Allowances, benefits and deductions

In addition to the basic salary, agents may receive various allowances depending on their personal circumstances. The final salary is calculated by adding the relevant allowances and by deducting social security contributions and other taxes.

The main benefits, deductions and contributions are summarized below. This information is indicative as entitlements are determined upon recruitment, based on proofs provided.

Allowances

Expatriation and foreign residence allowance

  • Expatriation allowance
    The expatriation allowance is equal to 16% of the total of the basic salary plus household allowance and dependent child allowance to which the Agent may be entitled. The expatriation allowance shall be not less than 567,38 € per month.
     
  • Foreign residence allowance
    The foreign-residence allowance is equal to one quarter of the expatriation allowance.

Family allowances

  • Household allowance
    Basic amount of 191,44 € plus 2% of basic salary (value as of 01.07.2019).
     
  • Dependent child allowance
    Per month and per dependent child: 418,31 € (value as of 01.07.2019).
     
  • Education allowances
    • Pre-school allowance 102,18 € per month and per child (value as of 01.07.2019).
    • Education allowance up to a maximum of 283,82 € (value on 01.07.2019) per month for each dependent child, which can be doubled in some cases.
    • Direct payment of school fees in accordance with service contracts signed between FRA and certain international schools in the Vienna area.
     
  • Birth grant
    The birth grant is 198, 31 € per child in case of birth or adoption of a child.

Allowances when taking up duties

  • Installation allowance
    Between one third of basic salary and one full basic salary depending on contract duration.
     
  • Daily subsistence allowance
    Fixed amounts of 43,97 € per day or 35,46 € per day depending on whether the Agent is entitled to the household allowance or not.
    For Agents not receiving the household allowance the daily subsistence allowance is granted up to 120 days.
    For Agents receiving the household allowance, the daily subsistence allowance is granted for 180 days. As a probationer the daily subsistence allowance is granted for the period of probation plus one month.
    For Agents engaged for a fixed period of less than one year, the daily subsistence allowance is granted for a maximum of one year.
  • Removal and travel expenses
    Agents with contract duration of at least twelve months are entitled to reimbursement of removal expenses up to the amount of a quotation approved in advance. On taking up duties, Agents are entitled to reimbursement of travel expenses from the place of recruitment to the place of employment.
    Similar allowances such as resettlement allowance may be granted upon end of service.

Other benefits

FRA employees benefit from a range of other benefits, such as:

  • Special ID card, issued by the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  • Special car license plates (for certain grades)
  • Access to the UN Commissary

Deductions

Salaries and allowances paid by FRA are exempt from any national taxation in all EU Member States, but subject to a European tax (deducted at source) for the benefit of the European Communities.

Social security contributions (% of basic salary)

Pension (9,7%)
Health insurance (1,70%)
Accident cover (0,10%)
Unemployment insurance (0,81%)

Income tax

Tax levied progressively at a rate of between 8% and 45% of the taxable portion of the salary.
The solidarity levy is a temporary measure (from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2023) and is deducted from staff salaries.

The rate of the solidarity levy shall be 6%. The rate shall however be 7% for officials in grade AD15, step 2, and above.

Sickness and accident insurance, Health

FRA staff members are covered, 24/7 and worldwide, by the EU Joint Sickness Insurance Scheme (JSIS). A staff member's family may also be covered under this insurance scheme.
The Agency's medical advisor provides services in preventive and occupational medicine. Before commencement of duties, new staff members are required to undergo a pre-employment medical examination. In addition, FRA offers to the staff members an annual medical check-up.

Pension

Throughout the period of service, Agents are members of the EU pension scheme. The pension is granted after completing a minimum of ten years' service and reaching the pensionable age of 63 years.
Pension rights acquired in one or more national schemes before starting to work at FRA may be transferred into the EU pension system.