Bulgaria vs Romania: Income Tax Compared (2026)
Bulgaria vs Romania: tax rates, brackets, and take-home pay compared side by side.
| Metric |  Bulgaria |  Romania |
|---|---|---|
| Currency | BGN | RON |
| Top marginal rate | 10% | 10% |
| Standard deduction | лв0 | lei0 |
| Filing deadline | 31 May | 31 May |
Estimated at $75,000 USD-equivalent income
Bulgaria net income ≈ лв121,500 (10.0% effective rate)
Romania net income ≈ lei310,500 (10.0% effective rate)
Take-home pay compared at four salary levels
Estimated Bulgaria and Romania income tax on the same four salaries, set in US dollars and converted at approximate fixed reference rates (not live exchange rates). Income tax only: social contributions are not deducted.
| Salary | Bulgaria tax | Bulgaria take-home | Romania tax | Romania take-home | Lower effective rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $25,000 | лв4,500 (10.0%) | лв40,500 | lei11,500 (10.0%) | lei103,500 | About equal |
| $50,000 | лв9,000 (10.0%) | лв81,000 | lei23,000 (10.0%) | lei207,000 | About equal |
| $100,000 | лв18,000 (10.0%) | лв162,000 | lei46,000 (10.0%) | lei414,000 | About equal |
| $200,000 | лв36,000 (10.0%) | лв324,000 | lei92,000 (10.0%) | lei828,000 | About equal |
Bulgaria Pros & Cons
- ✓Clear filing deadline: 31 May
- ✕Top earners face a marginal rate of up to 10%
- ✕Progressive brackets mean higher earners pay a larger share
Romania Pros & Cons
- ✓Clear filing deadline: 31 May
- ✕Top earners face a marginal rate of up to 10%
- ✕Progressive brackets mean higher earners pay a larger share
Frequently asked questions
At $75,000 income, how does take-home pay compare?+
On an estimated $75,000 USD-equivalent income, our calculator shows Bulgaria take-home of roughly лв121,500 (10.0% effective rate) versus Romania's lei310,500 (10.0% effective rate). Use the calculator above with your own income for a personalized estimate.
How much tax would I pay moving from Bulgaria to Romania?+
On a $75,000 USD-equivalent salary our estimate is an effective income tax rate of 10.0% in Bulgaria and 10.0% in Romania, so moving from Bulgaria to Romania, income tax would be about the same. This compares income tax only: social contributions, residency rules, visas and cost of living are not included.
How much tax would I pay moving from Romania to Bulgaria?+
On a $75,000 USD-equivalent salary our estimate is an effective income tax rate of 10.0% in Romania and 10.0% in Bulgaria, so moving from Romania to Bulgaria, income tax would be about the same. This compares income tax only: social contributions, residency rules, visas and cost of living are not included.
Which has the higher top tax rate, Bulgaria or Romania?+
Bulgaria and Romania share the same estimated top marginal rate of 10%.
What's the standard deduction in each country?+
Bulgaria's estimated standard deduction is лв0, while Romania's is lei0. A larger deduction reduces the income that's actually taxed.
Are these figures exact?+
No — these are estimates generated from a simplified model of each country's published tax brackets, intended for planning purposes. They don't account for every credit, allowance, or surcharge. Always confirm current-year figures with Bulgaria's and Romania's official tax authorities before making a decision.
Compare Bulgaria with other countries
Compare Romania with other countries
Figures shown are estimates for the current tax year and do not include every deduction, credit or surcharge that may apply. Always confirm with each country's official tax authority.