Q COSTARICA — Friday, May 1st, is Labor Day in Costa Rica, a mandatory paid holiday. The date cannot be moved and must be observed on that day, as established in Article 148 of the Labor Code.
Companies must guarantee compliance with labor regulations regarding payment and holiday leave.
The Labor Code stipulates that the day off must be granted, with exceptions in Articles 150 and 151, provided there is justification and prior notice.
Holiday pay varies depending on the type of compensation and the company’s economic activity.
- In non-commercial activities paid hourly, employees must be paid their regular daily wage plus an additional day’s pay for the holiday.
- If an employee works on May 1st, they are entitled to double pay for that day.
- In commercial activities paid monthly, bi-weekly, or weekly, the salary already includes holiday pay.
- If an employee works on that day, a regular daily wage must be added to complete the double pay.
- Furthermore, overtime worked on the holiday must be paid at a rate of 50% above the regular hourly rate.
This holiday will allow many people to enjoy a long weekend (Friday-Saturday-Sunday) in 2026.
Closures
Here’s what to expect on May 1st:
- Government and public offices will be shut down for the holiday.
- Banks and a lot of private businesses will be closed.
- Most professional offices, i.e., doctors, dentists, and lawyers, etc, will be closed. Call ahead if you have an appointment for that day.
- Businesses focused on tourism—like attractions and tours—usually keep welcoming visitors.
- Bus and other transport services tend to operate on a reduced holiday timetable.
- The traffic restrictions of San José are lifted for the day.