Tax Rate Comparison · 2026

Austria vs Bulgaria: Tax Rates Compared

Compare Austria and Bulgaria on income tax, corporate tax, VAT, capital gains, and social security. Top income tax: 55% (Austria) vs 10% (Bulgaria). Includes take-home pay estimates, special regimes, and expat guidance for 2026.

Country A
Austria
Top income tax: 55%
Corporate: 23%
VAT: 20% · CGT: 27.5%
VS
Country B
Bulgaria
Top income tax: 10%
Corporate: 10%
VAT: 20% · CGT: 10%

Full Tax Rate Comparison

Tax TypeAustriaBulgariaLower Rate
Top Income Tax55%10%Bulgaria
Bottom Income Tax0%10%Austria
Corporate Tax23%10%Bulgaria
VAT / GST20%20%Tie
Capital Gains Tax27.5%10%Bulgaria
Social Security (Emp)18.1%13.8%Bulgaria
Dividend Tax27.5%5%Bulgaria
Tax Treaties9068Austria

Take-Home Pay Estimate

Illustration — €100,000 gross annual income
Austria Take-Home
€46,130
Bulgaria Take-Home
€79,720
Annual Difference
+€33,590

Verdict

Overall Tax Burden
Bulgaria has a lower overall tax burden
Bulgaria scores lower on combined tax burden (10 vs 40). Top income tax: 10% vs 55% in Austria. Corporate: 10% vs 23%. For high earners and entrepreneurs, Bulgaria can offer meaningful tax savings.

Tax System: Territorial vs Worldwide

FactorAustriaBulgaria
Territorial TaxationNoNo
Digital Nomad VisaNoYes
Wealth TaxNoNo
CFC RulesYesYes

Special Regimes Available

CountryRegimeRate / BenefitDuration
No major special regimes for these two countries

Frequently Asked Questions

Which country has lower taxes: Austria or Bulgaria?
Austria has a top income tax rate of 55% and corporate tax of 23%. Bulgaria has 10% and 10% respectively. On €100k gross, estimated take-home is €46,130 in Austria vs €79,720 in Bulgaria. Actual liability varies with deductions, residency rules, and individual circumstances.
Is Austria or Bulgaria better for expats and digital nomads?
Austria uses a worldwide tax system. Bulgaria uses a worldwide tax system. The best choice depends on income type, desired residency duration, and lifestyle preferences.
What is the corporate tax difference between Austria and Bulgaria?
The statutory corporate tax rate is 23% in Austria and 10% in Bulgaria. Effective rates can differ significantly due to deductions, loss carry-forwards, and R&D credits. Both countries may offer reduced rates or special regimes for SMEs or qualifying businesses.
Disclaimer: Rates shown are statutory rates for 2026. Effective rates vary with deductions and individual circumstances. Not tax advice.