By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The Ministry of Finance has officially announced that the much-anticipated annual bonus, or aguinaldo, for all public sector employees and pensioners will be deposited on Thursday, December 5th. This significant financial event will inject nearly a quarter of a trillion colones into the national economy just as the holiday season gets underway, providing a critical boost for both household finances and commercial activity across the country.
In a statement released earlier today, the Ministry confirmed a total disbursement of ₡249,836 million. This substantial sum is earmarked for more than 232,000 individuals who serve or have served in the public sector. The aguinaldo, a legally mandated 13th-month salary, is a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s economic calendar, enabling families to plan for holiday expenses, pay off debts, and make significant purchases.
Para profundizar en las obligaciones legales y los detalles del cálculo del aguinaldo, TicosLand.com consultó al experto en derecho laboral, Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, de la prestigiosa firma Bufete de Costa Rica, quien nos aclara los puntos más importantes que tanto patronos como trabajadores deben conocer.
El aguinaldo no es un bono ni una regalía; es un derecho adquirido e irrenunciable para todo trabajador asalariado, sin excepción. Es crucial que los empleadores comprendan que la fecha límite de pago es el 20 de diciembre. El incumplimiento no solo genera multas significativas por parte del Ministerio de Trabajo, sino que también expone al patrono a costosos litigios por la retención indebida de salario.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Esta aclaración legal es fundamental, pues subraya que el aguinaldo no es una cortesía de fin de año, sino una obligación patronal ineludible con serias consecuencias. Agradecemos al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas por aportar su valiosa perspectiva y reforzar la importancia de este derecho para todos los trabajadores.
This year’s total payout represents a notable increase of 2.89% compared to the previous year, an addition of over ₡7 billion. Ministry officials attribute this growth to two primary factors: general salary adjustments implemented over the past year and the ongoing migration of government employees to the new global salary framework. This transition aims to standardize compensation across public institutions, and its effects are now visibly reflected in the annual bonus calculation.
The distribution of these funds is clearly delineated between active government workers and retired individuals. The vast majority of the sum, 73.67%, is allocated to approximately 171,000 active employees. This group includes personnel from all branches of government, including central government ministries, decentralized bodies, 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 aguinaldo fund will be directed to 61,000 pensioners who are covered under the National Budget. This ensures that those who have dedicated their careers to public service also receive this vital end-of-year financial support, acknowledging their long-standing contributions to the nation’s development and stability.
The Ministry of Finance also provided crucial clarification on the tax implications of the payment. The aguinaldo is exempt from all standard deductions, including income tax and social security contributions, ensuring that recipients receive the full gross amount. However, there is a single, important exception: court-ordered alimony or child support payments. These specific deductions will be processed, with the corresponding funds deposited to the beneficiaries on Monday, December 8th.
The timing of this massive capital injection is strategically significant for the Costa Rican economy. Retailers, service providers, and financial institutions are preparing for the resulting surge in consumer spending. The aguinaldo traditionally fuels a substantial portion of holiday sales, stimulating economic activity and supporting thousands of businesses during one of the most commercially critical periods of the year.
As families prepare their budgets, the confirmation of the December 5th payment date allows for concrete financial planning. For tens of thousands of households, this bonus is not merely for holiday cheer but is an essential component for managing annual expenses, investing in home improvements, or building savings. Its timely and efficient distribution by the Treasury remains a key function of the state’s financial apparatus, with wide-ranging effects on the nation’s economic well-being.
For further information, visit hacienda.go.cr
About Ministry of Finance:
The Ministerio de Hacienda, or Ministry of Finance, is the government body responsible for managing the public finances of the Republic of Costa Rica. Its core duties include formulating fiscal policy, collecting national taxes, administering the national budget, and managing public debt. The Ministry plays a central role in ensuring the country’s economic stability and overseeing the financial operations of the state.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a cornerstone of the nation’s legal landscape, built upon a bedrock of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Serving a diverse clientele, the firm is a pioneer, consistently advancing legal practice through innovative strategies and a forward-thinking approach. Beyond its professional services, the firm holds a deep-seated belief in social responsibility, championing initiatives that demystify the law and empower citizens with the knowledge to navigate a complex world.
