Riga boosts maternity allowances for new mothers
In Latvia, parents can look forward to several changes in the childbirth allowance (also known as parental allowance) starting from 2025. The allowance will be granted at 80% of the average insurance contributions salary of the applicant, with the salary calculated based on social insurance contributions over a relevant period depending on employment status.
From 2025, the payment period for the childbirth allowance has been extended by one month compared to previous years. Each parent will also have an individual right to two months of paid childcare leave that cannot be transferred to the other parent. This non-transferable part aligns with the European Directive 2019/1158 on work-life balance for parents and carers.
The non-transferable allowance can be used flexibly until the child reaches 8 years old, and both parents may use their non-transferable months simultaneously. It is important to note that these changes apply uniformly regardless of the municipality within Latvia, including Riga, Jūrmala, Daugavpils, Mārupe, and Sigulda.
Currently, the allowance for one newborn child in Riga remains at EUR 150 until the end of 2022. However, from 1 January 2026, the allowance will increase to 450 euros. For twins and three or more children in the family, the allowance is 6,000 euros in Riga. For triplets or more children in the same birth, the allowance remains at 7,500 euros in Riga.
As of 1 July 2025, a total of EUR 592,500 has been allocated for the payment of the allowance in Riga. No distinct or additional residency requirements or differential rates for the municipalities of Jūrmala, Daugavpils, Mārupe, and Sigulda have been found in the data provided.
It is worth mentioning that the childbirth allowance is a voluntary initiative by the Riga municipality to support the basic needs of residents registered in Riga after the birth of a child. In addition to Riga, several other municipalities (Jūrmala, Daugavpils, Mārupe, and Sigulda) have decided to increase childbirth allowances and other benefits in this election year.
An additional 1,500 euros is given for a very premature newborn child (less than 32 weeks of pregnancy) in Riga. The information does not specify any changes to the allowance for multiple births occurring after 1 January 2026 in Riga, nor does it mention the allowance amounts for the childbirth allowance in the municipalities of Jūrmala, Daugavpils, Mārupe, and Sigulda for 2026.
Considering the current birth rate decline, an additional 1.15 million euros would be needed to pay the benefits in 2026, based on the current birth rate and 2024 figures in Riga. Parents are advised to consult the local social service offices or official Latvian government portals for detailed procedures or documentation requirements for claiming childbirth allowance in specific municipalities, as this information was not specified in the sources consulted. It is also important to note that the place of residence of the benefit applicant for the childbirth allowance must be declared in the Riga municipality for at least 12 months prior to the birth of the child.
The childbirth allowance increase in Riga, starting from 2026, will boost personal-finance for parents, with the allowance for one newborn increasing to €450 and reaching €7,500 for triplets or more. The European Union (EU) directive on work-life balance for parents and carers, EU 2019/1158, has influenced this change, allowing each parent to have a personal-finance boost through two months of non-transferable paid childcare leave.
