Compare taxes and see how much you save moving from Romania to Poland
Romania and Poland are Eastern Europe's two largest digital nomad destinations with very different tax approaches. Romania maintains a 10% flat income tax—one of Europe's lowest—but adds ~35% social contributions (CAS + CASS). Poland uses a progressive system: 12% up to ~€27K, 32% above, with lower social contributions. At €50,000: Romania charges ~€22,500 (45% including social), Poland charges ~€14,800 (29.6%). Poland wins at most income levels due to Romania's heavy social contributions. However, Romania's contributions can be reduced significantly for IT professionals (special exemptions) and freelancers (flat-rate options). Choose Romania if: you're in IT (exemptions available), prefer lower base cost of living, or want to be close to Bulgaria/Moldova. Choose Poland if: you earn over €30K, want larger job market, or prefer established expat infrastructure.
Flat Rate
10% flat income tax + 35% social contributions
Two-tier
12% to PLN 120K (~€27K), 32% above
At €50,000 income:
That is €640/month back in your pocket!
| Income | RO Tax | PL Tax | Savings | 10-Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| €30,000 | €13,500 (45%) | €5,600 (18.7%) | Poland saves €7,900 | €79,000 |
| €50,000 | €22,500 (45%) | €14,800 (29.6%) | Poland saves €7,700 | €77,000 |
| €100,000 | €45,000 (45%) | €35,400 (35.4%) | Poland saves €9,600 | €96,000 |
| €150,000 | €67,500 (45%) | €51,400 (34.3%) | Poland saves €16,100 | €161,000 |
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Hold RON, PLN, and EUR. Transfer between Romanian and Polish accounts at real exchange rates.
Open Wise Account →Navigate Romania's complex contributions or Poland's progressive system. Deel handles payroll in both countries.
Hire in Romania or Poland →Romania: ~€22,500 total (10% income tax + 35% CAS/CASS social contributions). Poland: ~€14,800 total (12-32% progressive + lower social). Poland saves €7,700/year. Romania's headline 10% rate is misleading—social contributions more than triple the effective rate.
Romania offers special IT sector exemptions that can eliminate or reduce social contributions for qualified tech workers. Requirements include working for Romanian IT companies and meeting specific conditions. This can reduce total burden from 45% to closer to 20-25%. Consult a Romanian tax advisor for current rules.
Bucharest: €900-1,400/month, €350-550 rent. Warsaw: €1,200-1,800/month, €500-800 rent. Krakow: €1,000-1,500/month, €400-650 rent. Romania is 25-35% cheaper overall. Cluj-Napoca (Romania's tech hub) is even cheaper than Bucharest.
Poland has more established coworking spaces, expat communities, and English-friendly services. Romania has faster internet (globally competitive) and lower costs. Neither has a dedicated DN visa—both require standard EU residence routes for non-EU citizens. For pure infrastructure, Poland leads; for value, Romania wins.
Poland has more volume—larger market, more international companies (Google, Microsoft, Amazon all have offices). Romania has strong IT outsourcing sector and growing startups in Cluj. Romanian tech salaries are lower but so are costs. Both are major European tech hubs.