> The 15% of income has a cap. It's something like after 60k EUR in wages you don't pay anymore. ...at which point progressive income tax starts kicking in bad

> The 15% of income has a cap. It's something like after 60k EUR in wages you don't pay anymore. ...at which point progressive income tax starts kicking in badly. > Also, only 7.5% comes out of your paycheck, the employer pays the other half. Guess what, the employer pays 100% of your paycheck, including your vacation, pension, healthcare and taxes. It doesn't really matter to the employer how the cost is labeled. That's why you get to charge more when self-employed. > The final cost is comparable. Comparable? It's almost double if you don't take any care. Also, what if you don't have children? It's apples and oranges. > The 15% is only if you participate in the public system - the private is not tied to your income. Caveat: You are forced to take part in the public system unless you earn well or you are self-employed.