-origin/
- Published: 2024-02-24T20:35:30+01:00
- Author: Ben

The place of origin refers to the specific location or country where an employee
of an EU institution or agency is considered to have their permanent or habitual
residence prior to their employment. This is typically defined at the time of recruitment
and is used for various administrative and logistical purposes.

Identifying the place of origin is crucial for determining certain entitlements 
and [allowances](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/allowances/) for EU employees.
It helps to establish the employee’s eligibility for the [expatriation allowance](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/expatriation-allowance/),
travel expenses compensation, and other [benefits](https://euemployment.eu/how-much-do-eu-officials-earn/#Allowances_and_other_benefits)
that are designed to support employees who are working away from their home country.

It is possible to change one’s place of origin, but it requires providing sufficient
proof that a place of origin change has indeed occurred, and is not being done to,
for example, claim a larger annual travel grant for contract agents, [assistants](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/assistants/)
and [administrators](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/administrators/), or a larger
monthly allowance for Seconded National Experts.

Understanding the place of origin is essential for both prospective and current 
EU employees, as it directly influences their entitlements and overall employment
conditions.