Freedom Score

Emigrating from Netherlands to Bulgaria: tax and cost of living

How does Bulgaria score against Netherlands? The Freedom Score weighs six dimensions, built on primary government sources.

Net per month€3,786
Per year vs. Netherlands+€4,308

Flat tax 10% · EU member · Low cost

Tax

76/100

Residency

90/100

Cost of living

100/100

Living environment

65/100

Mobility

99/100

Ownership

85/100

Compared by dimension

On an average Netherlands income of €54,000 gross per year, you keep €45,429 net in Bulgaria: a difference of €4,308 per year compared with Netherlands.

  • Tax: on this income Bulgaria lands at an effective rate of about 16%, against 24% in Netherlands.
  • Passport and mobility: from Bulgaria you travel visa-free to 171 countries.
  • Residency: on our accessibility scale Bulgaria scores 90 out of 100 for obtaining residency.
  • Living environment: banking, internet, safety and healthcare together give Bulgaria a living-environment score of 65 out of 100.

The tax regime in Bulgaria

Bulgaria applies a flat 10% tax on personal income and corporate profits — the lowest rates in the EU. Dividends are taxed at 5%. No wealth tax, limited inheritance tax. Employee social security contributions approx. 13.78% (2025).

Residency and visas in Bulgaria

EU citizens have the right to reside freely in Bulgaria. Non-EU nationals can obtain residency through employment, investment or long-term stay. Permanent residency available after 5 years of continuous legal residence. Naturalisation after 5 years (shorter for certain categories).

  • EU Free Movement Registration (Certificate of Registration) · 5 years to permanent residency
  • Long-Term Residence Permit (non-EU nationals) · 5 years to permanent residency
  • Residence Permit via Investment · €500,000 · 1 years to permanent residency
  • Residence Permit via Employment (Work Permit) · 5 years to permanent residency
  • Freelancer / Self-Employment Residence Permit · 5 years to permanent residency
Read the full guide to BulgariaTax, residency routes, property rules and quality of life, with sources.

Frequently asked questions

What is the financial difference between Netherlands and Bulgaria?
On an average Netherlands income it differs by roughly €4,308 net per year. Your own figure depends on your income and situation; calculate it with the free freedom check.
Is this tax advice?
No. Libaros compares on the basis of primary government sources and provides information. For personal decisions, consult a qualified adviser.
What sources is this based on?
The Freedom Score uses the OECD Tax Database, IATA Timatic, the Henley Visa Index and Eurostat, with direct links to primary government sources.
Order report · €6,99

Figures from primary government sources. Information, not advice.

Sources