How Does Childcare Work in the Netherlands?

Childcare in the Netherlands operates through a regulated system in which parents register their child with an accredited childcare provider and may be eligible for government childcare allowance. Costs, types of care, and procedures vary by situation, but the basic structure applies to everyone who lives and works in the Netherlands. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about childcare, including for expats who have just arrived.

What types of childcare are available in the Netherlands?

In the Netherlands, there are four main forms of childcare: daycare (dagopvang), after-school care (BSO), host parent care (gastouderopvang), and nurseries (kinderdagverblijf). Daycare is intended for children aged zero to four and offers care on fixed days. After-school care looks after children before and after school hours. Host parent care takes place at a private home through an accredited host parent agency.

• Daycare (KDV): for children aged 0 to 4, on fixed sessions at a nursery
• After-school care (BSO): for children aged 4 to 13, before and after school and during holidays
• Host parent care (gastouderopvang): small-scale care at an accredited host parent’s home, through a registered agency
• Toddler playgroup / toddler care (peuterspeelzaal / peuteropvang): for children aged 2 to 4, often a few mornings per week

All accredited forms of childcare are registered in the National Childcare Register (Landelijk Register Kinderopvang – LRK). Only care listed in this register qualifies for childcare allowance. It is therefore important to verify this before making a choice.

How do you apply for childcare allowance in the Netherlands?

You apply for childcare allowance through Mijn Toeslagen on the Tax Authority (Belastingdienst) website. You will need a DigiD for this. You can apply for the allowance retroactively up to three months after the childcare start date. Applying as soon as care begins is advisable to avoid missing out on money.

To be eligible for childcare allowance, the following conditions apply:

1. Both you and your allowance partner (if applicable) are working, studying, or registered with the municipality as job seekers
2. Your child is under 13 years of age
3. The childcare provider is registered in the National Childcare Register
4. You have a valid citizen service number (BSN)

The amount of the allowance depends on your household income and the number of childcare hours. The Tax Authority covers part of the costs, but you always pay a personal contribution. You can use the calculation tool on the Tax Authority website to estimate the amount you will receive.

How much does childcare in the Netherlands cost on average?

The average cost of childcare in the Netherlands in 2026 is between €10 and €14 per hour, depending on the type of care and location. Daycare is generally slightly more expensive than after-school care or host parent care. In cities such as Amsterdam, rates tend to be on the higher end due to high demand and higher operating costs.

With childcare allowance, parents pay a personal contribution that depends on their income. Parents with a lower income receive a larger portion reimbursed. For higher incomes, the reimbursement is lower, but still covers a substantial part of the total costs. Bear in mind that the government has set a maximum hourly rate: costs above this maximum are not reimbursed through the allowance.

How do you enrol a child in childcare?

You enrol a child in childcare by contacting the desired location directly and submitting an application. In popular cities such as Amsterdam, waiting lists are long, sometimes a year or more. It is advisable to register your child as early as possible, preferably during pregnancy.

The steps for enrolment are generally as follows:

1. Find an accredited childcare provider via the National Childcare Register or a local search engine
2. Contact the provider and ask about availability and the waiting list procedure
3. Complete the registration form and specify the desired care days and start date
4. Receive confirmation of placement or waiting list position
5. Sign a childcare agreement and then apply for childcare allowance

Some municipalities offer a central registration system for childcare, allowing you to approach multiple providers through a single point of contact. Check with your municipality whether this is available in your area.

What are the quality requirements for childcare in the Netherlands?

Childcare in the Netherlands must meet strict statutory quality requirements, laid down in the Childcare Act (Wet kinderopvang). All providers are inspected annually by the GGD (Municipal Health Service). The requirements relate to safety, pedagogical quality, the ratio of carers to children, and staff qualifications.

Key quality requirements include:

• A fixed childcare worker per group of children (the fixed faces criterion – vastegezichtencriterium)
• Maximum group size depending on the age of the children
• Mandatory MBO or HBO (vocational or higher professional) qualification for childcare workers
• A written pedagogical policy plan
• Annual inspection by the GGD, with publicly available reports

Parents can view the inspection reports for each provider via the National Childcare Register. This gives a clear picture of quality before making a final decision.

Can an expat without a BSN use childcare?

Without a BSN you can formally register your child at a childcare provider, but you need a citizen service number (BSN) to apply for childcare allowance. Without the allowance, you pay the full costs yourself. It is therefore important to arrange a BSN as soon as possible after arriving in the Netherlands.

You obtain a BSN by registering with the municipality. In Amsterdam and other major cities, there is sometimes a waiting time for this. Once your BSN is registered, you can still apply for allowance retroactively for the past three months. Expats who come to the Netherlands through their employer often arrange this as part of their expat relocation package.

For non-EU expats, a valid residence permit is also required to be entitled to allowances. The IND procedure and residence status therefore directly affect access to childcare allowance.

How we help with arranging childcare as an expat

Moving to the Netherlands with children raises many practical questions, and childcare is one of them. Urban Homies guides expats from start to finish in settling in the Netherlands, including arranging municipal registration and BSN application. Without those steps you cannot apply for allowance, so we make sure these matters are handled quickly and correctly. For non-EU expats, we also provide support with the IND procedure and residence permit, so that you gain access to all facilities in the Netherlands as quickly as possible, including childcare.

Our approach is personal: you work with your own dedicated Homie who knows your situation and thinks proactively with you. Whether you are moving to Amsterdam for the first time or have lived abroad before, we make sure the practical matters are taken care of so you can focus on your new life. Get in touch and discover how we can make your move to the Netherlands as smooth as possible.

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