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Free Payroll Calculators for European Countries

Free payroll and self-employment calculators for Germany, France, Netherlands, and Switzerland. Compare social contributions across European countries.

Guide Overview

European payroll varies dramatically by country. German employers face combined social insurance rates exceeding 40 percent, French cotisations sociales follow a different structure entirely, and Swiss AHV contributions vary by canton. These free calculators let you model employer costs across multiple European countries.

Focus: free European payroll and social contribution calculators

German Payroll and Social Insurance

Germany requires employers and employees to split contributions for health insurance (around 16.3 percent), pension (18.6 percent), unemployment (2.6 percent), and long-term care (3.4–4.0 percent depending on parental status). The employer pays roughly half, but self-employed Selbständige bear the full cost. Our German calculators cover both scenarios with income caps and current rates.

French Payroll and Cotisations Sociales

French social charges (cotisations sociales) cover health, pension, family, unemployment, and complementary pension schemes. Combined employer and employee rates typically total 60–70 percent of gross salary, though this is offset by generous benefits. The payroll calculator breaks down each charge and shows the employer cost alongside net pay.

Netherlands and Switzerland

Dutch employers pay premiums for ZVW (health), WW (unemployment), and WAO/WIA (disability). Self-employed zzp’ers pay an income-dependent ZVW contribution of 5.32 percent. Switzerland uses a cantonal system where AHV/IV/EO contributions (5.3 percent each for employer and employee) are federally standardized, but income tax varies by canton. Our calculators handle both country models.

Cross-Border VAT

European businesses operating across borders need to handle VAT correctly. Standard VAT rates range from 19 percent in Germany to 21 percent in the Netherlands and 7.7 percent in Switzerland. The VAT calculator supports all standard rates and converts between inclusive and exclusive amounts for invoicing.

Tools in This Guide

Use these tools in sequence based on your workflow needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which European countries are supported?
We currently support payroll calculators for Germany, France, Netherlands, and Switzerland, plus a self-employment calculator for Germany. More countries are being added.
Are these calculators accurate for official filing?
These calculators use current published rates and are designed for planning and estimation. Always verify with your local tax authority or payroll provider before filing.
Do the European calculators handle cross-border scenarios?
Each calculator models one country at a time. For cross-border employment, you may need to calculate in multiple countries and consult with a tax advisor about applicable treaties.

Last updated: June 1, 2025