#CostaRica 🇨🇷 #BDS_Article: Can I Take Medical Leave to Avoid Attending a Court Hearing?
The Board of Directors of the Costa Rican Social Security Administration (Caja Costarricense de...
On Monday, September 15, 2025, Costa Rica will observe a public holiday to celebrate “Independence Day”. This holiday holds great significance for Costa Rica, as it commemorates the start of the nation’s independent life with a variety of patriotic activities.
According to Article 148 of the Labor Code, this is a mandatory paid holiday. Therefore, all employees are entitled to both enjoy the day off and receive their corresponding pay, depending on their form of remuneration.
Based on the payment modality, remuneration should be applied as follows:
- Monthly, biweekly, or weekly payment in the commercial sector: the holiday is already included in the monthly salary, so no additional payment is required if the holiday is not worked. If the employee works on the holiday, an additional ordinary wage must be paid to complete the double pay.
- Weekly pay in the non-commercial sector: the holiday must be paid even if no work is performed. If the employee works on the holiday, a double pay is required.
Overtime is paid at time and a half, but it is calculated based on the double wage, as this is a mandatory paid holiday.
For further guidance on the correct application of the provisions related to holidays and other labor matters, we recommend using our self-management tool BDS TOOLS, which provides access to practical resources, specialized guides, and other useful materials.
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