One of the most iconic paper-based documents of the Hungarian social security system -commonly referred to as the "TB kiskönyv" (social security booklet) - will soon transition to a digital format. While many employers and payroll professionals have rarely encountered the physical booklet in recent years, the introduction of the electronic social security booklet from 2026 may bring new procedures and compliance obligations for all employers in Hungary.

What is the social security booklet?

The social security booklet is officially titled the "Certificate of Insurance Relationship and Health Insurance Benefits" in Hungary.

This paper-based document serves to record key data related to an employee’s social security status. It includes:

  • the employer’s name,
  • the start and end dates of the insurance relationship,
  • any periods of suspension of the insurance, and
  • time periods that affect entitlement to monetary benefits (e.g. sick leave, child care allowance, unpaid leave).

The booklet is completed by the employer and, upon termination of employment, is handed over to the employee, who then submits it to their new employer. This ensures the chronological continuity of social security data across different workplaces.

The history and current use of the social security booklet

Any employee who has ever changed jobs in Hungary is likely to have encountered this folded paper booklet among their exit documents. 

Over the decades, the social security booklet has seen minimal changes in content and format.

In the past, the document was typically yellow or light brown, later white in an A5 size, and today, it's printed on pink paper.

Despite the cosmetic updates, its function has remained largely unchanged: it documents the employee’s insurance status and eligibility for health insurance benefits.

When starting a new job, employees are expected to submit this booklet to their new employer, who will continue filling in the data.

The booklet contains insurance relationships in chronological order.

The purpose of the social security booklet

The social security booklet has traditionally been essential for determining eligibility for cash benefits under the Hungarian social security system. When an insured person applies for such benefits, the relevant authority (e.g. the employer operating a social security payment desk) refers to the data recorded in the booklet to verify entitlement, coverage periods, and the type and amount of support.

It is therefore critical that the document contains a complete and uninterrupted record of all insurance relationships.

What happens if the booklet is lost or damaged?

In the event of loss or damage, only the insured person can request a replacement. They must contact each of their former employers to have their previous employment periods re-recorded. This can be a time-consuming process – especially if a former employer no longer exists or cannot be reached.

From 2026: The e-booklet– A fully digital registry of social security data in Hungary

As outlined above, the traditional paper-based social security booklet has become outdated. Replacing it can be difficult, and it may not even include all employment records - especially if an employee failed to submit it to a new employer, who then opened a new booklet that was later lost.

As of January 1, 2026, Hungary’s current paper-based system will be fully replaced by a digital registry.

The National Health Insurance Fund will maintain an electronic database for each insured person, which will include:

  • the duration of insurance relationships,
  • data related to monetary and accident benefits,
  • and the periods of entitlement to benefits.

How will payment desks access the data?

Social security payment desks will be able to retrieve the electronic data from a dedicated interface provided by the health insurance authority. Importantly, payment desks will only be permitted to access data for individuals who are currently employed by the organization operating the payment desk.

Insured individuals will be able to view their own data through the Patient Health Journey platform (“Betegéletút”) operated by the health insurance authority.

What does this mean for employers?

Although the detailed implementing regulations have not yet been published, employers should begin preparing now for the upcoming changes. Key action points include:

  • updating payroll and HR processes,
  • ensuring accurate and timely reporting of insurance relationships,
  • appointing responsible staff members to manage interactions with the e-system,
  • and monitoring changes in the relevant legal framework.

Experts at RSM Hungary are closely following the developments and will publish a more detailed guide in the coming months on the payroll and HR obligations related to the implementation of the e-booklet system.

Payroll & HR