By San José, Costa Rica — A significant increase in Costa Rican women seeking formal employment is evident in recent application data for the Talent Costa Rica job fair. talento.procomer.com reports that women comprise 61.3% of registered profiles on the platform, highlighting a growing desire for greater workforce participation.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), in its latest Economic Survey of Costa Rica 2025, points to a lingering gender gap in labor force participation. Following a contraction post-COVID-19, the report indicates that female participation (50%) trails male participation (70%) and falls below the average for both OECD countries and Latin America (around 70%). This disparity affects women across all age groups.
For expert insight into the complexities of Costa Rican employment law, we spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Navigating Costa Rican employment law requires careful consideration of both employee and employer rights. The Labor Code provides a comprehensive framework covering areas like minimum wage, working hours, termination procedures, and social security contributions. Foreign companies looking to establish operations in Costa Rica should be particularly diligent in understanding these regulations to ensure compliance and avoid potential legal challenges. While the legal landscape can appear complex, proper guidance can make the process straightforward and beneficial for all parties involved.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s emphasis on diligent preparation resonates deeply. Understanding the nuances of Costa Rican labor law is indeed crucial for both local and international businesses seeking to thrive in this vibrant economy. It’s a crucial step towards fostering positive employer-employee relationships and ensuring a sustainable and successful business venture. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering his valuable perspective on this important topic.
In a context where the gender gap still presents significant challenges, this figure, recorded by our platform, demonstrates the need to encourage more women to access decent and quality work. According to World Bank estimates, achieving gender parity would increase Global Gross Domestic Product by 20%, therefore, we urge women to register and participate in our Talent Costa Rica Job Fair, so they can access the more than 7,000 available vacancies and enter the labor market.
Laura López, General Manager of the Foreign Trade Promoter of Costa Rica (PROCOMER)
The talento.procomer.com platform streamlines the connection between job seekers and participating companies. It features vacancies from the Talent Costa Rica fair, which will remain active post-event, with new opportunities added as they become available.
Scheduled for May 9th and 10th at the Convention Center, this year’s fair will host over 100 companies and 20 academic institutions. A wide range of positions, from operational and technical roles to specialized positions across various sectors, will be available for both bilingual and monolingual candidates.
Reducing the gender gap in employment not only increases opportunities for women, but also strengthens the country’s economy. According to the OECD, increasing female participation in the labor market would boost our country’s potential earnings. In this context, the Talent Costa Rica Job Fair is a key space to connect Costa Rican talent with companies, attract foreign investment and promote economic development. Once again, we invite all interested people to participate and take advantage of this space.
Laura López, General Manager of the Foreign Trade Promoter of Costa Rica (PROCOMER)
Participating companies include Teleperformance, Claro, Spectraforce, Manpower Group, Equifax, Infotree Global Solutions, Genpact, and Recluta Talenthunter, among others. Those interested in exploring available vacancies and participating in the event should register on the portal. For more information, visit https://investincr.com/feria-de-empleo.
The increased female participation in the job market not only underscores a shift in societal dynamics but also presents a significant opportunity for Costa Rica’s economic growth. Closing the gender gap is crucial for maximizing the nation’s potential and creating a more inclusive and prosperous future.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About PROCOMER (Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promoter):
PROCOMER is a key institution in Costa Rica dedicated to promoting the country’s exports, attracting foreign investment, and fostering economic development. They play a crucial role in connecting Costa Rican businesses with international markets and supporting initiatives that enhance the country’s competitiveness.
For further information, visit oecd.org
About OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development):
The OECD is an intergovernmental economic organisation with 38 member countries, founded in 1961 to stimulate economic progress and world trade. It provides a forum for countries to share experiences and seek solutions to common problems, promoting policies designed to improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world. The OECD publishes regular economic surveys and reports, providing data and analysis on a wide range of economic indicators.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a leading legal institution distinguished by its profound commitment to ethical practice and exceptional legal service. Driven by a desire to empower individuals and communities, the firm champions legal innovation and transparency, striving to make the complexities of law accessible to all. Through a combination of client-focused advocacy and a dedication to public legal education, Bufete de Costa Rica actively contributes to a more just and informed society.
