Arranging childcare after moving to the Netherlands starts with registering early at a daycare center, preschool, or host parent in your new municipality. Ideally, start before you arrive, as waiting lists can be long, especially in cities like Amsterdam. This article answers the most frequently asked questions about childcare in the Netherlands, from costs and allowances to finding a spot as an expat.
What types of childcare are available in the Netherlands?
In the Netherlands, there are four commonly used forms of childcare: the daycare center (KDV) for children aged 0 to 4, preschool or toddler care for children aged 2.5 to 4, out-of-school care (BSO) for children aged 4 to 13, and host parent care through a registered host parent agency. Each form has its own structure and target group.
The daycare center is the most commonly used option for young children of working parents. Children attend on fixed days, often two to five days per week. The preschool focuses more on social development and is sometimes also accessible for children of non-working parents.
Host parent care is a popular choice for expats seeking flexibility. A host parent looks after children in a home environment, which can offer a warmer atmosphere than group care. Through a registered host parent agency, this type of care also falls under the childcare allowance.
All official childcare locations in the Netherlands are registered in the National Register of Childcare (LRK). Always check whether a provider is listed before signing a contract, as only registered care entitles you to an allowance.
Need a local Homie?
Share your plans with us and discover how we can help with your home, move or relocation in the Netherlands.
How does the childcare allowance work for expats in the Netherlands?
Expats who work and pay taxes in the Netherlands are in most cases entitled to childcare allowance through the Dutch Tax Authority (Belastingdienst). This allowance covers part of the costs of recognized childcare. Both parents must be working, studying, or following a program to be eligible. The amount of the allowance depends on household income and the number of care hours.
To apply for childcare allowance, you need a DigiD and a BSN number. The application is submitted through the website of the Belastingdienst (Toeslagen). You can also apply for the allowance retroactively, but do not wait too long after the start date of the care.
For expats from outside the EU, additional conditions may apply depending on your residence permit. If you hold a highly skilled migrant permit or a European Blue Card, you are generally eligible. If in doubt, it is advisable to have this checked by a specialist.
How do you find an available childcare spot in the Netherlands?
You can find an available childcare spot through the websites of individual care organizations, through platforms such as Kinderopvang.nl, or through the municipality. In major cities like Amsterdam, many organizations use their own waiting list system. Register as early as possible, as demand exceeds supply in many popular neighborhoods.
Good to know: some municipalities offer a central registration portal. In Amsterdam, you can find an overview of available care locations by neighborhood through the municipality’s website. Also check with your employer whether there is a partnership with a childcare organization, as some companies reserve spots for their employees.
Also consider host parent care as an alternative if you need a spot quickly. Through a registered host parent agency, the waiting time is often shorter than at a daycare center. Platforms such as Gastouderbureau.nl can help you find a suitable host parent in your area.
If you arrange expat housing through a relocation specialist, they can also help you with an initial orientation on childcare in your new neighborhood, so you can tackle both at the same time.
What are the costs of childcare in the Netherlands?
The costs of childcare in the Netherlands vary, but average between 8 and 12 euros per hour for a daycare center. The Belastingdienst sets a maximum hourly rate each year on which the allowance is calculated. If you pay more than this maximum, you are responsible for the difference above that threshold yourself.
After deducting the childcare allowance, most families pay a personal contribution that increases as income rises. Families with a lower income can receive up to 96% reimbursement. For higher incomes, the reimbursement is lower, but even then the allowance covers a substantial portion of the bill.
Below is a general overview of costs per type of care:
- Daycare center: average 8 to 12 euros per hour, depending on the provider and location
- Host parent care: slightly cheaper than KDV, average 7 to 10 euros per hour
- Out-of-school care (BSO): comparable to KDV, depending on the number of hours
- Preschool: often cheaper, sometimes subsidized by the municipality
Keep in mind that costs in Amsterdam and other major cities tend to be on the higher end. Always request a quote from multiple providers and calculate your personal contribution after allowance for your specific situation.
Do you need to speak Dutch to arrange childcare?
You do not need to be fluent in Dutch to arrange childcare in the Netherlands, but some basic knowledge or help with communication makes the process considerably easier. Many daycare centers in Amsterdam and other major cities have English-speaking staff or are accustomed to working with international families.
The application for childcare allowance is submitted through the Belastingdienst website, which is partially available in English. However, some forms and letters are only available in Dutch. In that case, get help from a relocation professional or a colleague who speaks the language.
Some care organizations explicitly offer bilingual care, where children are exposed to both Dutch and English. This is a popular choice among expats, as children learn the language while getting used to their new environment.
When should you start looking for childcare in the Netherlands?
Start looking as early as possible, preferably six to twelve months before the desired start date. In popular cities like Amsterdam, waiting lists are long, especially for daycare centers in sought-after neighborhoods. The earlier you register, the greater the chance of getting a spot on the day and at the location that suits you best.
If you know you are moving to the Netherlands, register from abroad. Most childcare organizations accept remote registrations. You generally only need an expected start date and your child’s date of birth for this.
Do you have less time and are you looking for a spot at short notice? Then host parent care or temporary care solutions are a realistic option. Some organizations also maintain an emergency list for families who have just arrived. Ask about this actively during your search.
How we help with settling in with children in the Netherlands
Moving to the Netherlands with children requires more than just finding a home. You want to quickly know which care is available in your area, how to apply for an allowance, and what the next step is when you have just arrived. We guide expats and international families through this entire process, from the first questions abroad to the moment your child has their first day at childcare.
As part of our expat relocation services, we help you with practical matters such as municipal registration, BSN application, and navigating Dutch procedures. This leaves you with time and energy for the things that really matter. Want to know how we can simplify your move to the Netherlands? Contact us and we will look together at what you need.
Need a local Homie?
Share your plans with us and discover how we can help with your home, move or relocation in the Netherlands.
