Working Hours and Overtime in Hungary

What Are the Standard Working Hours In Hungary?

In Hungary, the standard working hours for employees depend on their age and role. Employees who are 18 years old or younger are limited to working 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week. Employees aged 18 and older are allowed to work up to 12 hours per day and 48 hours per week. If an employee works more than 6 hours in a day, a minimum meal break of 20 minutes must be provided. The typical working hours for most employees are from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

Maximum Working Hours in Hungary

In Hungary, the legal limit for working hours is 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week for employees under normal circumstances. However, with an agreement between the employer and employee, weekly working hours can be extended to a maximum of 48 hours, including overtime. The law allows for overtime in specific circumstances, but it is capped at 250 hours per year, with the possibility of an additional 150 hours per year based on a written agreement between the employee and employer (voluntary overtime). Employees must receive adequate compensation for any additional hours worked. Employers must also ensure that employees receive the appropriate rest periods to comply with regulations.

Industry Specific Exceptions

Certain industries in Hungary have unique regulations when it comes to working hours. For instance, healthcare workers, transportation employees, and those working in emergency services may have different working hour rules due to the nature of their work. These employees may be required to work longer hours or at different times, such as during holidays or weekends, but they are still entitled to compensation or time off to make up for these extended hours. These exceptions are designed to ensure that essential services continue to operate efficiently while safeguarding the rights of workers.

Managerial and Exempt Employees

In Hungary, managerial employees or those deemed exempt under labor laws may have different working hour regulations. Managerial employees, who have a higher level of responsibility and discretion in their roles, are often excluded from the maximum working hour limits. This means they may not be bound by the standard 8-hour workday or 40-hour workweek. However, they are still entitled to reasonable compensation for any overtime worked, though the exact amount may vary based on their specific contract or the company's policies.

Statutory Full-Time Working Hours in Hungary

In Hungary, full-time employment is typically defined as working 40 hours per week. This applies to most employees, regardless of the industry, although there may be some variations depending on the specific role. For example, some roles in manufacturing, retail, or customer service may have slightly different working hour regulations based on collective agreements or individual contracts. Employers should ensure that full-time employees do not exceed the legal working hours unless overtime compensation is provided.

Overtime Regulations in Hungary

Overtime regulations in Hungary are crucial to ensure workers are compensated fairly for extra hours worked. The law permits overtime but sets strict limits on how much extra work employees can do each year.

What Counts As Overtime in Hungary?

Overtime in Hungary refers to any hours worked beyond the standard 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week. Overtime work is generally voluntary and must be agreed upon by both the employer and the employee. It may occur during peak business periods or in industries where work demands exceed normal capacity. Overtime must be properly documented, and the employee must receive the appropriate compensation as outlined by labor laws.

Maximum Overtime In Hungary

In Hungary, the maximum overtime an employee can work is 250 hours per calendar year. This can be extended to 300 hours through a collective agreement. Additionally, since January 2019, employers and employees can separately agree to a further 150 hours (or 100 hours if already at 300) of "voluntarily undertaken overtime," allowing up to 400 hours annually. Employers who require employees to work overtime must ensure that they are compensated accordingly, typically through additional pay or time off. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in legal penalties, including fines for the employer.

Overtime Payout Rates In Hungary

In Hungary, employees are entitled to extra compensation for overtime hours worked. For overtime performed on regular working days, employees should be paid at least 1.5 times their regular hourly rate (150% of base pay). Overtime worked on weekends or public holidays is compensated at a higher rate of 200% of the employee's base pay (double time). Employers must ensure they are following these rules to avoid penalties for non-compliance with overtime pay laws.

Rest Periods and Breaks In Hungary

In Hungary, employees are entitled to rest periods during the workday and between shifts. Workers who work more than 6 hours per day are entitled to at least a 20-minute meal break, which should be provided during the working day. For shifts exceeding 9 hours, employees are entitled to an additional 25-minute break. In addition to daily rest periods, employees must also receive a minimum of 11 hours of rest between shifts. Employers are responsible for ensuring compliance with these regulations and providing employees with the necessary breaks for their well-being.

Night Shifts and Weekend Regulations

Night shifts and weekend work in Hungary are governed by specific labor laws to ensure fair treatment for employees working during these times. A night shift is typically defined as any shift where the majority of hours fall between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM. Employees who work night shifts or weekends are entitled to additional pay or allowances, such as night shift premiums. These additional benefits are meant to compensate employees for the inconvenience and potential health risks associated with working during non-standard hours.

How Playroll Simplifies Employer Responsibilities and Compliance

Expanding your workforce across international borders is an exciting step, but it can be challenging to keep up with ever-changing local labor laws and regulations in different countries. That's the advantage of using an Employer of Record like Playroll:

       
• Scale your global team: Legally hire and swiftly onboard new hires in 180+ regions without the red tape by offloading the HR admin to Playroll, so you can freely explore new markets and focus on growth.
       
• Stay compliant: Our built-in compliance checks and vetted contracts mean your agreements will always meet all legal requirements for working hours, overtime regulations, and more.
       
• Pay your team accurately: Ensure your international employees and global contractors are paid on time, every time, and set up centralized global payroll processes.