Costa Rica Employee Leave Policies: A Comprehensive Guide for International Employers

Understanding Costa Rica's employee leave regulations is essential for multinational companies operating in this Central American market. The country's Labor Code provides comprehensive protections for workers, ensuring adequate rest and recovery time while balancing employer needs. As global HR professionals, we recognize that compliance with local leave policies is critical for successful international workforce management.

Annual Leave Entitlements in Costa Rica

Employees who complete 50 consecutive weeks with the same employer are entitled to two weeks (12 working days) of paid annual leave. This vacation period must typically be taken as a continuous block unless both parties agree to split it. The leave must be utilized within 15 weeks following the 50-week qualifying period, with limited carry-over options.

For employees with shorter service periods, proportional leave accrues at one day per month. When employment terminates before completing 50 weeks, employers must compensate for accrued leave based on completed months of service. SailGlobal's automated systems help employers accurately track and calculate these complex accruals to ensure full compliance.

Sick Leave Regulations and Compensation Structure

Costa Rican labor law provides robust sick leave protections. Employers cover full salary for the first three days of illness at 50% of normal pay. Employees seeking full compensation must submit medical certificates to the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) within 48 hours. The CCSS then covers the remaining 50% for the initial three days and 60% of daily wages thereafter.

Consider the case of a manufacturing company in San José that implemented SailGlobal's leave management system. They reduced sick leave administration errors by 75% while ensuring timely submissions to CCSS, demonstrating how proper systems support both compliance and operational efficiency.

Maternity and Parental Leave Provisions

Pregnant employees receive four months of maternity leave, starting one month before the expected due date. Salary during this period is shared equally between employer and CCSS. Employees must provide medical certification at least five weeks before leave commencement.

In cases of complicated pregnancies or infant loss, employees receive two months of leave, extendable to three months if health complications arise. The CCSS covers full salary in these circumstances. SailGlobal's platform helps employers navigate these sensitive situations while maintaining regulatory compliance.

Lactation Accommodations for Working Mothers

Returning mothers have several options for breastfeeding accommodations:

One-hour daily reduction at start or end of shift
Two 30-minute breaks during work hours
15-minute breaks every three hours
Designated lactation spaces for non-remote workers

These provisions demonstrate Costa Rica's commitment to supporting working parents while maintaining workplace productivity.

Paternity and Adoption Leave Benefits

Biological fathers receive eight days of paternity leave, usable in two-day increments during the first month after birth. In tragic circumstances where the mother passes away, fathers may receive up to three months of leave. Salary sharing between employer and CCSS mirrors maternity leave arrangements.

Adoptive parents receive three months of paid leave, with flexible distribution options between parents. Employers cover half of adoption leave costs, with CCSS covering the remainder. This progressive approach positions Costa Rica as a regional leader in family-friendly workplace policies.

Bereavement Leave and Public Holidays

Employees receive three days of paid leave for immediate family members and one day for extended relatives. Costa Rica observes 12 public holidays, categorized as paid and unpaid observances. Religious diversity is respected through additional unpaid leave options for non-Catholic employees.

Overtime compensation varies by pay structure. Weekly-paid employees receive triple time for paid holidays and time-and-a-half for unpaid holidays. Monthly-paid staff receive triple time for all holiday work.

2025 Public Holiday	Date
New Year's Day	January 1
Juan Santamaría Day	April 11
Maundy Thursday	April 17
Good Friday	April 18
Labor Day	May 1
Guanacaste Day	July 25
Our Lady of Angels	August 2
Mother's Day	August 15
Black Person and Afro-Costa Rican Culture Day	August 31
Independence Day	September 15
Army Abolition Day	December 1
Christmas Day	December 25

Proper management of Costa Rican leave policies requires specialized knowledge and systems. SailGlobal provides comprehensive solutions that ensure compliance while optimizing workforce management for international employers.

Costa Rica Employee Leave Guide 2025: Compliance for International Employers