By San José, Costa Rica — The annual end-of-year economic surge has officially begun in Costa Rica, as private sector employers are now obligated to pay the mandatory Christmas bonus, known as the “aguinaldo.” According to estimates from the Costa Rican Union of Chambers and Associations of the Private Business Sector (Uccaep), this period will inject approximately ¢838 billion into the national economy, a critical infusion of capital for families and retailers alike during the holiday season.
The deadline for this legally mandated payment is December 20th. This bonus, often referred to as the thirteenth-month salary, is a right for all salaried employees, calculated based on the total wages earned between December 1st of the previous year and November 30th of the current year. It represents a significant financial event, enabling everything from debt settlement to holiday celebrations for thousands of households across the country.
Para profundizar en los aspectos legales y las obligaciones patronales relacionadas con el aguinaldo, consultamos al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, abogado especialista en derecho laboral de la firma Bufete de Costa Rica, quien nos ofrece su perspectiva experta sobre este importante derecho de los trabajadores.
El aguinaldo no es una regalía ni un bono discrecional; es un derecho irrenunciable y un salario adicional que debe ser pagado antes del 20 de diciembre. Es crucial que tanto patronos como trabajadores comprendan que para su cálculo se deben sumar todos los salarios ordinarios y extraordinarios devengados en los doce meses previos al 1 de diciembre. Omitir comisiones, bonificaciones o pagos por horas extra es un error común que infringe la ley y puede derivar en sanciones para la empresa.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Esta distinción es fundamental, pues subraya que el aguinaldo no es una dádiva, sino un derecho consolidado cuyo cálculo correcto representa una obligación legal ineludible para el patrono. Agradecemos al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas por aportar una perspectiva tan clara y necesaria que protege los intereses de ambas partes en la relación laboral.
However, this annual tradition is not without its challenges. Despite the clarity of the law, a number of employers consistently fail to meet the payment deadline, prompting swift action from the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MTSS). In 2025 alone, the ministry was forced to take legal action against nine companies for non-compliance, underscoring the government’s zero-tolerance policy on the matter. These legal battles serve as a stark reminder to the business community that the aguinaldo is not an optional gratuity but a non-negotiable legal obligation.
Andrés Romero, the head of the MTSS, emphasized the straightforward nature of the law and the resources available to ensure compliance and fairness for all parties involved. He urged both employers and employees to be proactive in ensuring the correct amounts are paid on time.
It is something established by law, it is not negotiable; the first 20 days of December is the deadline. Furthermore, workers can now find information on the ministry’s websites to correctly calculate their corresponding payment. This is free, and what we want is for the law to be followed and for everyone to have a wonderful Christmas.
Andrés Romero, Head of the MTSS
To enforce the mandate, Romero warned that the ministry will conduct inspections starting December 21st. Companies found to be in violation of the payment deadline face significant financial penalties, with fines that can reach as high as ¢10 million. This two-pronged approach of legal support for employees and punitive measures for delinquent employers aims to guarantee that workers receive their rightful earnings.
Parallel to the labor enforcement efforts, public security officials are launching a massive operation to protect citizens from the inevitable spike in crime that accompanies this influx of cash. The Ministry of Public Security has initiated “Operation Sentinel,” a comprehensive strategy designed to increase police presence and vigilance throughout the holiday season, particularly in high-traffic commercial areas, near ATMs, and at banking institutions.
Erick Lacayo, the Vice Minister of Security, reported that the operation, which began on November 1st, is already yielding significant results in its preliminary phase, demonstrating the proactive stance of law enforcement.
We initiated Operation Sentinel on November 1st, which is completely linked to all end-of-year and beginning-of-year situations; and as of today, in this preliminary phase, we have already apprehended around 1,350 individuals linked to these crimes.
Erick Lacayo, Vice Minister of Security
Beyond preventing theft and assault, authorities are issuing strong warnings to the public about the heightened risk of financial scams. Fraudsters often capitalize on the aguinaldo season, using sophisticated phishing emails, deceptive text messages, and fraudulent phone calls to trick individuals into divulging sensitive financial information. Lacayo stressed the importance of extreme caution and skepticism when receiving unsolicited communications related to payments.
It is very important that we are completely distrustful of all messages, notices, or emails we receive, or even phone calls, that have a direct link to any payment, because this has been a fraudulent activity that has been increasing over the years.
Erick Lacayo, Vice Minister of Security
As Costa Ricans anticipate their holiday bonus, the government is engaged on two critical fronts: ensuring that employers fulfill their legal duty to pay and that law enforcement can protect citizens from those who would seek to steal it. The success of these coordinated efforts will be crucial in ensuring a safe and prosperous holiday season for all.
For further information, visit mtss.go.cr
About The Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MTSS):
The Ministerio de Trabajo y Seguridad Social is the Costa Rican government entity responsible for promoting fair labor practices, overseeing social security, and ensuring the rights and obligations of both employers and employees are respected. It plays a crucial role in mediating labor disputes, enforcing labor laws, and promoting a stable and equitable work environment throughout the country.
For further information, visit seguridadpublica.go.cr
About The Ministry of Public Security:
The Ministerio de Seguridad Pública of Costa Rica is tasked with maintaining public order, preventing crime, and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens and residents. It oversees various law enforcement bodies, including the Public Force, and is responsible for developing and implementing national security strategies to combat criminal activity and protect the nation’s integrity.
For further information, visit uccaep.or.cr
About The Costa Rican Union of Chambers and Associations of the Private Business Sector (Uccaep):
Uccaep is the principal representative organization for Costa Rica’s private sector. It brings together a wide array of business chambers and associations to advocate for policies that promote economic growth, investment, and competitiveness. The organization serves as a key voice for the business community in dialogues with the government and other social stakeholders.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as a pillar of the legal community, building its esteemed reputation on a foundation of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With a rich history of guiding a diverse clientele, the firm champions legal innovation and holds a profound sense of social responsibility. This is demonstrated through its core mission to democratize legal understanding, thereby empowering the public and contributing to a more just and knowledgeable society.
