How does it work in the Netherlands with daycare? Here’s everything you need to know about the costs, allowance, and registration.
Do you want to find the best solution for your child’s education in the Netherlands? We are educational consultants for education in the Netherlands and can help you find the best solution.
Childcare allowance Netherands
Children up to four years old can be looked after at a daycares (kinderdagverblijf), where they can stay for up to 11 hours a day. Daycares in the Netherlands are professionally run and employ fully qualified childcare staff. All childcare centers must comply with a strict standard of quality according to Dutch law. Daycares are usually open from 08:00 to 18:30 on weekdays, offering care for babies as young as three months old up to children aged four.
Daycare Netherlands cost
Parents working (or studying) in the Netherlands are entitled to a childcare allowance (kinderopvangtoeslag) for children under 12. This is a contribution to the cost of childcare, whether for a daycare, afterschool care or a childminder (gastouder). The allowance can reduce childcare costs up to a maximum of 80%, depending on your household income and number of children. Contact the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration (Belastingdienst) about childcare allowance.
We always recommend to register for daycare as soon as possible due to long waiting lists. Mostly you can register online through the website of the daycare. There are no costs involved when you register. The daycare will keep you updated on places available. If places are available you will receive a contract from the daycare which you need to sign.
Please also read Can my child directly go to a Dutch school? and/or Moving to the Netherlands with my family and children that don’t speak Dutch
