From Paper to Digital: The Introduction of the e-Social Security Booklet in Hungary

As of 1 January 2026, Hungary will officially phase out the paper-based Social Security Booklet
(“Certificate of Insurance Relationship and Health Insurance Benefits”).
In its place, the electronic Social Security Booklet (e-TB Booklet) will be introduced.

This change means that employers will no longer be required to maintain or update a paper-based Social Security Booklet going forward.

What does this mean for employers?

Although the paper-based booklet is being abolished, employers still have a few important transitional obligations:

• The existing paper-based Social Security Booklet must be handed over to the employee in a documented manner, no later than upon the termination of employment.
• If the booklet cannot be handed over, the employer must retain it for 5 years after the employee reaches the statutory retirement age.

As the current retirement age in Hungary is 65, this may mean keeping the booklet until the employee turns 70, if handover was not possible earlier.

For employers not operating a Social Security Pay Office, there are no further tasks once the paper-based booklet has been handed over, neither in relation to the old paper format nor the new electronic system.

What changes for employers operating a Social Security Pay Office?

From 1 January 2026, employers operating a Social Security Pay Office will be able to electronically access the data required for the calculation of sick leave payments and maternity benefits.

However, Pay Offices may only access data for individuals who are currently insured with them.
This also means that after the termination of employment, Pay Offices will no longer be able to assess or pay so-called passive benefits.

As a result, Pay Offices will also no longer have reporting obligations to NEAK regarding passive benefits.

What can employees access?

From 1 January 2026, employees will be able to view their data through the “Patient Journey” (Betegéletút) service, including:

• their employment history, and
• health insurance benefits paid after 31 December 2023.

What should employees keep in mind?

Even though pension-related data is already available to the authorities, the paper-based Social Security Booklet may still be needed when verifying previous employment periods for pension purposes.

For this reason, employees should keep the paper-based Social Security Booklet for 5 years after reaching retirement age, once it has been handed over to them.

In summary

The introduction of the e-Social Security Booklet marks an important step in the digitalisation of the Hungarian social security administration.
While the paper booklet will no longer be used going forward, both employers and employees still have clear responsibilities during the transition period.

If you have any questions about how this change may affect your payroll or HR processes, feel free to contact us.