Hungary recently made amendments to its Labor Code that took effect on 1 January 2025, including an extension of the period within which paternity leave can be taken and the introduction of an exemption from work for participation in elections.
Key details
The most relevant changes for employers to note are as follows:
Extension of period within which paternity leave can be taken
While there has been no change in the length of paternity leave, the period within which paternity leave can be taken has been extended from two months to four months following the child’s birth or adoption.
Male employees are entitled to ten working days of employer-paid paternity leave upon the birth or adoption of a child, which can be taken in up to two instalments (there is no specific requirement in the law on the length of each instalment). Employees are paid their full salary during the first five working days and 40% of their salary during the remaining five working days.
Exemption from work for participation in elections
The changes also introduce an employer-paid exemption from work for an employee of up to two hours for participating in elections if the employee’s working time scheduled for that day exceeds eight hours. Covered elections include those for members of the National Assembly, European Parliament, local government representatives and mayors, and representatives of national minority self-governments, and local or national referendums.
Employers will need to review and update their leave policies and procedures, as needed, to reflect these changes.
