Eastern Europe Hiring Cost Calculator
Calculate employer costs across Bulgaria, Romania, Poland, Serbia, Ukraine, Colombia and India
- Hiring Cost Calculator
Enter a net salary, select a country and service – we’ll show you the gross salary, total employer contributions, and the all-in monthly cost including Perpetum’s fee. Figures are based on 2026 statutory rates and updated quarterly.
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Tell us the role and headcount – we’ll recommend the best market and send you a precise cost breakdown.
*Total Employer Cost (Gross + Contributions): The estimated total monthly employment cost, including the employee’s gross salary plus all mandatory employer taxes, social security contributions, and statutory employment costs required in the selected country.
*Total Monthly Cost with Perpetum: The estimated monthly amount invoiced by Perpetum, including the total employer cost and applicable service fees for managing employment, payroll, compliance, and HR administration.
Our Services
Headhunting
We find the people others can’t. Direct outreach, structured assessment, 3-5 pre-vetted finalists.
Employer of Record
You find the talent, we make it legal. Employment, payroll, and compliance - globally.
Turnkey Staff Augmentation
Tell us the problem. We shape the role, source the people, and deliver the shortlist.
Contractor of Record
Compliance wrapper for your contractors. One frame agreement, one invoice.
Contractor Sourcing
Project-based specialists or full project teams - sourced, vetted, ready to start.
Build-Operate-Transfer
We build and run your CEE team on our entity, then transfer everything to yours.
Our Global Presence
Related Country Guides
Ready to Hire? Let's talk numbers.
Tell us what you’re hiring for and where – we’ll come back with an exact cost, a market recommendation, and a timeline.
Frequently asked questions about Hiring costs
Q: What is the total cost of hiring an employee in Eastern Europe?
Total employer cost depends on the country. Bulgaria sits at approximately 119% of gross salary in employer contributions. Poland is around 121%. Romania is unusually low at around 102% – because nearly all social contributions fall on the employee rather than the employer. Use the calculator above to get a precise figure based on your target salary.
Q: How does employer of record affect my hiring cost?
With EOR, you pay the employee’s total employer cost plus Perpetum’s flat monthly fee of $299 and 10% of gross salary. There is no entity setup, no local legal cost, and no HR overhead. For most companies hiring a first employee in a new country, EOR is significantly cheaper than establishing a local entity until headcount exceeds 8–10 people.
Q: What is the difference between gross salary and total employer cost?
Gross salary is what appears on the employee’s contract. Total employer cost is gross salary plus mandatory employer social security contributions – pension, health insurance, unemployment, and accident funds. In Bulgaria this adds approximately 19% on top of gross. In Poland approximately 21%. The calculator shows both figures so you can budget accurately.
Q: How much does it cost to hire a software engineer in Bulgaria in 2026?
A mid-level software engineer in Bulgaria earns EUR 2,000 – 2,800 net per month. Gross salary is approximately EUR 2,460 – 3,440. Total employer cost including contributions ranges from EUR 2,925 – 4,090 per month. Add Perpetum’s EOR fee and you have a fully compliant, all-in monthly cost with no hidden extras.
Q: Is hiring in Eastern Europe cheaper than hiring in the US or UK?
Yes – significantly. A senior software engineer costing USD 120,000–150,000 per year in the US has an equivalent in Bulgaria or Serbia at USD 36,000 – 54,000 with comparable seniority and English proficiency. Total employer cost including all contributions and Perpetum fees remains 60 – 70% below US equivalent roles.
Q: What is included in Perpetum's monthly fee?
Perpetum’s fee covers employment contract management, payroll processing, statutory benefit administration, compliance monitoring, and a dedicated account manager. There are no setup fees, no hidden charges, and no long-term lock-in. The flat monthly fee plus percentage of gross salary is the total cost.