Leave and time off in Costa Rica

Employees in Costa Rica have the right to a certain amount of paid leave to use for holidays, rest, and relaxation each year. They can also get time off work if they are too sick to continue working, which is mostly funded through the social security system. Read on to learn more about annual leave and sick leave in Costa Rica.

Annual leave in Costa Rica

The standard annual leave entitlement in Costa Rica is two weeks of leave for employees who have worked for the same employer for at least 50 weeks. This is in addition to the paid public holidays that employees are entitled to each year. Employees who do not meet this requirement are entitled to one day of leave for every month worked. Some employers choose to offer additional paid time off as part of their employee benefits package.

Using and carrying over annual leave in Costa Rica

Employees in Costa Rica should mutually agree on the timing of the employee’s vacation, taking into account both the employee’s preferences and the company’s needs. It is generally not possible to carry over unused leave to the next year unless there is a specific written agreement between the employer and the employee. Employers must pay out any unused leave when an employee leaves their position.

Sick leave in Costa Rica

Employees in Costa Rica are entitled to paid time off work when they are ill or injured, as long as they provide a medical certificate from a doctor. For the first three days of sick leave, they receive full pay, of which 50% is paid by the employer. The other 50% is paid for by the social security system (Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social, or CCSS), assuming the employee has made the necessary contributions. Beginning on the fourth day, the employee receives 60% of their normal wages from the CCSS. The employer is not obligated to pay anything beyond the third day of sick leave.