EPSO's planner for 2027 lists a translators competition for June, in eight languages, and Portuguese is one of them. EPSO has run translator competitions in rounds before, so we can show what the last one asked and what it means for your preparation. What we cannot do is quote requirements that no notice has yet fixed, and this page does not.
What the 2024 round looked like
The most recent translators round is a good guide to the shape of the process, as long as you remember that it is a precedent and not a promise. EPSO published it as eight separate competitions, EPSO/AD/414/24 to EPSO/AD/421/24, in the Official Journal on 3 December 2024 (C/2024/7118). Each competition was for one language, at grade AD 5: Danish, Greek, English, Spanish, French, Italian, Maltese and Dutch. Applications closed on 14 January 2025 at midday, Brussels time.
Language levels were the demanding part. As the 2024 notice set them, your main language (Language 1) had to be at C2, and Languages 2 and 3 at C1 at least. For the French competition, for example, English was required as a second language, while the English competition accepted any other official language. The 2027 notice may differ, so read its table before you count your languages.
EPSO described the 2024 testing as five tests across two days, and said that dictionaries, on paper or online, were not allowed during the tests.
What it means for a Portuguese-language candidate
- Your language profile is the eligibility. Count which languages you can prove at C1 or C2. EPSO asks for evidence, and a self-assessment alone is not enough.
- Check the second and third language rules first. In 2024 each competition said which languages were accepted as Language 2. A strong third language does not help if it is not on the list.
- Expect to translate without dictionaries. If the 2027 notice repeats that rule, your speed and vocabulary under time pressure matter more than your research skills.
- Do not wait for the notice to build the basics. Reasoning tests are used across EPSO rounds, so practising them now costs nothing if the notice later changes its mind about the rest.
Other language competitions on the same planner
Translators are not alone. The planner also lists proofreaders and editors in Luxembourg (AST, May 2027*, eight languages) and lawyer-linguists for the Parliament, the Council and the Commission (AD, July 2027*). Portuguese is also on the current lawyer-linguist list, EPSO/AD/432/26, which you can read about in our guide to it. The full list is in our 2027 planner guide.
What to do now
- Write down your languages with the level you can document for each, and the certificate or study record behind it.
- Read the language table of the 2024 notice, to know how EPSO words the levels. Use it as a template, not as the rule.
- Start reasoning-test practice with the 8-week plan.
- Check the planner again each month. Months move, as the 2026 calendar did.
Whatever the field, the first stage is the same set of reasoning tests. EU Testing has a free 5-question sample for each of verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning, so you can see the formats before you decide to train more. Try the free samples →
Frequently asked questions
Is there a translators competition in 2027?
EPSO's planner, last updated on 22 September 2026, lists translators for June 2027 in Bulgarian, German, Finnish, Irish, Croatian, Portuguese, Slovenian and Swedish. The month is marked as to be confirmed, so it can move.
Is Portuguese on the 2027 translators list?
Yes, on the planner as it stands. Portuguese is also on the lawyer-linguist list of EPSO/AD/432/26.
What grade will the 2027 translators competition be?
The planner does not say. The 2024 translators round, EPSO/AD/414 to 421/24, was for AD 5. Only the 2027 notice will settle the grade.
Which language levels did the 2024 translators notice ask for?
Language 1 at C2, and Languages 2 and 3 at C1 at least, with the permitted second language depending on the competition. Check the 2027 notice, which may differ.
Can I use a dictionary in the EPSO translation tests?
In the 2024 round EPSO said dictionaries, on paper or online, were not allowed during the tests. Read the rule again in your notice.
Planner: EPSO upcoming selection procedures, last updated 22 September 2026. 2024 round: notice of open competition EPSO/AD/414/24 to 421/24, OJ C/2024/7118. As on 4 November 2026.