Costa Rica Public Holidays 2026: Calendar & Payroll Rules (HR Guide)
This AG Legal guide is built for HR teams, payroll, and business owners planning shifts and budgets around Costa Rica’s 2026 holidays. When the Ministry of Labor (MTSS) releases the specific 2026 circular, we will update this page.
Author: AG Legal • Reviewed by: Labor & HR Team • Updated: 2025-10-15
Mandatory vs. non-mandatory holidays (clear rules)
| Holiday type | If NOT worked | If worked |
|---|---|---|
| Mandatory-pay | The day is paid (included or added, depending on modality). | Double the day. Overtime on the holiday: triple. |
| Non-mandatory-pay | May be unpaid (weekly non-commerce) or already included (monthly/biweekly and weekly commerce). | Single day (or add to complete double if already included). OT: 1.5× or 3× depending on modality. |
How to pay by salary modality (quick reference)
| Modality | Holiday not worked | Holiday worked | Overtime on holiday |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekly (non-commerce) | Mandatory: +1 day • Non-mandatory: no pay. | Mandatory: 2× day • Non-mandatory: 1× day. | Mandatory: 3× • Non-mandatory: 1.5×. |
| Weekly (commerce) | Included if not worked. | Add +1 day to complete double. | 3×. |
| Monthly / Biweekly | Included if not worked. | Add +1 day to complete double. | 3×. |
2026 holiday calendar (Costa Rica)
Dates and weekday — verify any official observance shifts if the MTSS sets them for 2026.
| 2026 Date | Holiday | Pay category |
|---|---|---|
| Thu, Jan 1 | New Year’s Day | Mandatory-pay |
| Thu, Apr 2 | Maundy Thursday | Mandatory-pay |
| Fri, Apr 3 | Good Friday | Mandatory-pay |
| Sat, Apr 11 | Juan Santamaría Day | Mandatory-pay |
| Fri, May 1 | Labor Day | Mandatory-pay |
| Sat, Jul 25 | Annexation of Nicoya | Mandatory-pay |
| Sun, Aug 2 | Our Lady of the Angels | Non-mandatory-pay |
| Sat, Aug 15 | Mother’s & Family Day | Mandatory-pay |
| Mon, Aug 31 | Black Person and Afro-Costa Rican Culture Day | Non-mandatory-pay |
| Tue, Sep 15 | Independence Day | Mandatory-pay |
| Tue, Dec 1 | Abolition of the Army | Non-mandatory-pay |
| Fri, Dec 25 | Christmas Day | Mandatory-pay |
Holiday pay calculator
Estimate the additional amount owed for a holiday by modality, type, and whether it was worked. Enter your real daily wage.
Note: Reference estimate. Adapt to special shifts, allowances, and internal policies (MTSS criteria / Labor Code).
Frequently asked questions
- Which holidays are usually mandatory-pay in Costa Rica?
- Typically: Jan 1, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Apr 11, May 1, Jul 25, Aug 15, Sep 15 and Dec 25.
- How is a mandatory-pay holiday worked day paid?
- At double the daily rate. Overtime performed on the holiday is triple.
- For monthly/biweekly or weekly-commerce payrolls, what if the holiday is not worked?
- It is generally already included. If worked, add +1 day to complete double; overtime at triple.
Talk to our labor lawyers
We configure payroll, design holiday policies, and solve complex HR cases for employers in Costa Rica.
Informational content. Confirm each year with the MTSS circular and your internal policies. For special shifts or rosters, ask us for a tailored review.