Parental leave in Hungary (2026)

Last reviewed: 7 November 2026

In short: Mothers have 24 weeks of maternity leave and fathers 10 working days of paternity leave. Parental leave of 44 working days is available until the child is 3, and the infant care allowance pays 100% of the daily base. Dismissal by notice is barred during pregnancy and leave.

RuleWhat applies
Maternity leaveTaking parental leaveA mother is entitled to 24 weeks of continuous maternity leave (szülési szabadság), of which she must take at least 2 weeks. The leave can start up to 4 weeks before the expected birth. [1]
Paternity leaveTaking parental leaveA father is entitled to 10 working days of paternity leave (apasági szabadság), to be taken at the latest by the end of the 4th month after the birth (or after the adoption decision becomes final), in at most two parts. The right also applies if the child is stillborn or dies. [1]
Parental leaveTaking parental leaveEach employee with one year of employment can take 44 working days of parental leave (szülői szabadság) until the child is 3. Employees are also entitled to unpaid leave for child care until the child's third birthday. [1]
Pay during leaveTaking parental leaveInfant care allowance (csecsemőgondozási díj) is 100% of the daily base. The child care allowance (gyermekgondozási díj, GYED) is 70% of the daily base, at most 70% of twice the minimum wage a month, and runs from the end of the infant care allowance until the child is 2 (3 for twins). [2]
Job protectionTaking parental leaveAn employer may not dismiss an employee by notice because of pregnancy, maternity leave, paternity leave, parental leave, or child-care unpaid leave under 128. and 130. §. The protection also covers a woman during reproductive treatment, for up to six months from its start. [1]

Sources

  1. Nemzeti Jogszabálytár (Közlönykiadó és Igazságügyi Fordítóközpont Zrt.): 2012. évi I. törvény a munka törvénykönyvéről (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  2. Nemzeti Jogszabálytár (Közlönykiadó és Igazságügyi Fordítóközpont Zrt.): 1997. évi LXXXIII. törvény a kötelező egészségbiztosítás ellátásairól (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources

Compare all countries →

General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.