Here is a list of the public holidays to be observed in Costa Rica during the year 2025. Each holiday is governed by Article 148 of the Labor Code, which specifies the legal provisions regarding its observance and the applicable type of payment, depending on whether it is a mandatory paid holiday or not. This information is essential for both employers and employees, as it ensures compliance with the labor rights established under Costa Rican law.

According to current legislation, no employee is required to work on public holidays. If an employee chooses not to work on these days, their decision cannot be grounds for sanction by the employer.

There are specific cases in which certain activities and workplaces, due to their nature, must operate on public holidays. These exceptions are regulated under Articles 150 and 151 of the Labor Code.

It is important to highlight that all companies, whether national, multinational, or international, are required to grant employees the public holidays established by law. Any agreement implying the waiver of this right is null and void, as stipulated in Article 11 of the Labor Code.
The Ministry of Labor (MTSS) urges employers and workers to respect and comply with these provisions to guarantee labor rights and the well-being of all parties.

Regardless of the form of payment, these holidays must be paid to all employees, even if they do not work. If an employee works on a public holiday, they must receive an additional day’s salary to comply with double pay. If overtime is worked on such a day, it must be paid at double-and-a-half time, meaning the value of the hour will be triple.

If the salary system is weekly and does not belong to the commerce sector, only mandatory paid holidays must be paid, even if not worked. In this scheme, non-mandatory holidays are not remunerated if not worked. If overtime is worked during a public holiday, it must be paid at double-and-a-half time.

1. Information extracted and summarized from the Ministry of Labor and Social Security website.
2. For the year 2025, in principle, no holidays will be officially transferred unless otherwise stated*. However, due to the dates on which certain holidays fall (either Monday or Friday), six long weekends will be generated.
3. At the time of this publication, a bill is under discussion in the Legislative Assembly seeking to transfer certain holidays to create long weekends. If approved, the corresponding modifications will be communicated to ensure proper enjoyment of public holidays.