Latvian Honorary Family Certificate to Be Valid Longer – Changes from 2027

The Ministry of Welfare has prepared amendments to Cabinet Regulation No. 598, which governs the implementation of the Latvian Honorary Family Certificate program. The amendments will enter into force on July 4, 2026, but will apply from January 1, 2027.

Previously, a family lost the Honorary Family status and certificate if any child reached a certain age threshold (18, 21, or 24 depending on education or military service) and the remaining children no longer met the requirement of three children. Under the new approach, a family can retain the certificate as long as there are three or more children and at least one meets the criteria – being of a specified age, studying, or serving in national defense.

If a child, for example, turns 24 and no longer qualifies, that child loses the right to use the certificate, but other family members who meet the conditions can continue using it. Families that lost the status or never obtained it because a child did not meet the requirements can reapply from 2027.

Extension of the certificate's validity applies only to children who still meet the criteria at the time of extension. Children who have already exceeded age limits will not receive the certificate.

According to the Ministry of Welfare, the changes will allow about 3,300 large families to retain support. Examples include: a family with three adult children, one aged 27 – the parents and younger children receive the certificate, but not the 27-year-old. If a child has died, the family keeps the certificate as long as at least one remaining child meets the criteria.

To be eligible, a family must have three or more children (including foster or guardianship children), their declared residence must be in Latvia, and the applicant must not be a child support debtor. Children whose parental rights have been terminated are not counted.