Want the ranking rather than the rates? The EU Take-Home Pay Index 2026 ranks all 27 countries by the share of a EUR 60k salary you actually keep, for employees and the self-employed.
Tax is the quiet number that decides how much of your income you actually keep. Two countries can advertise similar salaries and leave you with very different amounts in hand once income tax and social contributions are taken out. This guide ranks all 27 EU countries by overall tax burden, lightest first, and is upfront about why your own number may differ.
All 27 EU countries by tax burden
Here is where MoveMap’s model places each EU country on overall tax burden, from lightest to heaviest (illustrative scores only):
| Country | Tax burden* |
|---|---|
| Bulgaria | 30 |
| Cyprus | 35 |
| Romania | 35 |
| Hungary | 40 |
| Malta | 40 |
| Croatia | 45 |
| Czechia | 45 |
| Latvia | 45 |
| Poland | 45 |
| Slovakia | 45 |
| Estonia | 50 |
| Greece | 50 |
| Lithuania | 50 |
| Portugal | 55 |
| Slovenia | 55 |
| Luxembourg | 60 |
| Spain | 60 |
| Ireland | 65 |
| Italy | 65 |
| Netherlands | 70 |
| Austria | 72 |
| Finland | 72 |
| Belgium | 75 |
| France | 75 |
| Germany | 75 |
| Sweden | 75 |
| Denmark | 80 |
Why your real tax bill is personal
A single headline number can never capture your actual liability. What you pay depends on:
- How you earn: employment, freelance, dividends and capital gains are often taxed very differently.
- Special regimes: several countries offer flat rates or temporary breaks for new residents, which can change the ranking entirely.
- Residency and treaties: where you are tax resident, and any double-taxation agreements, matter as much as the local rate.
- What you get back: higher-tax countries often fund stronger healthcare, schools and pensions.
Get the real numbers before you decide
Tax is the one area where a rough ranking is only a starting point. Use it to shortlist, then get a proper calculation for your specific income from a qualified tax adviser before you move. The MoveMap check weighs tax alongside cost, income and lifestyle to rank all 27 EU countries for your situation.