Employees in Costa Rica are entitled to paid leave to vote on Sunday, February 1, 2026, according to a recent statement from the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MTSS). Employers must provide sufficient time for their workers to cast their ballots without any reduction in salary. This right also extends to individuals serving as members of Voting Reception Boards.
The coordination of these permissions is determined by each company. The Ministry recommends maintaining dialogue between employers and employees to ensure the exercise of this civic duty. “The way in which permissions are coordinated will depend on each company, but it is recommended to maintain dialogue between the employer and workers, in order to guarantee the right,” the statement said.
Article 69 of Costa Rica’s Labor Code mandates that all employers grant employees enough time, with pay, for voting during elections or referendums: “…j) Grant workers the necessary time, without reduction of salary, for exercising the vote in elections and popular consultations under the modality of referendum…”
The duration of paid leave should be based on where an employee votes; thus, there are no general guidelines for all businesses. The Ministry advises companies and workers to agree on reasonable criteria that neither limit employee rights nor harm business operations. Planning ahead is encouraged to avoid any barriers preventing voting.
Members working as part of Voting Reception Boards on election day also have a right to paid leave for fulfilling this civic responsibility. This interpretation follows Article 69(j) as clarified by Supreme Electoral Tribunal resolution 1404-E-2002.
Employers who prevent staff from voting may face fines ranging from two to five base salaries under Article 292 of Costa Rica’s Electoral Code.
These requirements also apply if a second round of voting takes place.
