Reading books serves as a pastime for some, helping them broaden their knowledge and gain fresh perspectives. Nonetheless, the ever‑present concern over book prices often forces readers to be choosier before expanding their shelves.
Data from the global tax platform VATCalc shows that several countries apply special tax rules to books so that literary works are not taxed at the same rate as ordinary goods. This is a strong sign of how much a country values public access to knowledge.
Which countries have low book taxes? Let’s take a look at the following list of seven.
1. Swiss – Pajak Buku 2,6%
 Switzerland, a country with low book taxes/Foto: Unsplash.com/Annie Spratt |
Switzerland is widely recognized for having one of the highest standards of living worldwide. Yet, who would have thought that this country also places great emphasis on literacy?
Switzerland imposes a very low VAT rate on books, at just 2.6%. This falls under the reduced rate category, which is lower than the standard VAT rate applied to various types of publications, such as books, newspapers, journals, and ad‑free electronic publications.
This policy is certainly welcome news for publishers and avid readers alike, as retail book prices can remain affordable and competitive without being weighed down by hefty tax deductions.
2. Luksemburg – Pajak Buku 3%
Luxembourg, a country with low book taxes/Foto: Unsplash.com/Zooey Li
Despite its small size, Luxembourg shows a remarkable commitment to supporting education and literacy among its citizens. The Luxembourg government applies a super‑reduced VAT rate—an extremely low 3%—to certain goods and services.
3. Spanyol – Pajak Buku 4%
 Spain, a country with low book taxes/Foto: Unsplash.com/Zoshua Colah |
Spain is known not only for its exotic tourist spots and world‑renowned football culture, but also for its policies that strongly support literature. In this Mediterranean nation, books are subject to a super‑reduced VAT rate of 4%.
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4. Vietnam – Pajak Buku 5%
Vietnam, a country with low book taxes/Foto: Unsplash.com/Robinson Greig
Turning to Asia, Vietnam applies a special 5% VAT rate to certain categories of books. Under the country’s tax regulations, educational books, science‑and‑technology books, and reference books are among the reading materials that qualify for the preferential rate.
This policy offers a lighter tax burden than the general rate and is one way to support public access to reading materials and education. Vietnam’s standard VAT rate is actually 10%, but a temporary reduction to 8% applies to many goods and services until 31 December 2026.
5. Swedia – Pajak Buku 6%
Sweden is recognized as a Scandinavian nation that prioritizes social welfare and high‑quality education for its citizens. To support a deep‑rooted reading culture, Sweden imposes a 6% VAT rate on books.
This rate, classified as a reduced rate, reflects the country’s tangible support for the publishing industry and authors, encouraging them to keep producing their best works. Citing the BBC, the Swedish government continues to reinforce the role of printed books and literacy.
From 2025‑2026 onward, Sweden is reducing reliance on digital devices in schools and allocating billions of kronor for the purchase of physical textbooks in order to tackle a decline in reading proficiency.
6. Jerman – Pajak Buku 7%
Germany, a country with low book taxes/Foto: Unsplash.com/shraga kopstein
As one of Europe’s economic powerhouses, Germany boasts a very large and well‑organized book industry. To maintain price stability and cater to its high reading interest, Germany sets a 7% VAT rate for both printed and electronic books.
7. Belanda – Pajak Buku 9%
 The Netherlands, a country with low book taxes/Foto: Unsplash.com/Kin Shing Lai |
The Dutch government applies a reduced VAT rate of 9% to books and magazines, effective from 1 January 2026. This rate applies to various categories, including physical books, textbooks, e‑books, downloadable audiobooks, and library loans.
Citing Norton Rose Fulbright, a previous budget proposal had suggested raising the VAT rate for the cultural and book sector from 9% to 21% in 2026, but the plan was rejected and cancelled by the Dutch Parliament, leaving the 9% rate unchanged.
For those who love reading, low book taxes are certainly welcome news. The lighter tax burden is expected to make books more affordable and encourage people to read more often.
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Want to join the Buzznesia Community, where you can take part in exciting online and offline events organized by Buzznesia/Beautynesia? The community is open to everyone, regardless of gender, and we also have a special group for students. Come join the Buzznesia Community now! How? Sign up here!
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