The Costa Rica Constitution explicitly forbids any form of slavery and upholds individual freedom within its national boundaries. It stipulates that anyone under the safeguard of its laws cannot be enslaved. Furthermore, labour laws acknowledge the individual's right to work and choose employment, thereby prohibiting forced labor in all circumstances within the country. This domestic legislation aligns with international and regional agreements, of which Costa Rica is a signatory. These principles apply equally to citizens, refugees and asylum seekers alike.

The "Ley contra la trata de personas" establishes criminal penalties for "anyone who induces, maintains, or subjects a person to perform work or services that seriously infringe upon their fundamental human rights, whether or not the victim's consent is obtained, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term of four to eight years. The penalty shall be six to twelve years of imprisonment if the victim is under eighteen years of age or in a vulnerable situation."