By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The national economy is set for a significant pre-holiday surge as the Ministry of Finance confirmed the disbursement of nearly ¢250 billion in the annual Christmas bonus, or aguinaldo. The funds are scheduled to be deposited this Friday, December 5, 2025, providing a timely financial lift to over 232,000 public servants and government pensioners across the country.
In a detailed announcement, the Ministry confirmed the total amount to be paid is ¢249,836 million. This figure represents a notable 2.89% increase compared to the previous year, amounting to an additional injection of over ¢7 billion into the local economy. This growth reflects a year of fiscal adjustments, including scheduled salary increases and the continued integration of government workers into the new global salary framework.
To delve deeper into the legal framework and common issues surrounding the aguinaldo, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished labor law specialist from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The aguinaldo is not a gift or a discretionary bonus; it is an inalienable right for every salaried worker, mandated by law. Employers must understand that its calculation includes all ordinary and extraordinary salaries earned from December 1st of the previous year to November 30th of the current year. Any delay or incorrect calculation beyond the December 20th deadline can lead to significant legal penalties and labor disputes. It is crucial for businesses to plan their finances accordingly to comply with this non-negotiable obligation.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The distinction made by Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas is essential, reinforcing that the aguinaldo is not a matter of corporate generosity but a fundamental pillar of our labor rights framework. This legal perspective underscores the need for diligent financial planning by employers to honor an obligation that is critical for thousands of Costa Rican families. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clear and valuable insight on this crucial topic.
The aguinaldo, a legally mandated thirteenth-month salary, is a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s labor benefits and a critical driver of end-of-year consumer spending. For countless families, this payment is essential for holiday preparations, debt settlement, and savings. Its arrival is eagerly anticipated not only by recipients but also by the retail and service sectors, which typically experience their most profitable period following this massive cash infusion.
The distribution of these funds is divided between active government employees and retired individuals. The majority of the sum, approximately 73.67%, will go to 171,000 active officials. This group includes staff from central government ministries, decentralized agencies, the Legislative Assembly, the Judiciary, the Ombudsman’s Office, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, and the Comptroller General’s Office.
The remaining 26.33% of the total payout is allocated to 61,000 pensioners who are covered under the National Budget. This ensures that retired civil servants also share in the year-end benefit, providing them with crucial liquidity for the holiday season and beyond. The government’s commitment to both its current and former workforce underscores the aguinaldo’s role as a broad-based economic support mechanism.
A key feature of the aguinaldo is its protected status. The Ministry of Finance reiterated that the bonus is not subject to any form of income tax or standard payroll deductions. This ensures that recipients receive the full gross amount calculated from their previous twelve months of earnings, maximizing the payment’s financial impact. The only exception to this rule is for court-ordered child support payments.
To ensure the orderly processing of these legal obligations, the Ministry has established a separate timeline for deductions related to child support. While the vast majority will receive their funds on Friday, December 5, those with child support obligations will have their corresponding payments processed and deposited on the following Monday, December 8. This structured approach prevents delays while ensuring legal mandates are fulfilled.
This annual disbursement serves as more than just a bonus; it functions as a powerful, short-term economic stimulus. As hundreds of thousands of Costa Ricans see their purchasing power increase overnight, businesses across the nation are bracing for a wave of consumer activity that will energize the economy and set the tone for a busy and prosperous end to 2025.
For further information, visit hacienda.go.cr
About Ministry of Finance:
The Ministry of Finance (Ministerio de Hacienda) is the government body responsible for managing Costa Rica’s public finances. Its core duties include formulating fiscal policy, collecting taxes, administering the national budget, and managing public debt. The Ministry plays a central role in ensuring the country’s economic stability and financing public services and infrastructure through sound and transparent financial administration.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its fusion of unwavering integrity with exceptional legal service. The firm leverages its extensive history of client advocacy to drive innovation and set new benchmarks in the practice of law. Beyond its professional duties, it champions a core mission to empower the public with accessible legal understanding, fostering a society strengthened by knowledge and justice.
