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Sweden vs South Africa
Tax Rate Comparison

Enter your income below for a personal tax estimate, then scroll down for full rate breakdowns.

🇸🇪 Sweden
vs
🇿🇦 South Africa
Tax Year:

💰 Personal Income Tax Calculator

Enter your income to see your estimated annual tax liability in each country — side by side.

Enter your annual income above to see your personal tax comparison →

Individual Income Tax (Top Marginal Rate)

Top Income Tax Rate
32–52%
Threshold adjustments; municipal variation continues
No change
18–45%
Top rate maintained; NHI funding discussions
No change

VAT / GST / Sales Tax

VAT / GST / Sales Tax
6–25%
Standard 25% maintained
No change
16%
VAT raised to 16% from 1 April 2026 (Budget 2025)
+0.5pp vs 2025

Corporate Tax Rate

Corporate Tax Rate
20.6%
Pillar Two compliance for MNCs
No change
27%
Stable; National Health Insurance funding debate
No change

Capital Gains Tax

Capital Gains Tax
30%
Capital income tax rate unchanged
No change
~18%
Possible review of inclusion rate
No change

Social Security & Payroll

Social Security / Payroll
31.42%
Employer social contributions unchanged
No change
~2%
NHI contribution framework being developed
No change
State, Regional & Local Taxes

🇸🇪 SwedenMunicipal Income Tax

Sweden's 290 municipalities and 21 regions each set their own income tax, ranging from ~29% to 35% (avg ~32%). The state income tax of 20% only applies above ~SEK 598,500. Church of Sweden members pay ~1% church fee. No local corporate tax variation.

🇿🇦 South AfricaProvincial & Municipal Taxes

South Africa's 9 provinces do not levy their own income tax — this is national. Municipalities levy property rates (0.5%–2.5% of assessed value/year), utilities, and refuse levies. Cape Town and Johannesburg have relatively higher municipal rates. Load-shedding prompted energy-related tax credits in recent budgets.

⚠️ Disclaimer: Rates shown are standard top/headline rates for informational purposes. Actual tax liability depends on income level, residency, deductions, and tax treaties. 2025–2026 data reflects announced or enacted rates and may be subject to change. Not financial or legal advice.

Sweden vs South Africa: Key Tax Differences (2026)

💰 Income Tax: 🇸🇪 Sweden has a higher top income tax rate (32–52% vs 18–45%). 🇿🇦 South Africa is more favourable for high earners.

🛒 VAT/Sales Tax: Sweden has a higher consumption tax (6–25% vs 16%).

🏢 Corporate Tax: 🇸🇪 Sweden offers a lower corporate rate (20.6% vs 27%), which can influence business location decisions.

📈 Capital Gains: 🇿🇦 South Africa taxes investment gains at a lower rate (18% vs 30%), benefiting investors.

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