Contractor vs employee calculator
Compare the cost of engaging someone as a contractor versus an employee through an EOR, with the country's misclassification notes.
| Option | Estimated annual cost | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Contractor | $69,588 | Cheapest on paper. No statutory benefits; reclassification risk in Costa Rica if the relationship looks like employment. |
| Employee via EOR | $83,286 – $88,308 | Local contract, statutory benefits and payroll compliance handled by the EOR. |
Costa Rica contractor risk: Contractor use is possible, but Costa Rica applies a primacy-of-reality test and the CCSS audits misclassification, which can lead to back-contributions. Local counsel advised. Not legal advice.
Want to hire this person in Costa Rica?
Not professional advice. Rates, rules and prices change often. Figures here are researched estimates from the sources listed; anything marked “unverified” needs checking with the provider or a local adviser before you rely on it.