Germany vs Sweden tax: residency & income tax rates

Effective income tax by income

An effective-rate comparison for this pair isn’t available yet (one country’s full bracket table is still being verified). The sourced fact comparison below still applies — and the interactive tool covers every modelled country.

Germany vs Sweden, side by side

	Germany	Sweden
Top income tax rate	45%PwC Tax Summaries“68,430 277,825 136,860 555,650 42 277,826 and above 555,652 and above 45”View source · accessed 2026-08-21	52.38%Skatteverket (Swedish Tax Agency)“Den genomsnittliga kommunala skattesatsen för 2026 är 32,38 procent.”View source · accessed 2026-10-26
Tax-residency day threshold	183 daysPwC Tax Summaries“if they have an habitual abode in Germany. This can be assumed if the individual is physically present in Germany for more than six months in any one calendar year, or for a consecutive period of six months over a year-end.”View source · accessed 2026-08-21	—
Signature tax regime	Abgeltungsteuer: 26.375%PwC Tax Summaries“Capital gains from financial investments (e.g. sale of shares) are subject to a flat tax rate of 25% plus 5.5% solidarity surcharge (in total 26.375%, plus church tax if applicable), which is generally withheld at source automatically upon distribution of the gains.”View source · accessed 2026-08-21	22.5%Skatteverket (Swedish Tax Agency)“Vid beskattning enligt SINK betalar du för inkomståret 2026 särskild inkomstskatt med 22,5 procent förutom för sjöinkomst där skatten är 15 procent.”View source · accessed 2026-10-26
Digital nomad visa	No	No
Nomad-visa income requirement	—	—

Every figure links to its source and verification date. Full guides: Germany · Sweden.

Frequently asked questions

Is Germany or Sweden better for tax?

It depends on your income, residency status and which special regime you qualify for. Compare the residency rules, rates and regimes side by side below, and use the interactive tool for your own income.

Which has the lower tax-residency threshold, Germany or Sweden?

Germany treats you as tax resident after 183 days, and Sweden after its own residence test (no simple day count). But ties like a home, family or economic centre can trigger residency on fewer days — never rely on a day count alone.

Does Germany or Sweden have a digital nomad visa?

Germany has no dedicated digital-nomad visa; Sweden has no dedicated digital-nomad visa. See the "Digital nomad visa" row below for the sourced detail.

Germany vs Sweden: tax comparison for expats