Work · Self-employed
Self-employed tax in Europe: what freelancers keep in 13 countries
From €60,000 of freelance income a sole trader keeps about €4,000 a month in the UK, €3,800 in the Netherlands, €3,100 in Germany and €3,000 in Sweden. But the cheapest countries are often cheap because contributions buy less: in the UK and Germany you get no pension from your freelance contributions unless you save for it yourself.
What you keep from €60,000, 2026
| Country | Kept per month | Tax and contributions |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | €4,025 | 19% |
| United States (no state tax) | €3,981 | 20% |
| Netherlands | €3,832 | 23% |
| Romania | €3,750 | 25% |
| Ireland | €3,744 | 25% |
| Italy (forfettario) | €3,551 | 29% |
| Spain | €3,314 | 34% |
| Denmark | €3,289 | 34% |
| Portugal | €3,280 | 34% |
| France (micro-entrepreneur) | €3,270 | 35% |
| Czechia | €3,215 | 36% |
| Germany | €3,112 | 38% |
| Sweden | €3,037 | 39% |
Single person, our estimates with 2026 rules (UK 2026/27). For France, Italy and Portugal the €60,000 is revenue under the simplified regimes; elsewhere it is profit after business costs. Amounts outside the euro area converted at ECB rates of 22 October 2026.
What the percentages include
- Germany: income tax and the full health and care insurance. Pension insurance is voluntary for most freelancers, so add 15% to 20% if you save for retirement.
- Netherlands: the self-employed deduction and SME profit exemption only apply if you work at least 1,225 hours a year in your business.
- France, Italy, Portugal: simple regimes charge a percentage of revenue, and you cannot deduct real costs. Above the revenue caps (€77,700 in France, €85,000 in Italy) the normal rules apply.
- Sweden and Spain: high contributions, but they build a state pension and sick pay.
- United States: 15.3% self-employment tax on top of income tax, partly offset by the 20% business income deduction; state income tax comes on top in most states.
Before you go freelance
- Set aside tax from every invoice: most countries ask for advance payments during the year.
- Check VAT registration: the threshold ranges from none in Spain to £90,000 a year in the UK.
- Compare with a salary, including paid holiday and sick pay, in our freelance or employed calculator.
Calculate your self-employed tax →
Sources
This guide is general information based on the tax rules we could verify for 2026, not tax or financial advice. Rules change and personal situations differ, so check with the tax authority or a qualified adviser before you act. Spotted a mistake? Email [email protected].