In April 2025, Costa Rica will observe three mandatory paid holidays: Friday, April 11, in honor of Juan Santamaría, and the Holy Thursday and Holy Friday on April 17 and 18, respectively.

According to Article 148 of the Labor Code, these holidays are designated as mandatory leisure days for workers.

Labor attorney Marco Esteban Arias emphasizes that while these holidays are intended for obligatory observance, the existing legal framework does allow for exceptions.

Articles 150 and 151 of the Labor Code authorize employers to require their employees to work on these holidays, provided there is prior notification and adherence to the legal compensation conditions.

The appropriate payment structure for these holidays varies based on the type of employment and salary scheme.

For workers receiving a weekly salary and engaged in non-commercial activities, the employer must compensate the standard wages for ordinary workdays plus an additional amount for each holiday worked.

Should these employees perform duties during the holidays, they are entitled to double payment.

In contrast, for employees who are salaried on a monthly, bi-weekly, or weekly basis in commercial activities, their ordinary salary encompasses holiday pay.

If they work during these holidays, the employer is required to pay one additional day’s wage as compensation.

Furthermore, if employees work overtime during these holidays, they must receive a 100% surcharge, equating to triple pay.

Employees wishing to take the entire week off can request vacation leave from their employer.

As of 2025, there are no legal provisions allowing for the rescheduling of these holidays to different dates.