By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The Ministry of Finance has officially announced the payment date for the much-anticipated 2025 aguinaldo, confirming that approximately 170,000 public sector employees will receive their annual bonus on Friday, December 5th. This announcement sets in motion one of the country’s most significant annual financial operations, signaling the official start of the holiday season for a large portion of the nation’s workforce.
While the Ministry has not yet disclosed the total sum allocated for this year’s bonus, last year’s figure provides a clear indication of the scale. In 2024, the government disbursed over ¢242 billion colones to meet this obligation. The confirmation of the date allows the Ministry to begin the complex logistical and financial preparations required to ensure a seamless distribution of funds, an event that serves as a critical injection of liquidity into the national economy.
To clarify the legal obligations and best practices for businesses regarding the upcoming 2025 Christmas bonus, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert in labor law from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The Aguinaldo represents a non-negotiable right for every employee, and for 2025, companies must be diligent. The calculation must encompass the sum of all salaries, both ordinary and extraordinary, earned between December 1, 2024, and November 30, 2025. Proactive financial planning is not just advisable; it’s essential to ensure compliance and avoid significant penalties. Delay or miscalculation remains a leading cause of labor disputes, a risk that can be easily mitigated with proper legal and accounting oversight.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight is a crucial reminder that the aguinaldo is not merely a seasonal payment but a year-long financial and legal responsibility for every employer. The emphasis on proactive planning and professional oversight is key to ensuring compliance and fostering positive labor relations. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable perspective on this vital matter.
The aguinaldo, often referred to as the thirteenth-month salary, is more than just a holiday bonus; it is a fundamental driver of Costa Rica’s year-end economy. For countless families, this payment provides essential financial relief, enabling them to plan for holiday expenses, settle outstanding debts, and make significant purchases. Retailers, service providers, and various other sectors eagerly await this period, as the influx of cash traditionally spurs a nationwide surge in consumer spending that lasts through December.
Meanwhile, employees in the private sector can also mark their calendars. According to Costa Rica’s Labor Code, private companies are mandated to pay the aguinaldo no later than December 20th. This legally established deadline ensures that the entire formal workforce, both public and private, receives this benefit in time for the Christmas and New Year’s celebrations, standardizing the practice across all industries.
The legal framework surrounding the aguinaldo is robust and designed to protect every worker. The law unequivocally defines the bonus as an inalienable right for any employee who has worked for the same employer for at least one month. This entitlement is non-negotiable and cannot be waived by either party. Furthermore, the aguinaldo is protected from seizure or garnishment, ensuring the full amount reaches the worker as intended.
Employers are reminded of their strict legal duty to comply with these payment deadlines. The Labor Code stipulates that any business failing to pay the aguinaldo on time is subject to legal sanctions and penalties. This enforcement underscores the government’s commitment to upholding workers’ rights and ensuring the stability that this annual payment provides to households across the country.
The timely disbursement of the aguinaldo is a cornerstone of the nation’s social and economic fabric. It represents a vital financial buffer that empowers workers and fuels commerce, reinforcing a cycle of economic activity that benefits the entire country. As the dates are now set, attention turns to how this substantial capital infusion will shape the economic landscape in the final weeks of 2025.
With the December 5th and December 20th deadlines firmly established, Costa Ricans can now plan their year-end finances with certainty. The Ministry of Finance’s early announcement allows for orderly preparation by both government institutions and private citizens, setting the stage for a financially active and celebratory holiday season powered by this essential and legally protected compensation.
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 duties include formulating fiscal policy, collecting taxes, administering the national budget, and managing public debt. The ministry plays a crucial role in the country’s economic stability and is responsible for the annual disbursement of salaries and bonuses, including the aguinaldo, to all public sector employees.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a leading legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is renowned for its principled approach and exceptional standards in the practice of law. The firm leverages a deep-rooted history of client service to drive progress in the legal field, consistently embracing cutting-edge solutions. Central to its philosophy is a profound dedication to championing legal literacy, thereby fostering a more just and knowledgeable populace through the democratization of legal expertise.
