What are additional mandatory payments in Mexico?

In addition to regular salary payments, Mexican labor law mandates several additional payments to support employees during key times of the year. These payments include the 13th salary, known as the Christmas bonus or Aguinaldo, and the 14th salary, which is the vacation premium. Both of these payments are designed to provide financial support to employees beyond their regular wages.


13th Salary: Christmas Bonus (Aguinaldo)

One of the most significant additional payments in Mexico is the Christmas bonus, or Aguinaldo. This bonus is a mandatory payment that employers must provide to their employees each year.

  • Minimum Requirement:
    The Aguinaldo is equivalent to at least 15 days' salary. This is the minimum amount required by law, though some employers may choose to offer a higher bonus as a goodwill gesture or to remain competitive in the job market.

  • Payment Deadline:
    The Christmas bonus must be paid to employees before December 20th each year. This timing is crucial as it allows employees to use the bonus for holiday expenses, whether it be for gifts, travel, or other end-of-year costs.

  • Pro-Rated Bonus:
    For employees who have not completed a full year of service, the Aguinaldo is calculated on a pro-rated basis. This means that the bonus is adjusted according to the length of time the employee has worked during the year. For example, an employee who has worked for six months would receive half of the full bonus amount.


This mandatory bonus is a vital part of employee compensation in Mexico, ensuring that workers receive extra financial support during the holiday season. It also reflects the cultural importance of the Christmas period in Mexico, where family gatherings and celebrations are central to the year-end festivities.


14th Salary: Vacation Premium

Another mandatory payment in Mexico is the Vacation Premium, which serves as the 14th salary. This premium is designed to support employees during their vacation period, ensuring they have extra funds to enjoy their time off.

  • Amount:
    The vacation premium is 25% of the employee's salary. This additional payment is calculated based on the employee’s regular earnings and is intended to enhance the financial ability of employees to take meaningful rest periods.

  • Payment Timing:
    The vacation premium is paid on the employee's work anniversary date and must be disbursed before the employee takes their vacation. This timing allows employees to plan their vacations knowing they have extra financial resources available.

  • Vacation Entitlement:
    Employees in Mexico become entitled to vacation after one year of service. The length of the vacation period increases with the length of employment, and the vacation premium applies regardless of how many days of vacation the employee is entitled to take.


The vacation premium is an important aspect of Mexican labor law, promoting work-life balance by encouraging employees to take time off with the financial support they need to fully enjoy their break. This premium, along with the Christmas bonus, contributes to a comprehensive compensation package that acknowledges the need for both financial stability and personal well-being.

Was this article helpful?

That’s Great!

Thank you for your feedback

Sorry! We couldn't be helpful

Thank you for your feedback

Let us know how can we improve this article!

Select at least one of the reasons
CAPTCHA verification is required.

Feedback sent

We appreciate your effort and will try to fix the article