Sick leave

Sick leave in Costa Rica is governed by the Labor Code, which establishes mandatory paid leave entitlements for employees unable to work due to illness or medical conditions. Unlike many jurisdictions, Costa Rica does not prescribe a fixed minimum number of sick days that employers must provide annually. Instead, the law requires that employees receive their full salary during periods of absence due to legitimate illness, provided the absence is supported by medical certification from an authorized healthcare provider.

The legal framework for sick leave protection is found in the Costa Rican Labor Code (Código de Trabajo), specifically articles addressing employee rights during temporary incapacity. When an employee is unable to work due to illness, the employer remains obligated to maintain wage payments for the duration of the medically certified absence, up to certain statutory limits depending on whether the condition qualifies as a work-related injury or general illness.

For general illnesses not arising from workplace conditions, the first three days of absence may be covered by the employer directly, while subsequent days typically fall under the social security system (CAJA). Work-related injuries and illnesses are covered entirely by the social security institution from the first day of absence.

Employers and payroll teams must ensure that any employee claiming sick leave provides proper medical documentation from a licensed physician or authorized medical facility. Verification of medical certificates is essential to prevent abuse while protecting legitimate employee rights. Payroll systems should be configured to distinguish between employer-paid sick leave days and those covered by social security to ensure accurate wage calculations and statutory compliance.