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Find out how Remote can guide you through the complexities of managing cross-border hiring, payroll, taxes, and compliance.

 

Employing in Costa Rica

The Costa Rican Labour Code (Código de Trabajo) is the preeminent statute guiding employment relations and spells out provisions for employee protections and workers’ rights. Employees in Costa Rica enjoy protections against discrimination based on age, religion, sexual orientation, gender expression, and race.

Common questions that could come up during the hiring process include the minimum wage, overtime rates, and guaranteed paid time off. Remote can help you offer a complete, competitive, and compliant benefits package to your employees in Costa Rica.

Minimum Wage

In Costa Rica, the monthly minimum wage ranges from CRC 352,165 to non-skilled workers, CRC 415,200 for technician employees, CRC 627,000 for undergraduate employees, and CRC 753,000 for graduated employees.

Payroll Cycle

For customers of Remote, all employee payments will be made in equal monthly instalments on or before the last working day of each calendar month, payable in arrears.

13th Month Pay

Note that a 13th pay or 13th month pay payment in Costa Rica is mandated by law. The 13th pay must be paid by the 20th of December and will be equal to one month’s pay. The payment is commonly known in Costa Rica as Aguinaldo Pay.

Onboarding Time

We can help you get a new employee started in the Costa Rica fast. The minimum onboarding time we need is only 3 working days.

Our team ensures your employees are onboarded and paid as quickly as possible while keeping your business compliant with all local employment legislation. The minimum onboarding time begins after the employee submits all required information onto the Remote platform. The onboarding timeline is also dependent upon registration with local authorities.

For all non-nationals of the country of employment, the Right to Work assessment (if applicable) will add three extra days to the total time to onboard. There may be extra time required if we need to follow-up on the right to work assessment. Please note, payroll cut-off dates can impact the actual first day of employment. Remote has a payroll cut-off date of the 10th of the month unless otherwise specified.

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12 Public holidays

Competitive benefits package in Costa Rica

health_insurance
Health Insurance
dental_insurance
Dental Insurance
vision_insurance
Vision Insurance
mental_health_support
Mental health support
pension_or_401(k)
Pension or 401(K)
life_and_disability_insurance
Life and Disability Insurance

Facts & Stats

The Republic of Costa Rica is a sovereign unitary presidential constitutional republic. The Central American country is recognised within the region for its stable democracy, press freedom, and high per capita income. Costa Rica also registers a strong rating on the human development index compared with Latin American neighbours.

Costa Rica’s economy has witnessed significant strides driven by an educated population, diversification from agriculture, and investment and tax incentives that have earned it the colloquial tag of Switzerland of Central America.

Capital City
San José
Currency
Costa Rican colón
Languages
Spanish
Population size
5,094,118
Ease of doing business
Easy
Payroll frequency
Monthly
VAT - standard rate
13%

Grow your team in Costa Rica with Remote

Want to employ workers in Costa Rica? Companies hiring in Costa Rica are typically required to either own a local legal entity or work with a global employment platform like Remote that can legally provide employment services in the country.

Remote can employ team members in Costa Rica and keep you compliant. Remote can hire, onboard, and pay your Costa Rica team so you don't have to set up local HR services in the region. Remote also makes it easy to pay contractors in Costa Rica. Sign up now to get started or talk to an expert for more details.

Risks of misclassification

Costa Rica, like many other countries, treats self-employed individuals or contractors and full-time employees differently. Misclassification of contractors in Costa Rica may lead to fines and penalties for the offending company.

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Transparent Pricing in Costa Rica

Payroll

39

per employee/month
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  • Powerful, transparent international payroll
  • Simple self-service platform
  • Personalised support from dedicated specialists
  • Adhere to local payroll regulations in every country
  • Integrated payroll, expense management, and HRIS solution
Contractor Management

39

per contractor/month
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  • Only pay for contractors you actively work with
  • Work with international contractors
  • Create, edit, and sign tailored, localised contracts
  • Approve contractor invoices with one click or auto-pay
  • Transparent payments with complete visibility
Employer of Record

940 800

per contractor/month
Book a demo
  • Hire without opening a local entity
  • Guided onboarding
  • Local payroll paid on time, every time
  • Built-in security and compliance
  • Flexible, localised benefits
  • Offer equity incentives with tax assistance
  • Dedicated experts for local support
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