Key Tax Rates at a Glance
| Tax Type | Rate | Tier | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income Tax — top rate | 20.0% | Moderate | Top marginal rate | OECD 2026 |
| Income Tax — lowest rate | 0.0% | Entry rate | OECD 2026 | |
| Corporate Tax | 25.0% | Moderate | Standard rate | OECD 2026 |
| VAT | 0.0% | Zero | Standard rate | OECD 2026 |
| Capital Gains Tax | 0.0% | Zero | Standard rate | OECD 2026 |
| Social Security (employee) | 15.0% | Employee contribution | OECD 2026 | |
| Territorial Taxation | No | Worldwide taxation | OECD 2026 | |
| Digital Nomad Visa | No | Check official government sources | Official |
North Korea Special Tax Regime
North Korea offers the North Korea Special Tax Regime for qualifying individuals. North Korea does not currently offer a dedicated nomad visa. Remote workers typically use long-stay or existing work-permit frameworks. The North Korea Special Tax Regime may still provide favourable treatment for qualifying new residents. This programme can substantially reduce the effective tax burden for new residents.
| Criterion | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who qualifies | Qualifying expats, new tax residents, and internationally mobile professionals in North Korea. |
| Tax rate under regime | Preferential rate under North Korea Special Tax Regime. Consult North Korea Tax Authority for current applicable terms. |
| Duration | Typically 5–10 years depending on programme. Verify via official government sources. |
| Application process | Applications filed through North Korea Tax Authority. Documents typically required: proof of income, prior tax clearance, and proof of qualifying activity or investment. |
| Key restriction | Applicants must generally not have been tax resident in North Korea during a qualifying look-back period (typically 3–5 years prior). |
Income Tax Brackets
Corporate Tax
VAT & Consumption Taxes
Capital Gains & Investment Income
Digital Nomad & Expat Visas
Check official government sources
Tax Scenarios — Effective Rates
Estimated all-in tax burden after income tax and employee social security. Assumes standard deductions; does not account for special regimes or itemised relief.
Tax Burden Calculator
Estimated take-home pay in —
Key Insight
North Korea applies a 20.0% top personal income tax rate, 25.0% corporate tax, and 0.0% VAT — a competitive tax structure for the region.
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