VAT Rates in Europe – Comparison

VAT (Value Added Tax) is an indirect tax added to the price of goods and services at each stage of the supply chain. Although the final cost is borne by the end customer, it is the entrepreneur who is responsible for correctly charging, reporting and documenting VAT on invoices and in tax declarations.

Understanding how VAT works in different European countries is especially important for entrepreneurs operating across borders or considering expansion within the EU.

Why Does VAT Look Different in Each European Country?

VAT applies in all European Union countries, but its rates are not unified. The EU sets only a minimum standard VAT rate of 15%, while individual member states decide on their own VAT levels and which sectors or services may benefit from reduced rates.

For governments, VAT is one of the main sources of public revenue and an important economic policy tool. It directly affects prices, consumer behaviour and the competitiveness of businesses operating in a given market.

As a result, entrepreneurs in Europe work in a highly diverse tax environment. In some countries VAT is relatively low and less noticeable in service prices, while in others it represents a significant part of the final cost for the customer. This difference is particularly relevant in service-based industries and construction, where VAT often directly influences pricing, demand and purchasing decisions.

VAT Rates Across the European Union

VAT rates vary widely across Europe. The lowest standard VAT rates can be found in Luxembourg (17%) and Malta (18%). Germany, with a standard rate of 19%, is also considered relatively moderate from a VAT perspective.

Many EU countries – including the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain and France – apply standard rates around 20–21%. At the higher end are countries such as Hungary (27%) and several Nordic countries, where VAT reaches 25–25.5%.

Across the EU, the average standard VAT rate currently lies between 21% and 22%.

Note: VAT rates may change, and some countries apply regional or sector-specific exceptions. Always verify the applicable VAT rate before applying it in practice.

Where Is VAT Most – and Least – Business-Friendly?

From a purely pricing perspective, countries with lower standard VAT rates such as Luxembourg, Malta and Germany are often seen as more favourable. For services provided to private individuals (B2C), lower VAT usually means lower final prices and stronger price competitiveness.

At the other end of the scale are countries with very high VAT rates, such as Hungary or Sweden. In these markets, VAT has a strong impact on service and product prices, which is particularly noticeable in B2C sectors.

However, it is important to stress that a low VAT rate alone rarely determines whether running a business is profitable. In practice, other factors play a much bigger role: where services are actually performed, whether the customer is a business or a private individual, access to reduced VAT rates, labour costs and local administrative obligations.

Reverse Charge VAT in Construction and Subcontracting

In certain sectors – especially construction and subcontracting – VAT works differently. In countries like the Netherlands, the reverse charge mechanism often applies in B2B situations. This means that VAT is shifted from the service provider to the customer, and the contractor does not have to pay VAT upfront.

In these cases, the VAT percentage itself becomes less important. What really matters is correct classification of the service, proper invoicing and compliance with local VAT rules. Errors here can be costly, even if the VAT rate seems favourable on paper.

How does the reverse charge mechanism work in Dutch construction? Read more here.

The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany in the European Context

The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany all operate within the European VAT mainstream, but practical differences still matter. Germany’s 19% standard rate is relatively attractive for services aimed at private customers. The Netherlands and Belgium, both with a 21% standard rate, stand out because of their reduced VAT rates, which are relevant for personal services and certain construction activities.

For entrepreneurs working across these markets, understanding when reduced rates or reverse charge rules apply is often more important than the standard VAT percentage itself.

Read more about VAT compliance in the Netherlands here.

How Does VAT Affect the Profitability of Your Business?

When comparing countries based on VAT, it is easy to assume that a lower rate automatically leads to higher profits. In reality, VAT rarely works that way. Profitability depends far more on where you actually deliver your services, who your customers are, and which VAT rules apply to your specific activities.

For service providers and construction companies, the distinction between B2B and B2C is crucial. In B2B relations, reverse charge mechanisms often apply, meaning VAT does not directly affect cash flow. In such cases, correct invoicing and compliance are far more important than the VAT rate itself.

For businesses serving private customers, VAT directly affects final prices and competitiveness. Here, access to reduced rates, local regulations and overall operating costs play a key role. That is why, when deciding where it is “more profitable” to run a business, VAT should always be analysed as part of a broader business context – not in isolation.