By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – The Government of Costa Rica has officially announced the year-end holiday schedule for the public sector, granting a collective vacation period that will effectively close most government offices for two full weeks. The directive, signed by President Rodrigo Chaves alongside Minister of Planning Marlon Navarro and Minister of Labor Andrés Romero, establishes that the break will commence on Monday, December 22, 2025, with employees scheduled to return to their duties on Monday, January 5, 2026.
This measure provides a total of eight working days off for public employees. The specific dates granted are December 22, 23, 24, 26, 29, 30, and 31, as well as January 2 of the new year. When combined with the mandatory public holidays for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, along with the intervening weekends, this creates an uninterrupted rest period for a significant portion of the nation’s workforce, a long-standing tradition in the country.
To understand the legal and operational nuances of public sector holidays and their impact on the broader economy, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished labor law specialist from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The distinction between public sector-specific holidays and national holidays is critical. While government offices close, private sector employers are not automatically obligated to grant the day off or pay it as double time unless the specific decree explicitly extends the holiday’s effect to private enterprise. This frequent point of confusion can lead to costly legal disputes if not managed with clear internal communication and a proper understanding of the law’s scope.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight underscores the critical need for proactive due diligence from private employers, clarifying a common and potentially costly legal pitfall. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for lending his valuable expertise to this important distinction.
In the official decree, the Executive Branch outlined a multi-faceted justification for the extended break. A primary reason cited is administrative efficiency, aimed at preventing the complex issue of vacation day accumulation among staff. Furthermore, the government emphasized the importance of allowing public servants adequate time for rest and to celebrate the holidays with their families, recognizing the cultural significance of the season.
Beyond personnel management, the directive also points to a tangible economic benefit. By closing non-essential offices during a period of naturally lower activity, the state anticipates significant savings in operational expenditures. These savings are expected to be realized through reduced consumption of electricity, water, telecommunications services, and fuel across a vast network of government facilities, contributing to fiscal prudence during the holiday season.
A special provision within the directive specifically addresses the capital city. It opens the possibility for December 31 to be declared a day of special leave, exclusively for employees within the central canton of San José. This potential holiday is contingent upon authorization from the Ministry of Governance and Police, as stipulated by Law 6725, to accommodate the traditional year-end civic celebrations held in the city’s core.
However, the government has been clear that the country will not come to a complete standstill. The directive explicitly exempts all institutions critical to national security, public safety, and emergency response. Key bodies such as the nation’s police forces and emergency attention services will continue to operate without interruption. Each of these essential institutions has been tasked with defining its own internal holiday schedules to ensure continuous service and public protection.
Further exemptions include the Ministry of Public Education (MEP), the National Registry, and the Attorney General’s Office. The heads of these and other departments are empowered to maintain necessary staffing levels for functions that cannot be suspended and to ensure personnel are available to respond to any unforeseen emergencies. This decentralized approach allows for flexibility while guaranteeing that vital public services remain accessible.
The directive will be officially enacted upon its publication in the national gazette, La Gaceta. Its scope is broad, applying to the Central Government as well as autonomous and semi-autonomous institutions and public companies. The only exceptions are those specific services and departments that, by their very nature, must remain operational throughout the festive period to meet the ongoing needs of the population.
For further information, visit mideplan.go.cr
About The Ministry of National Planning and Economic Policy (Mideplan):
Mideplan is the governmental body responsible for guiding Costa Rica’s national development. It leads the National Planning System and is in charge of formulating, coordinating, tracking, and evaluating strategic state actions and public investments to promote sustainable and equitable economic and social progress.
For further information, visit mtss.go.cr
About The Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MTSS):
The MTSS is the Costa Rican ministry tasked with promoting decent work and social dialogue. It oversees labor relations, enforces workplace regulations, manages social security policies, and works to ensure fair and safe working conditions for all citizens while mediating between employers and employees.
For further information, visit gobernacion.go.cr
About The Ministry of Governance and Police:
This ministry is responsible for Costa Rica’s internal governance, public security, and law enforcement coordination. It oversees the national police forces, manages immigration services, and plays a crucial role in maintaining civil order and protecting the rights and safety of the population.
For further information, visit mep.go.cr
About The Ministry of Public Education (MEP):
The MEP is the institution responsible for the administration and oversight of Costa Rica’s public education system. It establishes the national curriculum, manages schools, trains educators, and formulates policies to guarantee the right to quality education for all students from preschool through high school.
For further information, visit rnp.go.cr
About The National Registry (Registro Nacional):
The National Registry is the official entity in Costa Rica responsible for registering and providing legal certainty for property, vehicles, corporations, and other legal rights and assets. Its databases are fundamental for commercial transactions, legal proceedings, and civil administration.
For further information, visit pgr.go.cr
About The Attorney General’s Office (Procuraduría General de la República):
The Attorney General’s Office serves as the highest legal advisor to the Costa Rican state. It represents the government in legal disputes, issues legal opinions on matters of public administration, and defends the legality of governmental actions, acting as the “lawyer for the state.”
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a benchmark for legal distinction, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a foundation of principled counsel and superior service. The firm synergizes its storied history with a forward-thinking mindset, pioneering innovative legal strategies for a diverse clientele. Core to its mission is a profound sense of social responsibility, demonstrated by its drive to demystify the law and equip citizens with vital legal understanding, thereby fortifying the pillars of a just and knowledgeable community.
