The Western world is facing a population crisis due to low birth rates, a situation that has seen some nations step up to offer financial incentives to married couples to have children in a bid to combat population decline.
A low birth rate is considered detrimental to a country’s economy due to the aging population that cannot contribute effectively to the economy.
From cash bonuses and housing grants to tax exemptions these incentives are aimed at encouraging individuals to get married.
Below are some of the countries that pay single people to get married.
Singapore
Singapore reportedly encourages family growth by offering financial incentives through its “Marriage and Parenthood Package.”
This includes a cash gift, known as the “Baby Bonus,” which is given to help couples with the costs of raising children. The bonus is paid in stages, starting with the birth of the first child.
Married couples in the country also enjoy housing grants, promoting family growth.
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Japan
In Japan, newlywed couples allegedly enjoy allowances of upto 600,000 yen (Ksh 553,700.
This covers their rent and other living expenses if they live in a municipality that has adopted Japan’s newlywed support program.
South Korea
South Korea has the lowest birth rate in the world and this has seen it face demographic crisis.
To address the issue, the country has come up with cash incentives to encourage couples to get married and have babies.
The plan is in the pilot stage, with the country intending to expand the program in 2025 to include foreign nationals who work or live in the region.
Should the deal succeed, married couples in South Korea will pocket between $64,000 to $85,000(Ksh8.2 million to Ksh10.9 million).
This includes marriage preparation grants, marriage congratulatory money, and housing grants, among others.
Other countries that cover some bills for help married couples are Italy and Hungary.