What is the overtime premium in Hungary?
The overtime premium (rendkívüli munkavégzés díjazása) is the extra pay a Hungarian employee receives for overtime, on top of their normal wage. Section 143 of the Labour Code sets the rates, and like other wage supplements (bérpótlék) it is calculated on the employee’s hourly base wage unless the parties agree a different basis.
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- 50% for overtime beyond the scheduled daily working time, beyond the working time frame or beyond the settlement period, or time off instead;
- 100% for overtime on a scheduled weekly rest day, or 50% if the employer gives another rest day;
- 100% for overtime on a public holiday.
For a monthly-paid employee, the hourly base is the monthly base wage divided by 174 for full-time work, or a proportional figure for other working hours.
Time off instead of pay
An employment rule, such as a collective agreement, or an agreement with the employee can replace the 50% premium with time off. The time off must be at least as long as the overtime worked and is paid at the base wage. It must normally be given by the end of the following month, or by the end of the working time frame, although the parties can agree to push it back as far as 31 December of the following year.
Lump sums, other supplements and the annual cap
The employment contract can set a monthly lump sum (átalány) instead of wage supplements. Separate supplements apply to Sunday work (50% in certain cases), public holiday work (100%), stand-by (20%) and on-call duty (40%). Overtime is capped at 250 hours a year, plus up to 150 more that the employee agrees to in writing.
Overtime pay when TopSource runs your payroll
When TopSource runs your payroll in Hungary, we calculate overtime premiums from the hours recorded each month, apply the right rate for rest days and public holidays, track time off in lieu and include the premiums in payroll taxes and contributions.
Frequently asked questions
How much is overtime pay in Hungary?
A 50% premium on top of the normal wage, or 100% for overtime on a weekly rest day without a substitute rest day, or on a public holiday.
Can Hungarian employers give time off instead of overtime pay?
Yes, instead of the 50% premium, if an employment rule or an agreement with the employee provides for it. The time off must be at least as long as the overtime.
How is the hourly rate for overtime calculated in Hungary?
For monthly-paid employees, the monthly base wage is divided by 174 hours for full-time work, unless the parties agree a different basis.
Related terms in Hungary
- Written Employment Information (Hungary)
- Fixed-Term Employment Limits (Hungary)
- Simplified Employment (Hungary)
- Overtime Cap (Hungary)
- Telework and Home Office Rules (Hungary)
- Additional Leave (Hungary)
- Protected Periods and Dismissal Justification (Hungary)
- Termination by Mutual Agreement (Hungary)
- Non-Compete Agreement (Hungary)
- Works Council and Collective Agreements (Hungary)
- Guest Worker Permit and Single Permit (Hungary)
- Occupational Safety and Medical Aptitude Exam (Hungary)
- KATA and Contractor Misclassification (Hungary)
- Shift and Night Work Supplements (Hungary)
- Commuting Cost Reimbursement (Hungary)