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* Playroll continues to analyse immediate opportunities and fulfilled roles by recruitment partners, contractors and employers to identify in-demand jobs.
Costa Rica's cultural alignment with Western work values facilitates the integration of foreign management practices.
The country offers enticing business incentives, including tax benefits, fostering a pro-business environment.
With a stable democracy and high per capita income, Costa Rica stands out in the Americas.
Its services sector, driven by an educated workforce, comprises a significant portion of the Gross National Product, making it attractive for sourcing skilled talents.
In Costa Rica, verbal agreements are acceptable for short-term agricultural tasks lasting up to 90 days, but written contracts are mandatory for other situations. Contracts must be in Spanish or English and provided within a month of starting work. They should include:
In Costa Rica, probation periods vary by job and are typically specified in the employment contract, lasting around three months. During this time, the employer can terminate the contract without cause and without compensation.
In Costa Rica, the standard workday is eight hours, up to a maximum of 48 hours per week. Employees can work up to nine hours a day if it doesn't affect their health, with a mandatory 30-minute rest period.
In Costa Rica, working over 48 hours per week constitutes overtime, compensated at 150% of regular wages. Holiday work earns employees 200% of their regular pay. Up to 4 hours of overtime can be worked per day.
The minimum wage in Costa Rica varies, starting at 372,000 CRC per month for unskilled workers and reaching around 580,000 CRC per day for specialized employees.
In Costa Rica, the provision of a 13th-month salary is compulsory, and these payments are required to be disbursed annually by December 20th.
In Costa Rica, income tax follows a progressive rate ranging from 0% to 25%, calculated based on individual income.
Employers in Costa Rica contribute 5.42% (included in social security contribution) of employees' monthly earnings to social insurance, covering old age, invalidity, and survivors' benefits. To qualify for old-age benefits, individuals must be at least 62 years old (men) and 60 years (women) and contribute for a minimum of 300 months. Early retirement is available, however this may reduce the pension amount paid compared to that paid at standard retirement age.
The tax-related information provided in this guide is intended for general guidance and informational purposes only. Reach out to our dedicated team for insights on remote hiring in Costa Rica tailored to your needs.
The process of terminating employment in Costa Rica varies based on contract type, collective agreements, and the reason for termination. Contracts can end through legal provisions, mutual agreement, or as mandated by the law. Valid reasons for termination include:
In Costa Rica, the notice period for employees depends on their length of service:
Workers in Costa Rica who resign or are terminated, whether with or without cause, are entitled to severance pay based on their length of employment and salary. The number of severance days is determined as follows:
Costa Rica observes 13 national public holidays.
Mandatory contributions to Costa Rica's Social Security system provide employees with the following benefits:
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