The Consumer Assistance and Support Directorate (DIACO), a division of the Ministry of Economy (MINECO) of Guatemala, has launched the Financial Services Protection Unit (UPSF) in compliance with the new Credit Card Law, Decree 2-2024, in effect since September 1, 2024. The UPSF will act as a mediator in disputes and conflicts related to financial…
Category Archives: Labor & Employment
Blog, Costa Rica, Labor & Employment, News
Learn about the new contribution rates and payroll deduction priorities in Costa Rica
28
Oct
Oct
I. Update on Social Security Contributions Effective January 2026 The Board of Directors of the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS), through a resolution adopted in 2019, modified the frequency of adjustments to the tripartite contribution rate under the Disability, Old Age and Death (IVM) regime, changing it from every five years to every three…
Blog, Costa Rica, Labor & Employment, News
Reform Prohibits Employers from Denying Leave for Procedures before the Ministry of Labor and Social Security
08
Oct
Oct
On September 22, 2025, the Legislative Assembly approved, in its final reading, Bill No. 23,142, which amends Article 515 of the Labor Code. What does the reform establish? Once this law enters into force, employers must grant leave to employees for the following purposes: To appear as witnesses or participate in judicial proceedings. To carry…
Blog, Costa Rica, Labor & Employment, News
ILO Convention 190 on Violence and Harassment at Work Is Approved
21
Aug
Aug
The Legislative Assembly has approved, in a second debate, Convention 190 of the International Labour Organization (ILO), the first international treaty that recognizes the right of every person to a work environment free from violence and harassment, including behaviors motivated by gender. By ratifying the convention, the country commits internationally to adopt legislation requiring employers…
Blog, Business Law, Costa Rica, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), Labor & Employment, News, Real Estate & Hospitality, Tax
BLP advises on the acquisition of the iconic Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa in Costa Rica
11
Jul
Jul
BLP advised the shareholders of Inversiones Turísticas Arenal S.A., owner of the renowned Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa located in La Fortuna, Alajuela, on the sale of 100% of the company’s shares to Pursuit Attractions and Hospitality, Inc. This transaction marks the entry of a new institutional player into Costa Rica’s tourism sector, reinforcing confidence…
Banking & Finance, Blog, Business Law, Costa Rica, Cybersecurity & Data Protection, Environment, Health & Safety, Intellectual Property, Labor & Employment, News
BLP advised IFX on the acquisition of Luminet
23
Jun
Jun
BLP advised IFX Networks on the acquisition of Luminet, also known as CRISP (Costa Rica Internet Service Provider S.A.), a Costa Rican company specializing in internet services and fiber optic connectivity, with more than 15 years of experience in the development and implementation of telecommunications projects. This transaction allows IFX to strengthen its position in…
20
May
May
To reinforce good practices and avoid legal contingencies, we remind employers of some key aspects to keep in mind when managing wage garnishments for child support, under the Family Procedural Code (Código Procesal de Familia, CPF): Cooperation with the Judiciary: Article 264 of the CPF establishes that employers are obligated to provide information about the…
Banking & Finance, Blog, Business Law, Costa Rica, Cybersecurity & Data Protection, Environment, Health & Safety, Intellectual Property, Labor & Employment, News
BLP advised Comcast on the acquisition of Nitel
22
Apr
Apr
BLP advised Comcast on the acquisition of Nitel, a U.S. managed services provider headquartered in Chicago, from international private equity firm Cinven. The Nitel acquisition boosts Comcast Business’s connectivity capabilities and strengthens its distribution strategy. BLP advised on the Costa Rican matters related to the acquisition of all issued and outstanding shares of Nitel’s subsidiary…
Analysis, Blog, Business Law, Guatemala, Labor & Employment, Tax
Employee Stock Plans and Their Deductibility in Income Tax (ISR): Key Considerations
07
Apr
Apr
Author https://blplegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Planes-de-Acciones-para-Empleados_FOTO-Elisa-Lacs.png Elisa Lacs Senior Associate Guatemala E-mail Employee stock plans, known as stock options or employee share ownership plans (ESOPs), are a strategic tool for attracting and retaining talent. However, their tax treatment in Guatemala raises questions about their deductibility under the Income Tax (ISR). A key issue is whether these plans can be…
Banking & Finance, Blog, Business Law, Costa Rica, Cybersecurity & Data Protection, Environment, Health & Safety, Intellectual Property, Labor & Employment, News
BLP advised Bekaert on the sale of its stake in Costa Rican subsidiary BIA Alambres Costa Rica S.A. to Grupo AG
31
Mar
Mar
BLP advised Bekaert, a global leader in the steel wire transformation and coating technologies market, on the sale of its stake in the Costa Rican subsidiary BIA Alambres Costa Rica S.A. to Grupo AG, a regional leader in steel production and construction solutions with operations in Guatemala and Honduras and presence in eleven countries through…