FAQ

What will be the tasks of Frontex border guards?

The officers will be trained to perform tasks at the land, air and sea borders. Basic level officers will be performing tasks such as border checks and border surveillance. With more in-depth knowledge, intermediate level officers will perform basic and intermediate border management tasks. At the advanced level, officers will coordinate work of larger teams of border guards and act as specialists in specific areas.

What will be the length of my employment?

The contract will be for five years with a probation period of nine months. The contract may be renewed for another five years.

Where will I be deployed?

You will be deployed in operational areas at EU/Schengen external borders or outside the EU in a country that has signed a Status Agreement with the European Commission. You may also be deployed within the operational coordination and management structures at Frontex headquarters.

Can I apply for the European Border Guard if I am not a European citizen?

To become a Frontex border guard, you must be a citizen of one of the Member States of the European Union or the Schengen Associated Countries.

What will the recruitment process look like?

The recruitment will consist of several steps that aim to assess your capability to perform duties listed in the selection notices. Your physical and psychological aptitude will also be tested during the recruitment process. You will have to undergo medical check-up and stand in front of the Selection Committee for an interview.

What are the physical requirements?

Frontex border guards must be physically fit for their duties. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a physical aptitude test in line with the Selection Notice, described in the part “Physical aptitude” (Appendix II). Only candidates who pass the physical aptitude test will be invited for an interview.

Will police and military academy graduates be able to apply for advanced level positions?

Yes. University diploma comparable to EQF level 6 or higher obtained from police, customs, military, coast guard or border guard academy. See the relevant Selection Notice for further details.


Will everyone have to undergo training?

Each Frontex border guard will undergo up to 12 months of basic training (depending of the level of the position) that will complement their previous professional training. The training is conducted within the probation period. The aim of the training is to ensure that Frontex border guards will be equipped with the necessary skills to perform assigned duties and comply with applicable EU law and ethical standards.


Where will I be trained?

The training will take place in training centres in different Member States and/or Schengen Associated Countries.

Will I be paid during the training?

Yes, you will be entitled to receive the salary corresponding to the job you have been offered.

What if I don’t pass the training?

If you fail to complete the training, you will not be able to continue work as a Frontex border guard officer and your contract will not be confirmed at the end of the probationary period. All the details of the performance assessment will be provided at the beginning of the training.

What will I do once I am trained?

You will be deployed. Later in your career as a Frontex border guard, you will have the opportunity to attend specialised training covering different specialised areas, such as countering different types of cross-border crime, document inspection, return-related activities.

What will I gain professionally from the experience?

Becoming a Frontex border guard is a unique opportunity to become part of the first European uniformed service, contributing to the safety and security of the EU/Schengen external borders. You will have the possibility to undergo specialised training, acquire new skills through working with experts from across Europe and learn about new technologies and latest equipment in border control.

What benefits am I entitled to?

You will receive a basic salary and applicable allowances, such as:

  • expatriation allowance
  • household allowance
  • dependent child allowance
  • education allowance
  • deployment allowance (when deployed)
  • shift allowance (if working in shifts)

For the exact calculation, as well as information on additional benefits and allowances, please check the Selection Notice.

Could I be deployed in my home country?

Frontex border guards will be deployed and re-deployed based on operational needs and may be deployed in their home countries.

Can I select the place of deployment?

No. The location and time of deployment will be based on operational needs.

Can I be promoted from basic to intermediate or advanced level?

As new posts become available, you will be able to apply for other positions. If you are recruited as a basic-level officer, to become an intermediate level officer you will need to apply and undergo a new selection procedure.

Will my rank influence the level I will be assigned to?

No, there are only three types of positions the candidates can apply for: basic, intermediate and advanced officer. The selection is mainly based on years of professional experience and assessment of required skills.

Will I have insurance?

Yes. You will be insured under the European Union’s Joint Sickness Insurance Scheme (JSIS). For more information check the Selection Notice.

How many leave days will I have?

You are entitled to annual leave of two working days per each complete calendar month of service. On top of that, there is a number of additional days of leave depending on the level, age and other factors. Public holidays are decided yearly. Special leave may be granted for certain circumstances such as marriage and birth or adoption of a child. For more information please see the Selection Notice.

Is there an age limit for the candidates?

In order to apply for the basic level position, you need to be younger than 47 years old when applying. There is no age criteria for the intermediate and advanced level.

Will I get pension rights?

Throughout the period of employment you may either be a member of the EU pension scheme or you can maintain your pension rights in your country of origin. An EU pension is granted after completing a minimum of 10 years of service and after reaching the pensionable age of 66 years.

Details of the pension related topics will be provided to you by Frontex HR services.

If I am not selected for intermediate or advanced level, can I still apply for the basic level?

Yes, you will be able to apply for lower-level positions as well.

Can I take part in more than one selection procedure?

Yes, you can take part in all open selection procedures.

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