Croatian towns get creative in encouraging parenthood

Croatian towns need more kids

By Marija Udiljak

ZAGREB, 12 July 2025 (Hina) – In a continued effort to support families and tackle demographic challenges, Croatian cities and municipalities are going far beyond traditional childbirth bonuses.

According to the Ministry of Demography and Immigration, which collected data from 569 out of 575 local governments for the seventh year in a row, local authorities across the country are offering a diverse range of benefits to encourage parenthood and support young families.

Wedding Bonuses and Baby Cash Incentives

While childbirth bonuses are now widespread, some towns are taking creative steps to go further.

The small municipality of Ervenik in Šibenik-Knin County offers €1,000 to each newlywed, while Dugopolje, near Split, gives a €660 wedding gift to couples.

Many municipalities also extend financial support well beyond birth.

For example, Milna on Brač pays monthly allowances of €70 to €100 per child until age three, in addition to one-time birth bonuses.

Komiža on Vis provides a staggering total of €14,364 over nine years for each third or subsequent child, while Vela Luka, on the island of Korčula, pays €132.72 monthly for fourth and additional children for five years.

Extended Child Benefits Across Croatia

Other municipalities also offer long-term financial support:

Petrinja: €531 per child at birth, plus €271 if the family remains in the city for a year.

Pučišća (Brač): Annual €500 allowance per child until age three.

Vis: Monthly child support up to age 10 for third and subsequent children.

Pleternica & Rugvica: Monthly or annual allowances up to age 18, including €400 monthly for children unable to attend kindergarten due to developmental difficulties.

Support for Children with Disabilities

Several local governments also provide targeted aid for children with disabilities:

Gospić: €650 annually for carers of children with developmental difficulties.

Ilok: Covers transportation to therapy.

Petrijanec: Funds therapy and medical equipment.

Rovišće: Co-finances speech and occupational therapy services.

Varaždin & Ludbreg: Support parental stays during hospital visits.

Co-Financing IVF Treatments

Acknowledging growing infertility issues, a number of municipalities now help fund medically assisted reproduction:

Rijeka & Biograd na Moru: Up to €2,000 per couple.

Sisak: Up to €1,000.

Others participating include Bakar, Varaždin, Bjelovar, Komiža, and Medulin.

Aid for Pregnant Women

Primorje-Gorski Kotar municipalities such as Ravna Gora and Fužine fund prenatal courses. Vinodolska awards €200 to every pregnant resident, and Crikvenica provides a €300 one-time grant. Ilok also offers special vouchers for nursing mothers.

Gifts and Cultural Bonuses for Newborns

Many local governments offer newborn gift packages, with some adding thoughtful cultural elements:

Lobor & Mihovljan: Gold pendants and symbolic tokens.

Đurđevac: Wine and honey alongside a €200 grant.

Konjščina: €1,000 for babies named after the town’s patron saint, plus €150 gift pack.

Požega & Mali Bukovec: Free library memberships and cultural passes.

Virovitica & Vukovar: Special gifts for the first baby born each year.

Slavonski Brod: €700 worth of baby equipment and a €100 Christmas bonus.

Baby Food and Nutrition Support

Some towns go even further by helping cover infant food costs:

Zagreb & Umag: Aid based on medical or social needs, up to €840 annually in Umag.

Rovinj: €100 per month for eligible families.

Karlovac: Covers the cost of formula for infants up to one year old.

Kršan & Labin: Monthly allowances for baby food up to 12 months of age.

As Croatia continues to face demographic challenges, local authorities are clearly stepping in with creative and comprehensive strategies to support new families—from gold jewellery and wine to substantial monthly benefits and IVF funding.