Last updated: 8 June 2017
The maximum nominal value of meal vouchers that employers may grant to their employees has been slightly increased, from 15 Lei to 15.09 Lei, for the first half of 2017. This new value is applicable since May 2017, according to the Order of the Minister of Labour and Social Justice no. 625/03.05.2017, published in Official Journal no. 316/03.05.2017.
The maximum value of a meal voucher has increased significantly, especially in December last year, when it passed from 9.57 lei to 15 lei.
CONDITIONS FOR GRANTING MEAL VOUCHERS
In accordance with Law no. 142/1998, employers may grant meal vouchers to their employees, provided that the maximum value listed on the voucher does not exceed 15.09 Lei. On the other hand, the value of a meal voucher may be inferior to this maximum value.
Meal vouchers are awarded for each day worked during a month and can be used by employees to pay for their meals or to buy food products or in cafeterias and fast food restaurants. On the other hand, employees cannot use meal vouchers to buy alcoholic beverages or cigarettes.
According to the legislation in force, meal vouchers may be issued in paper format or in electronic form, particularly in the form of a nominal card, credited with the equivalent amount of meal vouchers granted to employees proportionally with the number of days worked.
It should also be noted that meal vouchers have become the most widespread benefit granted by employers, due also to the financial and tax advantages it offers, which mainly consist of deductibility or exemption from the payment of social security contributions and of the income tax. This system is thus beneficial for large groups, as well as for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Finally, the same benefits are also valid for childcare vouchers that employers may grant to their employees and whose value (440 Lei) has been the same since 2015.