#CostaRica 🇨🇷 #BDS_LaborAlert: New Regulation Strengthens Employers’ Occupational Health Obligations
On September 29, 2025, Executive Decree No. 45166-MTSS was published in Item No. 124 of Official...
On Saturday, August 2, 2025, Costa Rica will commemorate the “Day of the Virgin of the Angels.” Like other public holidays this year, its observance will not be moved to another date.
This is a non-mandatory paid public holiday, which leads to differences in how it is compensated depending on the type of wage modality:
- Monthly or bi-weekly salary: The holiday is already covered by the regular salary. If the employee works on that day, the employer must pay an additional full day or the actual hours worked. Overtime must be calculated based on double pay.
- Weekly, hourly, or daily wage: If the employee does not work, there is no obligation to pay. If the employee works on that day, regular pay applies for the hours worked, and overtime is calculated at 150% of the ordinary hourly rate.
If Saturday is a regular day off for the employee, the holiday does not entitle the worker to additional pay or compensatory time off, unless the employee is required to work. In such cases, the previously stated conditions apply.
Further guidance will be provided soon regarding the specific terms for the upcoming public holidays on August 15 and 31.
For additional guidance on the proper application of public holiday rules, we recommend using our self-service platform BDS TOOLS, which provides access to practical resources, specialized guides, and other useful materials.
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