Both Poland and Romania sit in Europe, but their tax structures take different paths. On a 120.000 RON gross, the effective tax burden in Romania is roughly 22.3% higher than in Poland — driven by differences in ZUS vs CAS, bracket structure, and personal allowance.
Same nominal gross applied to both tax systems. Currencies aren't FX-converted — compare structures, not purchasing power.
Poland uses a two-bracket personal income tax (PIT) with a generous 30,000 PLN tax-free amount. ZUS social contributions of 13.71% cover pension, disability, and sickness, plus a separate 9% health insurance contribution. Self-employed individuals can opt for a flat 19% tax instead.
Romania has one of the simplest tax codes in Europe: a 10% flat income tax with no personal allowance, but heavy employee social contributions of 25% pension (CAS) and 10% health (CASS). IT-sector workers historically benefit from income-tax exemptions on the first portion of pay.
Pre-calculated breakdowns at common pay levels in Poland — open either side for the full page.
Last updated: 2026. Estimates only — see the disclaimer above.