Latvia's Court Administration paid state compensation to 302 crime victims in six months
In the first six months of this year, Latvia's Court Administration paid state compensation totalling 1.18 million euros to 302 victims of crime. Since 19 May 2026 the maximum compensation has risen to six minimum monthly wages.
Latvia's Court Administration, which pays state compensation to victims of criminal offences, granted such support to 302 victims in the first six months of this year. The total amount paid was 1.18 million euros. Inga Ozola, head of the administration's state compensation for victims unit, presented the figures and the application procedure, noting that help can be received even before criminal proceedings have ended.
Who is eligible
State compensation is available to a person recognised as a victim in criminal proceedings where the offence led to specific consequences. These are a person's death, serious or moderate bodily harm, violation of morality or sexual inviolability, human trafficking, or infection with HIV or hepatitis B or C.
For those recognised as victims up to 18 May 2026, the maximum compensation is five minimum monthly wages. For those recognised from 19 May, it is six minimum wages, following amendments to the law "On State Compensation to Victims".
Half-year statistics
The administration received 392 applications in the period, compared with 405 a year earlier. Most often, in 146 cases, compensation was paid for moderate bodily harm; the figure for the same period last year was 147. Payments for violations of morality or sexual inviolability fell from 141 to 98. Twenty-nine people received compensation for serious bodily harm, 26 for a person's death and three for human trafficking.
Riga residents received the most, 106 payments or 55%. Liepāja accounted for 13% (25 payments), while Ventspils and Daugavpils each had 8%. In Bauska municipality 15 payments were made, and in Tukums municipality 10.
How to apply
Applicants must submit a form to the Court Administration, attaching a certificate from the person directing the proceedings if the case is still open, or the decision that has entered into force if it has concluded. Compensation can be requested within three years of being recognised as a victim or learning of the facts giving that right. Documents can be submitted electronically with a secure signature via the Latvija.lv portal, to the administration's e-address or to pasts@ta.gov.lv, by post or in person. The information line is 80001801.
