Pink social security booklet abolished from January 2026

Information in the pink social security booklet

Since its introduction, the pink social security booklet (or “TB” booklet with the Hungarian abbreviation for social security, or “társdalombiztosítás”) has been used to record information about the social security status of its owner. This normally includes the first and last day of employment at every employer (when the holder is insured in the national social security and healthcare system), and any occasions when the employee received a social security related allowance (e.g. maternity leave, sick leave).

Over the years, as more and more functions of Hungarian administration have been digitalized, this information has come to be reported through online tools. As a result, the pink social security booklet has become obsolete, and it will be phased out starting from January 2026. Career entrants will no longer need to receive a TB booklet upon starting their first job, and existing social security booklets will no longer need to be updated.

What does this mean for your Hungarian business?

The pink social security booklets are currently handled and stored by the payroll or HR specialists of each Hungarian business. Employees hardly ever see their own booklets, since they are normally created by the first ever employer, who then updates the booklets as necessary. When an employee leaves, they receive the booklet alongside their exit documents, but they need to submit it to their next employer when they start a new job.

The booklets remain in use until the end of 2025. If a new employee starts at your Hungarian company, you will need to ask for their booklet the same as before, or you will need to create one for them if this is their first job. Noteworthy events should be recorded in the social security booklet as well as being reported through the relevant online tools.

Starting from January 1, 2026, no new social security booklets need to be created, and existing booklets do not have to be updated any more. There are no regulations regarding what should happen to existing booklets. Professionals advise that booklets should continue to be stored by employers and be handed back to employees when the employment relationship is terminated. At the same time, employees may request that their pink social security booklet is returned to them. In that case, it makes sense to create a document proving that the booklet was handed out, and this document should be stored for future reference.

Obtaining relevant information as an employer

To help employers determine eligibility for social security allowances, the Hungarian Treasury is supposed to make relevant information available to employers. This will include information about allowances paid to employees throughout 2024 and 2025. Keeping the pink social security booklet around for at least a few years will allow employees to double-check eligibility.

Employers that are paying agents for social security in Hungary will receive access to a new online platform to be created specifically for managing social security related information. However, this is relevant only to companies with more than 100 employees; most small and medium-sized businesses will neither need nor receive access to this information. For SMEs, it will be enough to report the start and end date of employment relationships as well as any changes to it, and submit applications for the allowances, the same as before.

In line with the above, Hungarian companies should review their data management policies and workflows, and update them to reflect the changes brought about by the abolition of the pink social security booklet.

Payroll services and HR compliance at Helpers Finance

If you have your HR and payroll services with Helpers, you have nothing to worry about. We will help you manage the existing pink social security booklets, report relevant information to the authorities, and manage social security allowance applications on behalf of your employees the same as before.

Helpers Finance specializes in providing accounting and payroll services to small and medium-sized businesses managed by foreign owners, providing the support you need to remain compliant with local regulations and make the most of your options.