Labor Law

Labor and Employment Law in Costa Rica is often addressed only after a conflict arises. This reactive approach frequently leads to costly litigation, administrative penalties, operational disruption, and reputational damage for both employers and employees.

At BGA Abogados, we take a different approach.

Our Labor and Employment practice is built on prevention, strategic risk management, and full compliance with Costa Rican Labor Law. We advise both companies and individual employees with a focus on anticipating disputes, structuring solutions, and protecting long-term business stability.

We do not simply resolve employment conflicts — we design strategies to prevent them.

Labor & Employment Legal Services in Costa Rica

We provide ongoing legal counsel in all areas of Costa Rican Labor Law, including:

Employment Contracts & Workplace Structure

• Drafting indefinite and fixed-term employment contracts

• Internal workplace regulations and employee handbooks

• Disciplinary policies and investigation protocols

• Confidentiality and non-compete agreements

• Corporate labor compliance structuring

Terminations & Disciplinary Proceedings

• Termination with employer liability (severance required)

• Termination without employer liability

• Performance-based termination

• Job abandonment

• Internal disciplinary procedures

• Legal review of termination letters

Proper handling of termination processes is critical to avoiding wrongful termination claims in Costa Rica.

Severance Pay & Labor Benefits

• Severance calculations

• Notice period compensation

• Final settlement agreements

• Mandatory Christmas bonus (Aguinaldo)

• Overtime pay

• Mandatory paid holidays

• Wage garnishments

Accurate calculation of labor benefits is essential to prevent post-termination claims.

Complex Employment Disputes

• Workplace harassment

• Sexual harassment claims

• Employment discrimination

• Termination after medical leave

• Permanent disability cases

• Workplace accidents

• Compensation and indemnity claims

We approach sensitive workplace disputes with technical precision and strategic evidence management.

Workplace Mobility & Contract Modifications

• Relocation of employees

• Substantial modification of employment terms

• Paternity leave (public and private sectors)

• Compliance with the Costa Rican Labor Code

Employment Litigation & Court Representation

We represent employers and employees before:

• Labor Courts in Costa Rica

• Ministry of Labor inspections

• Administrative labor proceedings

• Settlement and conciliation hearings

• Claims for damages and compensation

Our litigation strategy combines procedural rigor with solid evidentiary planning to protect our clients’ interests at every stage.

Preventive Labor Law for Businesses

Effective employment compliance significantly reduces the risk of lawsuits, government sanctions, and collective labor disputes.

We advise companies in:

• Preventive labor audits

• Compliance reviews under Costa Rican Labor Law

• Internal HR legal training

• Structuring disciplinary protocols

• Mitigating reputational risk

Our international experience allows us to incorporate comparative legal standards while ensuring full compliance with Costa Rican employment regulations.