[joe_mamba]

>In my country software engineers can enjoy a tax wedge of 15%, or even 8% if they're lucky enough to have formalities go through.

Poland/Bulgaria?

That's a rare privilege in the EU. Most western EU nations don't allow such legal tax avoidance loophole for workers. It's the exception rather than the rule.

[ponector]

10% difference in income tax will not affect brain drain. But can make outsourcing from Poland to India a bit less attractive. Also local salaries are lower. Unless one directly working as a contractor to the western company it makes a little difference.

Also worth mentioning 12% income tax in Poland is not for the employment contract, but for business-to-business contract. Add mandatory social contributions and insurance and it will be 20-22%, which is still a good total tax rate.

[joe_mamba]

I don't think that contradicts what I said.