Comprehensive analysis of income tax burdens across 20+ countries, with rankings at different income levels to help you make informed decisions about international relocation
UAE (0%), followed by Singapore and Hong Kong, offer the lowest income tax burdens globally. All three have territorial or no-tax systems.
Belgium, Sweden, and Germany consistently rank among the highest-taxed nations, with combined rates often exceeding 45-50% for middle and high earners.
Ireland and Switzerland offer the most competitive tax rates within Europe, particularly for tech workers and high earners respectively.
Social security contributions can add 10-20% on top of income tax. Always consider total tax burden, not just headline rates.
This report provides general estimates for educational purposes only. Your actual tax liability depends on individual circumstances including residency status, income sources, applicable tax treaties, deductions, and credits. Tax laws change frequently. Always consult a qualified tax professional before making relocation or financial decisions based on this information.
Effective tax rates (income tax + social security) at three income benchmarks, ranked from lowest to highest
Effective tax rate including income tax and mandatory social contributions
| Rank | Country | Effective Rate | Income Tax | Social Security | Visual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AEUAE |
0% | 0% | 0% | |
| 2 | SGSingapore |
2.5% | 2.5% | 0% (CPF varies) | |
| 3 | HKHong Kong |
6% | 6% | ~1% (MPF) | |
| 4 | CHSwitzerland |
12% | 6% | 6% | |
| 5 | MXMexico |
14% | 12% | 2% | |
| 6 | USUSA (Texas) |
15% | 8% | 7.65% | |
| 7 | IEIreland |
20% | 16% | 4% (PRSI) | |
| 8 | AUAustralia |
21% | 19% | 2% (Medicare) | |
| 9 | NONorway |
22% | 14% | 8% | |
| 10 | CACanada (Ontario) |
23% | 17% | 6% (CPP+EI) | |
| 11 | GBUnited Kingdom |
24% | 16% | 8% (NI) | |
| 12 | USUSA (California) |
25% | 17% | 7.65% | |
| 13 | JPJapan |
26% | 12% | 14% | |
| 14 | ESSpain |
27% | 20% | 7% | |
| 15 | PTPortugal |
28% | 17% | 11% | |
| 16 | FRFrance |
29% | 12% | 17% | |
| 17 | NLNetherlands |
32% | 32% | Included in tax | |
| 18 | ITItaly |
33% | 23% | 10% | |
| 19 | DEGermany |
35% | 15% | 20% | |
| 20 | SESweden |
36% | 29% | 7% | |
| 21 | BEBelgium |
40% | 27% | 13% |
Effective tax rate including income tax and mandatory social contributions
| Rank | Country | Effective Rate | Income Tax | Social Security | Visual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AEUAE |
0% | 0% | 0% | |
| 2 | SGSingapore |
6% | 6% | ~1% | |
| 3 | HKHong Kong |
11% | 10% | ~1% | |
| 4 | CHSwitzerland |
18% | 12% | 6% | |
| 5 | USUSA (Texas) |
20% | 13% | 7.65% | |
| 6 | MXMexico |
22% | 20% | 2% | |
| 7 | NONorway |
28% | 20% | 8% | |
| 8 | AUAustralia |
28% | 26% | 2% | |
| 9 | IEIreland |
30% | 26% | 4% | |
| 10 | CACanada (Ontario) |
30% | 24% | 6% | |
| 11 | GBUnited Kingdom |
31% | 25% | 6% | |
| 12 | USUSA (California) |
32% | 24% | 7.65% | |
| 13 | JPJapan |
33% | 19% | 14% | |
| 14 | ESSpain |
34% | 27% | 7% | |
| 15 | PTPortugal |
35% | 24% | 11% | |
| 16 | FRFrance |
36% | 19% | 17% | |
| 17 | NLNetherlands |
38% | 38% | Included | |
| 18 | ITItaly |
40% | 30% | 10% | |
| 19 | DEGermany |
42% | 24% | 18% | |
| 20 | SESweden |
43% | 36% | 7% | |
| 21 | BEBelgium |
47% | 34% | 13% |
Effective tax rate including income tax and mandatory social contributions
| Rank | Country | Effective Rate | Income Tax | Social Security | Visual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AEUAE |
0% | 0% | 0% | |
| 2 | SGSingapore |
13% | 12% | ~1% | |
| 3 | HKHong Kong |
15% | 14% | ~1% | |
| 4 | USUSA (Texas) |
26% | 22% | 4% (capped) | |
| 5 | CHSwitzerland |
28% | 22% | 6% | |
| 6 | MXMexico |
30% | 28% | 2% | |
| 7 | NONorway |
35% | 27% | 8% | |
| 8 | AUAustralia |
36% | 34% | 2% | |
| 9 | IEIreland |
37% | 35% | 2% | |
| 10 | CACanada (Ontario) |
38% | 35% | 3% | |
| 11 | USUSA (California) |
38% | 34% | 4% | |
| 12 | GBUnited Kingdom |
39% | 36% | 3% | |
| 13 | JPJapan |
40% | 30% | 10% | |
| 14 | ESSpain |
41% | 38% | 3% | |
| 15 | PTPortugal |
43% | 38% | 5% | |
| 16 | NLNetherlands |
45% | 45% | Included | |
| 17 | FRFrance |
45% | 35% | 10% | |
| 18 | ITItaly |
47% | 40% | 7% | |
| 19 | DEGermany |
47% | 38% | 9% | |
| 20 | SESweden |
50% | 46% | 4% | |
| 21 | BEBelgium |
52% | 46% | 6% |
Recommendations based on specific situations and priorities
Minimize tax on substantial income
Balance tax with quality of life
Pension-friendly tax treatment
Territorial tax systems
EU residency with lower taxes
No language barrier
Important considerations beyond the headline tax rates
Global tax policy is shifting. Key developments:
The full picture includes more than income tax:
International moves involve complex treaty rules:
Low taxes don't always mean better life:
Key tax statistics and official sources for major countries
Get a personalized breakdown for your specific income and situation
Bookmark this page for reference. We update this report annually with the latest tax rates.
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