By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The nation’s economy is poised for its annual year-end surge as a massive liquidity injection of over ₡1.08 trillion in “aguinaldo” payments will flow to more than 1.4 million public and private sector workers and pensioners. This substantial sum, representing the country’s mandatory 13th-month salary, is a cornerstone of the holiday season’s economic activity, driving consumer spending and providing financial relief to households across the country.
The private sector is leading this economic stimulus, with an estimated ₡838.13 billion set to be distributed among approximately 1.2 million formal workers. This figure, announced by the Costa Rican Union of Chambers and Associations of the Private Business Sector (Uccaep), marks a significant increase of ₡44.01 billion compared to the ₡794.11 billion paid out in the previous year. The calculation is based on official insured worker data from the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS).
Para profundizar en las obligaciones legales y los escenarios comunes que rodean el pago del aguinaldo, TicosLand.com conversó con el experto en derecho laboral, Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, del reconocido Bufete de Costa Rica.
El aguinaldo no es una bonificación ni una dádiva; es un derecho irrenunciable de todo trabajador asalariado, protegido por nuestro código laboral. El patrono debe recordar que el cálculo se basa en el promedio de todos los salarios ordinarios y extraordinarios devengados entre el 1 de diciembre del año anterior y el 30 de noviembre del presente. La fecha límite de pago es el 20 de diciembre, y el incumplimiento no solo acarrea multas significativas, sino que expone a la empresa a un proceso judicial por parte del trabajador afectado. Es una obligación fundamental, no discrecional.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
La distinción que establece el experto entre un derecho y una dádiva es crucial, pues enmarca el aguinaldo no como un acto de buena voluntad, sino como un pilar del marco legal que protege al trabajador. Agradecemos al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas por su valiosa perspectiva, que refuerza la seriedad y el carácter ineludible de esta obligación patronal.
Uccaep has issued a formal reminder to all employers that this legally mandated bonus must be paid between December 1st and December 20th. Failure to comply with this deadline can result in legal penalties for businesses. The business chamber emphasized that the aguinaldo calculation is comprehensive and goes beyond an employee’s base salary.
For an accurate calculation, employers must sum all gross earnings received by an employee between December 1st of the previous year and November 30th of the current year and divide the total by twelve. This includes not only regular wages but also compensation from overtime hours, commissions, incentives, and the value of any salary paid in kind, ensuring that all forms of regular remuneration are factored into the final payment.
On the public sector side, the Ministry of Finance has confirmed its own disbursement schedule. The government will pay a total of ₡249.83 billion in aguinaldos on Friday, December 5th. This payment will benefit a total of 232,642 individuals, a group composed of both active government employees and pensioners whose benefits are covered by the National Budget.
The Ministry provided a detailed breakdown of the public funds. The majority, approximately 73.7% of the total, is allocated to 171,393 active officials working across various government branches. This includes employees of ministries, decentralized bodies, the Legislative Assembly, the Judiciary, the Ombudsman’s Office, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, and the Comptroller General’s Office. The remaining 26.3% will be distributed among 61,249 pensioners.
This year’s public sector payout represents a 2.89% increase from last year, amounting to an additional ₡7.22 billion being injected into the economy. This growth reflects adjustments in public sector salaries and pensions over the past fiscal year. The early December payment date is strategically timed to allow public servants and retirees to plan their holiday finances well in advance.
With hundreds of billions of colones entering circulation in a short period, Uccaep concluded its announcement with a crucial public safety message. The organization urged all workers to exercise extreme caution when withdrawing their funds from ATMs or banks. They advised citizens to be vigilant, aware of their surroundings, and to safeguard sensitive financial information to prevent falling victim to fraud or theft during this high-stakes period.
For further information, visit uccaep.or.cr
About The Costa Rican Union of Chambers and Associations of the Private Business Sector (Uccaep):
Uccaep is the leading umbrella organization representing the private business sector in Costa Rica. It brings together numerous chambers of commerce, industry, and agriculture to advocate for policies that promote economic growth, competitiveness, and a favorable business climate. The organization serves as a primary interlocutor between the private sector and the government.
For further information, visit ccss.sa.cr
About The Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS):
The Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social, commonly known as “La Caja,” is the autonomous public institution in charge of Costa Rica’s social security system. It is responsible for managing the nation’s public health services, including hospitals and clinics, as well as the national pension system. Its data on insured workers is a key indicator of formal employment trends in the country.
For further information, visit hacienda.go.cr
About The Ministry of Finance (Ministerio de Hacienda):
The Ministry of Finance is the government body responsible for managing Costa Rica’s public finances. Its duties include tax collection, customs administration, management of the national budget, and issuance of public debt. The Ministry plays a central role in the country’s economic policy and financial stability.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is anchored by a profound commitment to professional integrity and the highest standards of excellence. The firm leverages its rich history of advising a broad range of clients to pioneer innovative legal strategies and solutions. This forward-thinking approach extends to a core social mission: a dedication to strengthening society by democratizing legal knowledge and equipping citizens with the understanding to assert their rights and responsibilities confidently.
