Costa Rica Severance Calculator (Liquidación: Cesantía and Preaviso)
Calculate your liquidación in Costa Rica: cesantía of 7 to 22 days per year up to 8 years, preaviso, unused vacation and the proportional aguinaldo.
| Days | Total liquidación |
|---|
The part year after the first year is counted in proportion. Collective agreements may give more; deductions on the final pay are not included.
What it does
When an employer in Costa Rica ends a contract without just cause, article 28 of the Labour Code requires notice (preaviso) or its pay: one week after 3 months, 15 days after 6 months and one month after a year. Article 29 adds the cesantía: 7 days after 3 months, 14 days after 6 months and, after a year, between 19.5 and 22 days of salary per year depending on seniority, for at most 8 years. The daily salary is the average of the last six months divided by 30. Vacation not taken and the proportional aguinaldo are paid in any case.
How to use it
- Type the average monthly salary of the last 6 months and the time worked.
- Choose how the job ended and fill in vacation and aguinaldo months.
- Read the total and each item with its days.
The arithmetic runs in your browser. Nothing you type is sent anywhere and nothing is stored, so you can use these with real numbers.
Frequently asked questions
How much for a dismissal after 5 years and 4 months on ₡900,000?
The daily salary is ₡30,000. Cesantía is 21.24 days × 5.33 years = 113.28 days (₡3,398,400), plus one month of preaviso (₡900,000), 4 vacation days and 10 months of aguinaldo: ₡5,168,400.
Is there a maximum?
Yes, cesantía is paid for at most 8 years; after 13 years the rate is 20 days per year.
Do I get anything if I resign?
No cesantía or preaviso, but you receive unused vacation and the proportional aguinaldo.
💶 Costa Rica Net Salary Calculator 2026: CCSS and Income Tax
🎄 Costa Rica Aguinaldo Calculator 2026
🏢 Costa Rica Employer Cost Calculator 2026 (Cargas Sociales 26.83%)
🧮 Costa Rica IVA Calculator: Add or Remove 13% VAT