Culture and Holidays in Costa Rica

Languages

Costa Rica is a bilingual workplace environment, with Spanish and English used across industries.  

In corporate sectors like IT and finance, English is the primary language for communication, documentation, and client interactions, especially in multinational companies. Meetings, presentations, and official emails are generally conducted in English, though employees may use Spanish informally.​ 

In government offices and public sector organizations, Spanish is commonly used for internal communication and documentation. Costa Rica recognizes Spanish as the official language, with efforts to preserve indigenous languages such as Bribri and Cabécar. ​ 

The manufacturing and retail sectors rely on Spanish for daily operations, especially in labor-intensive industries. Factories, warehouses, and construction sites primarily use Spanish, while management-level communication may be in English.​ 

In customer service, language use depends on clientele. Spanish is common for domestic support, while many companies also hire English speakers to cater to international customers.

Workplace norms and professional etiquette

Costa Rican workplace culture values respect, professionalism, and collaboration. While many organizations have hierarchical structures, managers are generally approachable, and teamwork is encouraged across departments.

Workplace hierarchy and authority

Decision-making often resides with senior leadership, but input from employees is welcome in modern organizations. Formal titles and respectful greetings are commonly used in business settings.

Email and phone etiquette

Business communication is typically polite and formal. Emails begin with courteous salutations and conclude with phrases like “Atentamente” or “Saludos cordiales.” Phone conversations often include brief small talk before moving to business matters.

Meeting etiquette and punctuality

Punctuality is expected, though meetings may begin a few minutes late. Initial greetings may include a handshake, and maintaining a respectful tone throughout is important.

Professional dress code

In corporate environments, business attire such as dress shirts, slacks, or conservative dresses is standard. In tech companies or creative sectors, business casual is increasingly accepted.

National holidays

Employees are entitled to several paid public holidays. 

• Jan. 1: New Year's Day 
• April 11: Juan Santamaria Day 
• Maundy Thursday 
• Good Friday 
• May 1: Labor Day 
• July 25: Anexion del Partido de Nicoya 
• Aug. 15: Mother's Day and Assumption 
• Aug. 31: Day of the Black Person and Afro-Costa Rican Culture 
• Sept. 15: Independence Day 
• Dec. 1: Abolition Day 
• Dec. 25: Christmas 

In addition, August 2, the Day of Our Lady of the Angels, and October 12, Cultural Day, are holidays, but payment is not mandatory for these holidays.  

If a public holiday falls on a weekday, and employees normally work that day, they are entitled to a paid day off. When employees are required to work on a public holiday, they must be paid double their regular daily wage, unless the day falls on a non-working day in their regular schedule. 

Some holidays are “movable” and may be transferred to a nearby Monday to encourage long weekends. Employers are expected to respect national observances in accordance with the Labor Code.