Childcare in the Netherlands costs on average between €8 and €14 per hour, depending on the type of care and the provider. For a child attending full-time daycare five days a week, you can quickly face a monthly bill of €1,500 to €2,500 gross. Fortunately, the government reimburses a large portion through childcare allowance, which means net costs for many families are considerably lower. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about childcare in the Netherlands, specifically for expats who are relocating here.
How much do you pay on average per month for childcare?
The average cost of childcare in the Netherlands in 2026 is between €8.50 and €13.50 per hour. For daycare for young children (0 to 4 years), you typically pay more than for after-school care (BSO). A child attending daycare four days a week can quickly cost you €1,200 to €2,000 per month gross before the allowance is deducted.
The government sets a maximum hourly rate each year. Childcare centers may charge more than this maximum, but the allowance is always calculated based on the statutory maximum. If you pay more than the maximum hourly rate, you cover the difference yourself. In 2026, the maximum hourly rates for daycare, after-school care, and childminder care are each set at slightly different levels, so it pays to compare them when choosing a provider.
In addition to the hourly rate, the number of care days and the family’s income also play a major role in what you pay net. The lower the family income, the higher the percentage the government reimburses.
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What is childcare allowance and who is entitled to it?
Childcare allowance is a financial contribution from the Dutch government that reimburses part of the childcare costs. You are entitled to this allowance if both partners work, study, or are following a pathway toward employment, and if your child uses a registered childcare facility. The allowance is applied for through the Tax Authority (Belastingdienst).
The amount of the allowance depends on two factors: your family income and the number of hours of care. The lower the income, the greater the share the government contributes. For the lowest incomes, the government reimburses up to 96% of the costs (up to the maximum hourly rate). At higher incomes, this percentage decreases, but even then the allowance remains a substantial amount.
Important: your child must be enrolled at a registered childcare facility. Non-registered providers do not qualify for the allowance, even if the quality of care is good.
How do you apply for childcare allowance as an expat?
As an expat, you apply for childcare allowance through Mijn Toeslagen on the Belastingdienst website. You will need a DigiD, a citizen service number (BSN), and a valid employment contract or proof of activity in the Netherlands. Without a BSN, you cannot apply for the allowance, so make sure your registration with the municipality and your BSN application are arranged as soon as possible after arrival.
For expats from outside the EU, additional conditions apply. Your residence permit must grant you the right to work in the Netherlands, and your employer must be a recognized sponsor with the IND. Once you meet those conditions, you are in principle entitled to the same allowances as Dutch residents.
Apply for the allowance as soon as possible after the start date of the childcare. You can apply retroactively for a maximum of three months, but the sooner you start, the less you need to advance yourself. The allowance is paid out monthly as an advance and is definitively determined afterwards based on your actual annual income.
What is the difference between daycare, after-school care, and childminder care?
In the Netherlands, there are three main forms of childcare: daycare for children aged 0 to 4, after-school care (BSO) for children aged 4 to 13, and childminder care where a certified childminder looks after children at your home or their own. All three forms can qualify for childcare allowance, provided they are registered.
Daycare
Daycare provides professional care at a childcare center throughout the entire working day. It is the most commonly used form for young children and offers a structured environment with qualified pedagogical staff. Hourly rates here are typically the highest.
After-school care and childminder care
After-school care is intended for school-age children and looks after them before and after school, and during holidays. Childminder care is more flexible and personal: a certified childminder looks after a small group of children. This can be a good option for families with irregular working hours or children who benefit from a quieter setting. Hourly rates for childminder care are often slightly lower than for daycare.
Are there additional costs that expats should take into account?
Yes, in addition to the hourly rate there are several extra costs that regularly catch expats off guard. Think of registration fees upon enrollment, costs for meals and diapers, and contributions to activities or outings. Some childcare centers also charge a separate contribution for a parent committee or insurance.
In addition, waiting lists play a significant practical role. In cities such as Amsterdam, waiting lists for popular childcare locations are long, sometimes a year or more. If you are moving to the Netherlands, it is wise to register your child as early as possible, even if the moving date has not yet been confirmed.
For expats who have just arrived, there are also bridging costs: the period between arrival and the start of official childcare. During this time, you may need temporary or informal care that does not always qualify for the allowance. It is good to account for this financially when planning your move to Amsterdam or another Dutch city.
How we help with arranging childcare and more
Moving to the Netherlands with children brings an extra layer of practical matters: from finding a suitable home in the right neighborhood to arranging a BSN, registering with the municipality, and applying for allowances. We guide you through each of these steps, so you can focus on settling into your new environment. Through our expat housing services, we connect you with a personal homie who knows the local market and helps you find a home in a neighborhood that suits your family situation, including proximity to good childcare and schools.
Urban Homies works together with immigration experts and tax advisors who guide you through the Dutch allowance system and the IND procedures for non-EU expats. This way, you know exactly what you are entitled to and how to apply for it quickly and correctly. Want to find out what we can do for you? Get in touch for a personal consultation.
Need a local Homie?
Share your plans with us and discover how we can help with your home, move or relocation in the Netherlands.
