Run the numbers on income tax and social contributions across 28 European countries — using verified, official 2026 rates — and see exactly what lands in your account.
The ledger, opened
Your gross (brutto) salary is what your contract states, the amount before any deductions. This is the basis for all calculations.
Each EU country takes mandatory contributions for pension, health insurance, unemployment, and long-term care, typically 18–25% of your gross.
Progressive income tax is applied to your taxable income (gross minus allowances). Tax-free thresholds and rates differ per country.
Most countries offer tax credits that directly reduce your bill, such as Germany's Arbeitnehmer-Pauschbetrag (€1,230), or the Netherlands' arbeidskorting.
Country by country
Brackets, social contributions, and key deductions for 28 countries.
From the archive
Deep dives into European tax systems to maximize your take-home pay.
Complete breakdown of all 6 German tax classes and how they affect your monthly withholding and annual refunds.
How the Dutch 30% expat tax ruling works, who qualifies, and how much you save over 5 years.
Complete guide to Poland's zero tax benefit for young workers and how to claim it.
How Spain's flat 24% tax regime works for new foreign residents and non-residents with Spanish income.
How Portugal's youth tax relief grants 50–10% exemptions for workers in their first decade.
How France's household-based tax brackets reduce your tax bill based on dependents and marital status.
Complete guide to Denmark's 2026 tax reform with 3-tier supertax, 52% tax ceiling, and 8% labour market fee.
Compare public (GKV) and private (PKV) health insurance in Germany: costs, coverage, and who should choose which.
See how take-home pay compares across Germany, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Portugal, France, and Denmark.
Marginal notes
In Germany, your net salary is calculated by deducting income tax (Lohnsteuer) and four social security contributions from your gross pay. Income tax is progressive (0–45%); the 2026 tax-free allowance (Grundfreibetrag) is €12,348/year. Social security deductions total approximately 20.85% of gross salary at average income levels.
The Grundfreibetrag (basic personal allowance) for 2026 is €12,348 per year (up from €12,096 in 2025). This amount is entirely tax-free. If your annual income is below this threshold, you pay no income tax at all.
The Dutch 30% ruling (30%-regeling) is a tax benefit for highly skilled migrants. If you qualify, your employer can pay 30% of your gross salary as a tax-free allowance. For 2026, the minimum taxable salary threshold is €48,013. The benefit is granted for up to 5 years.
Our calculator uses the official 2026 tax rates and contribution schedules sourced from official government publications. Results are estimates because exact net pay depends on individual circumstances. Always consult a licensed tax advisor for precise personal advice.