Starting today, a new financial support system for families who decide to have or adopt children has come into effect in the Spanish capital. Residents of Madrid can now count on significant assistance: €500 for the first child, €750 for the second, and €1,000 for the third and each subsequent child. These payments are part of a major city project aimed at boosting the birth rate and improving the demographic situation.
You can apply for the benefit online or in person by filling out a special form and submitting it to the municipal registry. It’s important not to miss the deadline: you have two months from the child’s arrival in the family to file the paperwork. For those who became parents after June 1, a separate rule applies — they also have two months to use this new opportunity. If a family welcomes several children at once, such as twins or triplets, you can submit a separate application for each child.
Demographic challenges and budget priorities
In recent years, Madrid has seen a steady decline in the number of newborns. Despite a slight increase in 2024, when 26,213 babies were born, this figure is still well below previous years. For comparison, over 36,000 children were born in the city in 2008. City officials hope that the new payments will at least partially reverse this trend and encourage young parents.
Madrid has allocated €17.3 million for the first round of payments. If the number of applicants exceeds expectations, the budget may be increased. In total, €675 million has been set aside for a comprehensive package to support families and boost birth rates in Madrid. This includes not only direct payments, but also the development of infrastructure for parents and children.
Comprehensive family support
Financial assistance is just one element of a broad program. Last December, the city opened its eighth Family Support Center. Here, parents can receive consultations with psychologists, lawyers, mediation specialists, as well as social assistance. These centers are designed to help families cope with the challenges of raising children and to promote harmony in relationships.
Authorities emphasize that the new payment system does not replace existing benefits available at the regional or national level. This means that parents can access several forms of support at once, making the assistance even more substantial.
