Working Hours and Overtime in Costa Rica

What Are the Standard Working Hours in Costa Rica?

In Costa Rica, the standard working hours are defined by the type of shift:

 
• Daytime Shift: An employee aged 18 or older can work up to 8 hours per day and 48 hours per week.
 
• Night Shift: Limited to 6 hours per day and 36 hours per week.
 
• Mixed Shift: Combines daytime and nighttime hours, with a maximum of 7 hours per day and 42 hours per week.

A minimum meal interval of 30 minutes must be observed by employees who work more than 6 hours in a day. In typical working hours, Monday through Friday, the hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Maximum Working Hours in Costa Rica

The legal cap on working hours in Costa Rica varies by shift type:

 
• Daytime Shift: Up to 8 hours per day and 48 hours per week.
 
• Night Shift: Up to 6 hours per day and 36 hours per week.
 
• Mixed Shift: Up to 7 hours per day and 42 hours per week.

Overtime is permitted but must be compensated at 150% of the regular hourly wage. Employees can work a maximum of 4 hours of overtime per day, bringing the total daily working hours to a maximum of 12, including overtime. Overtime on holidays is compensated at double the regular rate.

Industry-Specific Exceptions

Certain industries in Costa Rica have unique working hour regulations:

 
• Healthcare: Medical professionals may have extended or irregular hours to provide continuous patient care.
 
• Transportation: Drivers and other transportation workers might have schedules that exceed standard working hours due to the nature of their duties.

These exceptions are designed to accommodate the specific demands of each industry while ensuring that employees are compensated fairly for additional hours worked.

Managerial and Exempt Employees

Under Costa Rican labor laws, managerial or exempt employees are defined as individuals who hold positions of trust and responsibility, often involving supervisory roles or specialized knowledge. These employees may not be subject to standard or maximum working hours due to the nature of their responsibilities. However, it's essential for employers to clearly outline the expectations and compensation structures for such roles in employment contracts to ensure compliance with labor regulations.

Statutory Full-Time Working Hours in Costa Rica

Full-time employment in Costa Rica is legally defined as working 48 hours per week, typically distributed as 8 hours per day over six days. This standard applies across various industries and roles, although certain sectors may have specific regulations or collective agreements that modify these hours. Employers and employees should refer to industry-specific guidelines to ensure compliance.

Overtime Regulations in Costa Rica

Overtime work in Costa Rica is regulated to protect employees from excessive working hours and to ensure fair compensation.

What Counts As Overtime in Costa Rica?

Any work performed beyond the standard working hours – 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week for daytime shifts – is considered overtime. This includes work done after the regular daily hours or on designated rest days and public holidays.

Maximum Overtime in Costa Rica

Employees can work up to 4 hours of overtime per day, resulting in a maximum of 12 working hours in a single day. There isn't a specified weekly overtime limit, but employers must ensure that overtime is used judiciously and does not lead to employee fatigue. Failure to comply with overtime regulations can result in legal penalties and fines for employers.

Overtime Payout Rates in Costa Rica

Overtime is compensated at 150% of the regular hourly wage. For work performed on public holidays, the compensation rate increases to 200% of the regular hourly wage. These rates apply uniformly across industries, although specific sectors may have additional agreements that provide for higher compensation.

Rest Periods and Breaks in Costa Rica

Employees are entitled to a minimum rest period of 30 minutes during a continuous workday. This break is considered part of the working hours if the employee remains at the workplace. For longer shifts, especially those exceeding 6 hours, employers often provide additional breaks, such as two 15-minute coffee breaks, one in the morning and another in the afternoon.

Specific industries or roles may have tailored break requirements to address particular working conditions. Employers are responsible for ensuring that these rest periods are provided and that employees are not overworked.

Night Shifts and Weekend Regulations

Night shifts are defined as work periods that occur between 7:00 PM and 5:00 AM. Employees on night shifts are limited to 6 hours per day and 36 hours per week. Weekend work is generally discouraged, and employees are entitled to a full day of rest each week, typically on Sunday.

If an employee consents to work on their designated rest day, they must be compensated at double their regular hourly wage. These regulations ensure that employees receive adequate rest and are fairly compensated for work during less desirable hours.

How Playroll Simplifies Employer Responsibilities and Compliance

Expanding your workforce across international borders is an exciting step, but it can be challenging to keep up with ever-changing local labor laws and regulations in different countries. That’s the advantage of using an Employer of Record like Playroll:

• ‍Scale your global team: Legally hire and swiftly onboard new hires in 180+ regions without the red tape by offloading the HR admin to Playroll, so you can freely explore new markets and focus on growth.
• Stay compliant: Our built-in compliance checks and vetted contracts mean your agreements will always meet all legal requirements for working hours, overtime regulations, and more.
• ‍Pay your team accurately: Ensure your international employees and global contractors are paid on time, every time, and set up centralized global payroll processes.