Childminder in Latvia - how to make money and find work

Working as a childminder in Latvia can be organised alongside another job or built up over time. This guide explains where paying parents usually come from, how to set and discuss your first prices, what the first ten customers often look like, what to check with authorities before you start accepting money, typical early problems, and how a Websta profile can help you be found and paid.

Updated October 21, 2026

Where paying customers come from

Most new childminders find their first paid work close to home. Common sources are neighbours and friends, parents from the same school or kindergarten, colleagues at your workplace, and local online groups where parents post requests. Some customers come from private networks such as family friends or acquaintances who already trust you.

Online search and marketplaces are useful once you have a few references. Parents look for someone available at specific times, with clear services and photos, so being visible on a platform that lists services by place and trade helps. Word of mouth grows slowly but is the most reliable source of repeat bookings.

  • Neighbours and local parents - quick to try a nearby childminder
  • Workplace colleagues - useful for regular after-work or emergency care
  • Schools and kindergartens - parents asking other parents for referrals
  • Local Facebook or community groups - many parents post childcare needs
  • Online marketplaces and searchable profiles - reach people who don’t know you

Setting your first price and talking about money

When setting your first price, think about the time you spend, travel, number of children, and any extra responsibilities such as school pickup or meal preparation. Look at local ads and ask other childminders informally what they charge to get a sense of the market without relying on published rates.

Be clear about what is included and how you charge - per hour, half day, full day, or by the number of children. Explain cancellation terms, travel fees and any deposit requirements before the first booking. Use simple phrases like 'My rate is X for an hour, which covers care and snacks; cancellations less than Y hours are charged' but do not invent specific numbers in public copy until you decide them.

  • Decide whether to charge hourly, daily or per child
  • State what your rate includes and any extras
  • Agree cancellation and booking-deposit terms in writing
  • Practice a short script for discussing price with parents

What the first ten customers usually look like

Your first customers are often people who already know you or who come via a direct referral. Expect trial bookings - short sessions to meet you and the child - rather than long-term full-time placements. Many early bookings are irregular: occasional evenings, school-free days, or cover for a parent’s sudden obligation.

As you gather experience and references you’ll see repeat customers and slower shifts towards more regular patterns. In the beginning you will likely balance short jobs with your other commitments and treat each booking as an opportunity to build a written reference or a public review.

  • Family friends and neighbours for introductory sessions
  • Parents from your workplace or school networks
  • One-off or occasional bookings before regular work
  • Early customers are valuable for references and online reviews

What to sort out when taking money as an independent person

If you plan to accept payment as an independent person in Latvia, check registration and tax rules with the State Revenue Service (Valsts ieņēmumu dienests, VID). Ask VID whether you should register as self-employed or another legal form, what taxes and social contributions apply, and how to issue receipts or invoices for private childcare.

Also check with your municipality about any local rules for providing childcare at home. Ask whether there are safety, hygiene or permit requirements for paid childcare, and whether you must register with local social services. Contact insurers to discuss liability insurance for childcare work and ask what their policies cover.

  • Ask VID how to register and report income from childcare
  • Ask your municipality about local rules and permits
  • Talk to insurers about liability insurance for childcare
  • Keep clear records of bookings, invoices and receipts

What tends to go wrong in the first months

Early mistakes are usually practical and avoidable. Common problems include unclear agreements about hours and cancellations, underestimating travel time or preparation, and accepting bookings that conflict with your main job. Miscommunication about who provides food or transport also causes friction.

Other frequent issues are not keeping simple written records, which complicates tax reporting later, and not having any liability cover if an accident happens. Taking on too many clients too quickly can reduce care quality and harm your reputation, so grow your schedule cautiously.

  • Unclear cancellation or payment policies
  • Poor record keeping for income and receipts
  • Scheduling conflicts with other work
  • Lack of insurance or safety preparation

How a Websta profile fits into this

A Websta profile gives you a single page you can send to parents and share in groups. The profile shows services, prices and photos, has a contact form and online booking, so clients can see what you offer and request time slots without back-and-forth messages. Card payments from customers are paid out to your own bank account through Stripe; you set the prices.

Being listed on a searchable marketplace helps people who do not already know you find your services by place and type. Use the profile to state your availability clearly, list exactly what is included, and link to your preferred way of handling first meetings and records. A profile does not replace registration or tax steps - it is a visible, sharable page that supports your business activity.

  • One sharable page with services, photos and booking
  • Online booking reduces scheduling friction
  • Payments processed through Stripe to your bank account
  • You control the prices and the service descriptions

Frequently asked questions

Can I work as a childminder while employed elsewhere?
Yes. Many people start childminding alongside another job. Keep your schedule clear, avoid conflicts with your employer, and check with VID about reporting income and any contribution rules.
Do I need a licence to look after children for pay?
Rules vary. Ask your municipality about local permit and safety requirements for paid childcare and ask VID about registration for tax purposes. Also ask insurers whether liability cover is required.
How should I accept payments from parents?
Agree payment terms in advance. A Websta profile can handle online booking and card payments that are paid out to your bank account through Stripe. Keep records of all received payments for tax reporting.
What should I include in a cancellation policy?
Be clear about how far ahead parents must cancel, whether partial fees apply for short-notice cancellations, and when you will refund deposits. Put the policy in writing and confirm it before the first booking.

About the numbers

Counts in this guide were read from the Websta catalogue when the text was written and are refreshed above from the live catalogue. Part of the catalogue was built from the public business register and is marked as such on each profile.

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