Social Security Tax Rates in Europe: Employer Guide 2024

Last updated: 7 March 2024

 

The social security tax rate for employers is an important element of the total employment costs. In Europe, the rates differ per country. As a North American SME considering hiring overseas, you might be interested in how they differ from country to country and how they impact your business.

In this blog, we will give a clear overview of the social security tax rates in 2024 for employers in Europe.

 

Understanding Social Security Tax Rates in Europe

 

As you may know, employment costs include more than just wages. The employer social security tax rate is an important element in the total employment costs.

On average, the social security tax rate for employers in Europe in 2024 is around 20%. This is a lot higher than North American employers are used to. In the table below, you can find the employer social security tax rate per European country in 2024

Country SST Rate 2024 Population (2023) Old Values
France 25.25% – 35.7%% 64,841,934
Slovakia 24.4%
5,466,813
Belarus 34.00% 9,498,238
Czech Republic (Czechia) 24.8% 10,492,495
Estonia 33% 1,322,765
Sweden 31.42% 10,612,086
Italy 29% - 32% 58,870,762
Russia 30.02% – 38.50% 144,444,359
Spain 30.40 47,519,628
Monaco 13.35% to 13.40% 36,297
Belgium 27% 11,686,140
Moldova 24% 3,435,931
Portugal 23.75% 10,247,605
Latvia 23.59% 1,830,211
Netherlands 27.65% 17,618,299
Greece 22.29%  10,341,277
Poland 19.21% to 22.41% 41,026,067
Ukraine 22.00% 36,744,634
Austria 20.98% 8,958,960
Finland 21.61% 5,545,475
Germany 40.9% 83,294,633
Bulgaria 32.7% t- 33.4% 6,687,717
Hungary 13% 10,156,239
Serbia 16.65% 7,149,077
Croatia Includes a 16.5% contribution for health insurance. 4,008,617
Slovenia 16.10% 2,119,675
Luxembourg 12.22% – 15.30% 654,768
Albania 15% 2,832,439
Norway 14.10% 5,474,360
United Kingdom 15.05% – 18.05% 67,736,802
Ireland 11.05% - 11.15% 5,056,935
Bosnia and Herzegovina 10.50% 3,210,847
Malta 10.00% 535,064
Montenegro 6% 626,485
Canada 7.91% – 13.57% 38,781,291
United States 8.27% – 24.85% 339,996,563
Denmark 13.721% 5,910,913
Switzerland 6.57% – 12.4% 8,796,669
Iceland 11.5% 375,318
Romania 10.25% 19,892,812
Lithuania

15% of salary

9%  health insurance levy 

30% pension and unemployment 

 

2,718,352

*Tax rates will be checked regularly in 2024. However, please confirm tax rates with the country's tax authority before using them to make business decisions.

 

Extra insight: Social Security Tax Rates in Europe – Detailed 2021 Overview

 

Impact of Social Security Tax Rates on the Employment Costs for North American SMEs

 

Higher tax rates in Europe contributing to overall employment costs can influence the decision-making process when hiring internationally. Not only the social security depends on the region or country in Europe, but it requires North American small and medium-sized companies' new strategies to navigate this complex landscape.

 

Navigating Social Security Tax Rates in Europe

 

When seeking opportunities for international hiring, North American SMEs need to be informed of the cost, wages, and social security tax rates in Europe. However, North American employers may find it challenging to align hiring initiatives with periods of lower tax liabilities to identify opportunities for cost savings. Thus, effectively managing employment costs to mitigate the impact of various tax rates in Europe may require assistance.

And that's where we step in. Explore our HR Outsourcing services to find out more.

 

Bonus read:

Cost of Hiring European Employees

Average Annual Wages in Europe

 

Disclaimer: While we strive to provide accurate and timely information, please note that HR policies and regulations can change frequently. It is recommended that you seek guidance from our HR consultants to ensure that the data presented here is current and accurate.

 

Sources: KPMG, WorldOMeter 

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