Sick leave

Sick leave in Costa Rica is governed by the Labor Code, which establishes the right of employees to take time off work due to illness or medical conditions without loss of pay. Unlike many jurisdictions that specify a fixed number of sick days annually, Costa Rica's sick leave entitlement is determined on a case-by-case basis according to medical necessity and the employee's health condition.

The primary legal framework is found in the Costa Rican Labor Code (Código de Trabajo), specifically articles addressing employee rights and employer obligations during periods of incapacity. When an employee is unable to work due to illness, they must provide medical certification from an authorized healthcare provider to justify the absence. The employer is required to maintain the employee's salary during the sick leave period, provided proper medical documentation is submitted.

The Social Insurance Fund (Caja de Seguro Social, or CAJA) plays a central role in administering sick leave benefits. For absences exceeding three consecutive days, employees typically must obtain a medical certificate from CAJA or an authorized physician. The employer continues paying the employee's regular wages during this period, though CAJA may provide additional benefits depending on the nature and duration of the illness.

Payroll teams managing Costa Rican employees must ensure that sick leave absences are properly documented with valid medical certificates, that employee compensation continues uninterrupted during approved sick leave, and that records are maintained for compliance with labor inspections. Employers should establish clear procedures for requesting and approving sick leave to ensure consistent application of these statutory requirements across their workforce.