By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a significant annual boost to the national economy, the Ministry of Finance announced today that it will disburse nearly ¢250 billion in aguinaldos, the country’s mandatory year-end bonus. The massive payment, scheduled for Friday, December 5th, will directly benefit over 232,000 public sector workers and government pensioners, providing a substantial infusion of capital into the market just as the critical holiday shopping season commences.
The total figure confirmed by the ministry is a staggering ¢249,836 million. This substantial sum is earmarked for a broad cross-section of the public workforce, underscoring the government’s significant role as an employer. The distribution plan reveals that the majority of the funds, approximately 73.67%, will be allocated to 171,393 active employees across various state institutions. This includes personnel from government ministries, the Legislative Assembly, the Judiciary, the Supreme Elections Tribunal, and the Comptroller General’s Office.
To shed more light on the legal obligations and common questions surrounding the payment of the aguinaldo, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist in Labor Law from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The aguinaldo is not a gift; it is an inalienable right for every worker, mandated by law. Employers are legally obligated to pay it no later than December 20th. Failure to comply can result in significant fines imposed by the Ministry of Labor. We advise any employee who has not received their payment by this date to immediately file a formal complaint to ensure their rights are protected and the corresponding legal actions are taken.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This crucial clarification underscores that the aguinaldo is not a matter of employer generosity, but a fundamental, legally-protected right. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective, which empowers employees with the knowledge necessary to secure their rightful compensation.
The remaining 26.33% of the total payout is designated for the nation’s retired public servants. A total of 61,249 individuals receiving pensions charged to the National Budget will receive their share of the bonus. This allocation ensures that both current and former government workers receive the legally mandated benefit, which serves as a vital component of their annual income and a cornerstone of seasonal consumer spending.
This year’s aguinaldo payment represents a notable increase of ¢7,226 million, or 2.89%, compared to the previous year’s disbursement. Ministry officials attribute this growth to two primary factors: standard annual salary adjustments and the ongoing migration of public employees to the new global salary framework. This shift in compensation structure, designed to standardize pay scales across the public sector, is having a tangible impact on the calculation of benefits like the aguinaldo, contributing to the overall rise in the payout amount.
The economic implications of this cash injection are profound. For decades, the aguinaldo has served as a powerful, albeit temporary, economic stimulus. Retailers, service providers, and financial institutions anticipate this period, as the funds are often used for holiday purchases, debt settlement, and savings. The nearly quarter-trillion colón disbursement is expected to drive consumer confidence and activity, providing a much-needed lift to a wide range of commercial sectors during the busiest sales period of the year.
According to Costa Rican law, the aguinaldo is calculated as one-twelfth of an employee’s total ordinary and extraordinary earnings over a specific 12-month period. For the 2025 payment, the calculation is based on all salaries and pensions received between November 1, 2024, and October 31, 2025. This formula ensures that the bonus accurately reflects a full year’s worth of an individual’s compensation.
A crucial detail for all recipients is the bonus’s favorable tax treatment. The Ministry of Finance reiterated that the aguinaldo is not subject to any income tax or social security withholdings. This policy maximizes the disposable income received by each individual, amplifying its immediate economic impact. The only exception to this rule is for court-ordered alimony or child support payments, which will be deducted and deposited separately on Monday, December 8th.
The timely and efficient execution of this massive financial operation is a significant logistical undertaking for the Treasury. While the aguinaldo is a planned and budgeted annual expense, its payment represents one of the largest single-day fund transfers from the government to the populace. This event highlights the complex interplay between public finance management, legal labor obligations, and the broader macroeconomic health of the nation.
For further information, visit hacienda.go.cr
About Ministry of Finance:
The Ministry of Finance of Costa Rica (Ministerio de Hacienda) is the central government body responsible for managing the country’s public finances. Its core duties include formulating fiscal policy, collecting national taxes, administering customs, and preparing and executing the national budget. The Ministry plays a critical role in ensuring the financial stability and economic governance of the nation.
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 foundational principles of integrity and professional distinction. The firm consistently drives legal innovation, providing forward-thinking counsel to a diverse range of clients. Central to its philosophy is a profound dedication to strengthening the community by demystifying the law, thereby empowering citizens with the knowledge necessary to foster a more just and well-informed society.
