Aguinaldo 2026: how much you get and when it's paid
How Costa Rica's 2026 aguinaldo (Christmas bonus) is calculated, with examples; what counts, whether anything is deducted, the payment deadline and what to do if you aren't paid.
The aguinaldo is the extra year-end payment salaried workers receive in Costa Rica, a mandatory Christmas bonus. It's set by Law 2412 and, in practice, equals one average monthly salary from the past year. Here's how much you get, what counts and when you should receive it.
When is the 2026 aguinaldo paid?
Employers must pay it by December 20, 2026. This year December 20 falls on a Sunday, so many companies pay it earlier. The period that counts runs from December 1, 2025 to November 30, 2026.
How is it calculated?
Add up all the gross salaries (before deductions) you received in that period and divide the total by 12.
- If you earned the same all year: with a gross salary of ₡500,000 every month, the total is ₡6,000,000 and the aguinaldo is ₡500,000.
- If you started partway through the period: if you started on June 1, 2026 at ₡500,000 a month, you worked 6 months; the total is ₡3,000,000 and the aguinaldo is ₡250,000. You get the proportional amount.
- If your salary varied: add what you received each month, including overtime and commissions, and divide by 12.
To skip the math, use our aguinaldo calculator: enter each month's salary and get the result instantly.
What counts and what doesn't?
- Counts: regular salary, overtime, commissions, salary bonuses and incentives, and in-kind salary, if any.
- Doesn't count: travel allowances that reimburse actual expenses and, unless otherwise agreed, sick-leave benefits.
Is anything deducted?
No. The aguinaldo isn't subject to CCSS social security contributions or income tax, so you receive it in full. It can only be garnished for child support.
What if I quit or am fired before December?
You're still entitled to the aguinaldo in proportion to the time worked in the period. It must be paid with your final settlement when the employment ends.
Tips to make the aguinaldo go further
- List your December and January expenses before you receive it: marchamo, gifts, food and the start of the school year.
- If you'll pay the marchamo with your aguinaldo, remember it's due December 31. Also read how the marchamo is calculated.
- If you have high-interest debt, such as credit cards, paying part of it can save you more than any discount.
What if I'm not paid?
If you haven't received your aguinaldo by December 20, you can ask or file a complaint with the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MTSS) at mtss.go.cr.
This article is for information only and doesn't replace advice from the Ministry of Labor or a labor lawyer.
Sources
- Ministry of Labor and Social Security (Spanish)
- Law 2412, Aguinaldo Law for Private Companies.
- AG Legal: key points about the 2026 aguinaldo (Spanish)