Table of Contents
What are the average working hours in Costa Rica?
– The maximum working hours in Costa Rica are 48 hours per week .
Read more: Infographic: Working Hours In Latin America By Country 2025
What is the minimum wage in Costa Rica?
– The minimum wage in Costa Rica for 2025 is:
Generic Unskilled Workers: CRC 367,108.56 per month (USD 725.60)
Generic Semi-Skilled Workers: CRC 391,198.08 per month (USD 773.40)
Generic Skilled Workers: CRC 413,023.56 per month (USD 816.80)
Mid-Level Technicians with Diversified Education: CRC 432,819.26 per month (USD 855.80)
Generic Specialized Workers: CRC 471,604.51 per month (USD 932.50)
Higher Education Technicians: CRC 533,402.13 per month (USD 1,054)
Higher Education Diploma Holders: CRC 576,094.23 per month (USD 1,139)
University Bachelor’s Degree Holders: CRC 653,427.21 per month (USD 1292)
University License Holders: CRC 784,139.52 per month (USD 1,551)
What are the mandatory onboarding documents when hiring new employees in Costa Rica?
- The onboarding documents for new employees in country can include:
National ID card or passport - Work visa or residence permit
- Social security number (SSN) or equivalent
- Tax identification number (TIN)
- Bank account details
- Academic certificates and diplomas
- Previous employment references or experience letters
- Medical exam
How much is the average annual bonus in Costa Rica?
Mandatory Christmas Bonus (Aguinaldo).
Paid within first 20 days of December.
Calculated based on total wages earned from Dec 1 (previous 2025) to Nov 30 (current 2025).
What types of work permits and visas are required in Costa Rica?
Work Permit Type: Special Category Permit.
Preconditions: Employer must prove role can’t be filled locally.
Documents:
- Birth certificate, passport, employment letter, social security registration, police clearance, insurance proof, fingerprint receipt.
Processing Time: 3 to 8+ months.
Renewal:
- ~$450 processing + $150 renewal.
- Needs employee file and residency card.
What are the mandatory employee leaves in Costa Rica?
Annual leave
Entitlement: 14 calendar days per 50 weeks worked.
Eligibility: After 50 continuous weeks with the same employer.
– Maternity Leave
- 4 months (1 before + 3 after).
- 50% paid by employer, 50% by CCSS.
- Notification required but not immediate.
- Breastfeeding: 1 hour daily or two 30-min breaks.
Paternity Leave
- 2 days/week for 4 weeks post-birth.
Adoption Leave
- 3 months, shared between adoptive parents.
