Starting in October 2025, cultural vouchers will be increased according to Order no. 3246/2025. Under this regulation, for the second half of 2025, the maximum monthly value of cultural vouchers is set at 240 lei, while the occasional value granted for cultural events reaches 470 lei.
The new limits will apply from October 2025 and remain valid in February and March 2026 – the first two months of the first semester of the following year. The increase is regulated under Law no. 165/2018 and Government Decision no. 1045/2018, which provide the general framework for value tickets.
Cultural vouchers may be granted monthly or occasionally, depending on the employer’s decision. They can be used for the purchase of cultural goods and services, such as tickets to shows, concerts, movie screenings, museums, exhibitions, books, school textbooks, music albums, or access to theme parks. Vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of loading and can be used only within the network of authorized partner merchants.
From a fiscal standpoint, cultural vouchers are a non-mandatory but attractive fringe benefit. They are exempt from social contributions and are subject only to income tax, making them a cost-effective option for employers looking to diversify their benefits packages.
To offer this type of value ticket, employers must collaborate with an authorized issuer and comply with the legal requirements in force. There are no changes regarding the legal regime of granting—only the maximum allowable values for monthly and occasional vouchers have been updated.
The increase comes amid rising costs in the cultural sector and aims to support employees’ access to cultural goods and services. It is recommended that HR and payroll specialists update internal policies related to fringe benefits and stay informed on future published orders to apply the new limits in due time.