Childcare in the Netherlands was one of the biggest planning challenges I faced when my daughter was born here. The waitlists are long, the costs are high on paper, and the subsidy system looks confusing at first glance. But once you understand how it all fits together — and crucially, once you are receiving the kinderopvangtoeslag — it becomes far more manageable.
This guide covers everything expat parents need to know: the types of care available, what things actually cost in 2026, how the subsidy system works, and the practical steps to finding a place.
Overview: The Dutch Childcare System
The Netherlands has a regulated, market-based childcare system. This means childcare providers are private businesses, but they must register with the government, meet quality standards, and be inspected annually. In exchange, working parents can claim kinderopvangtoeslag (childcare allowance) to offset costs.
Key points:
- Childcare is not free in the Netherlands (unlike some Scandinavian countries)
- The government subsidises a significant percentage of costs for eligible working parents
- Quality is regulated by the GGD (public health authority)
- Childcare for children under 4 and after-school care for 4-12 year olds both qualify for subsidy
Types of Childcare
1. Dagopvang / KDV (Daycare Centre) — Ages 0-4
The most common full-time childcare option. Children typically attend 2-5 days per week. Opening hours are usually 07:30-18:30. Most centres are structured with separate groups for different age ranges:
- Baby group (0-12 months): Very small groups (typically 4-5 babies), high staff ratios (1 supervisor per 3 babies)
- Toddler group (1-4 years): Slightly larger groups, more activity-focused
What to look for in a dagopvang:
- GGD inspection reports (available on landelijkregisterkinderopvang.nl)
- Staff qualifications (minimum MBO-3 childcare qualification required)
- Physical environment — garden, space, safety
- Pedagogical approach (many follow specific methods like Pikler or Reggio Emilia)
- Language policy for English-speaking families (some offer bilingual care)
2. Gastouderopvang (Registered Home Childminder) — Ages 0-12
A registered childminder (gastouder) cares for children at their own home or at the child’s home. Maximum 6 children per gastouder (or 5 if any children are under 1).
Advantages:
- More flexible hours than a daycare centre
- More personal, home-like environment
- Good for children who find large groups difficult
- Sometimes easier to find a place than at a popular KDV
To qualify for kinderopvangtoeslag, the gastouder must be registered through a registered gastouderbureau (mediation agency) — you cannot arrange informal care and claim the subsidy.
3. BSO (After-School Care) — Ages 4-12
Once your child starts primary school (basisschool) at age 4, you may need before-school care (VSO), after-school care (BSO), and holiday care. BSO typically runs:
- Morning: 07:30-08:30 (drop-off before school)
- Afternoon: 14:30/15:00-18:30
- School holidays: Full day
BSO is often affiliated with or located near the school. It is generally easier to find a BSO place than a dagopvang spot, and the costs are lower.
4. Peuteropvang / Peuterspeelzaal (Pre-school) — Ages 2-4
Many municipalities offer part-time pre-school sessions (typically 2 mornings per week, a few hours each) for children aged 2-4. These have an educational focus and prepare children for primary school. Some are municipally subsidised and cheaper than standard daycare. They are not a replacement for full-day childcare if you work full-time.
Childcare Costs in 2026
The Government Maximum Hourly Rate
The government sets a maximum hourly rate up to which kinderopvangtoeslag is calculated. In 2026:
| Type of Care | Max Hourly Rate (2026) |
|---|---|
| Dagopvang (daycare) | ~EUR 9.65/hour |
| Gastouderopvang (childminder) | ~EUR 7.27/hour |
| BSO (after-school care) | ~EUR 8.28/hour |
If your provider charges above the maximum hourly rate, you pay the excess yourself regardless of your subsidy level.
Real Monthly Costs Before Subsidy
| Care Type | Days/Week | Hours/Month (approx) | Gross Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dagopvang | 3 days | ~96 hours | EUR 926 |
| Dagopvang | 4 days | ~128 hours | EUR 1,235 |
| Dagopvang | 5 days | ~160 hours | EUR 1,544 |
| BSO | 5 afternoons | ~55 hours | EUR 455 |
| Gastouder | 3 days | ~96 hours | EUR 698 |
These are rough figures based on the government maximum rate. Actual provider rates vary.
Kinderopvangtoeslag: The Childcare Subsidy
Kinderopvangtoeslag is the Dutch government’s childcare subsidy. Understanding it is the key to understanding the real cost of childcare in the Netherlands.
Who Is Eligible?
To receive kinderopvangtoeslag:
- Both parents (or solo parent) must be working, studying, or in retraining
- You must use a registered childcare provider (check landelijkregisterkinderopvang.nl)
- The child must be registered at your address in the Netherlands
- Your household income and assets must be below the subsidy threshold (thresholds are relatively high — most dual-income working families qualify for at least some subsidy)
For expats: EU/EEA citizens with legal residence can apply. Non-EU citizens with a valid residence permit and the right to work in the Netherlands can also generally apply. You need a DigiD to apply via toeslagen.nl.
How Much Subsidy Can You Get?
The subsidy is calculated as a percentage of your eligible childcare costs, based on your household income. In 2026 the system works as follows:
| Household Income (approx) | Subsidy % (1st child) |
|---|---|
| Up to EUR 30,000 | ~96% |
| EUR 30,000-50,000 | ~80-90% |
| EUR 50,000-70,000 | ~65-78% |
| EUR 70,000-100,000 | ~48-63% |
| EUR 100,000-130,000 | ~33-46% |
| Above EUR 130,000 | ~33% (minimum) |
For a second child, the subsidy percentage is typically 6-8 percentage points higher than for the first.
Important: The subsidy is calculated based on the government maximum hourly rate — not the actual hourly rate if your provider charges more.
A Practical Example
Family with one child, household income EUR 80,000, using 4-day dagopvang:
- Gross monthly cost: EUR 1,235 (based on max rate of EUR 9.65 × 128 hours)
- Subsidy percentage at EUR 80k income: approximately 57%
- Monthly subsidy: EUR 1,235 × 57% = ~EUR 704
- Net monthly cost: EUR 1,235 − EUR 704 = ~EUR 531
If the actual provider charges EUR 10.50/hour (above the max), the excess costs EUR 0.85 × 128 = EUR 109 extra per month, bringing the real net cost to ~EUR 640/month.
Applying for Kinderopvangtoeslag
- Get a DigiD if you do not already have one (digid.nl)
- Register with a childcare provider and get their LRK number
- Apply via toeslagen.nl — you will need the LRK number, your income estimate, and the number of childcare hours
- The Belastingdienst pays the subsidy monthly (directly to you, not to the provider — you then pay the full invoice to the provider)
- At the end of the tax year, you do a final reconciliation — if your income was higher than estimated, you may repay some subsidy
Finding Childcare as an Expat
Start Early — Very Early
In Amsterdam, Utrecht, and other major cities, waiting lists for daycare places are extremely long. It is not unusual for parents to join waiting lists during pregnancy. For some popular locations, waits of 12-18 months are common.
Steps to Finding a Place
- Identify your options: Search at landelijkregisterkinderopvang.nl for registered providers near you
- Register on multiple waiting lists: There is typically no cost to join a waiting list — register at several providers simultaneously
- Consider gastouder care: Often easier to arrange than daycare centres, and still qualifies for subsidy
- Join expat parent groups: Groups like “Expat Parents in Amsterdam” or “The Hague Expat Families” often share leads on available places
- Check your employer: Some employers have agreements with childcare providers or run employer-sponsored daycare. Ask HR.
- Consider location flexibility: If you live in Amsterdam but work in the centre, a daycare near your office is often more practical than one near your home
Bilingual Childcare
Several daycare providers in the Netherlands offer bilingual (Dutch/English) or fully English-language programmes. These are particularly popular with expat families who want children to maintain English language development alongside Dutch integration. Expect to pay a premium — these providers typically charge above the government maximum hourly rate.
Notable clusters of English-language childcare exist in:
- Amsterdam South and East (large expat populations)
- The Hague (diplomatic community)
- Rotterdam (international harbour city)
International School Integration
Some international schools in the Netherlands have affiliated childcare or early years provision. If you are planning to send your child to an international school, check whether they offer:
- Nursery/reception classes from age 2-3
- After-school care
- Holiday programmes
Integrating childcare and school under one roof simplifies logistics enormously. Costs at international school early years provision tend to be higher than standard daycare but may include extended hours.
For more on school options see our guide to international schools in the Netherlands.
Au Pairs: An Alternative Option
Some expat families use an au pair as an alternative or supplement to formal childcare. Key points:
- Au pairs are not classified as employees but as family members
- They provide childcare in exchange for board, lodging, and a small weekly allowance
- Au pair care does not qualify for kinderopvangtoeslag
- Au pairs must be aged 18-30 and from specific countries
- The work permit rules for non-EU au pairs are strict — always verify current rules via IND
Practical Tips for Expat Parents
Get a DigiD before the baby arrives: You need DigiD for kinderopvangtoeslag, healthcare allowances, and almost all government services. Apply early.
Keep your income estimate updated: Kinderopvangtoeslag is based on an estimated income. If your income changes significantly, update your estimate on toeslagen.nl to avoid a large end-of-year repayment.
Check LRK registration before paying: Only care at LRK-registered providers qualifies for the subsidy. Always verify registration before signing a contract.
Employer childcare agreements: Ask HR on your first day whether there are employer childcare arrangements. Some larger Dutch employers subsidise childcare or have priority access agreements with nearby providers.
BSO and school holidays: BSO care during school holidays (7-8 weeks per year) is covered by kinderopvangtoeslag, but you typically need to book holiday care slots in advance — they can fill up quickly.
Internal Links
- International schools in the Netherlands: cost guide 2026
- Dutch health insurance for expats: complete guide 2026
- Pregnancy and maternity care in the Netherlands
- Maternity and paternity leave in the Netherlands
- Dutch employment contract explained for expats
- Sick leave rights in the Netherlands
- How to open a bank account in the Netherlands
- Registering at the gemeente: expat guide
- First 30 days in the Netherlands checklist
Summary
Childcare in the Netherlands is expensive on paper but far more affordable in practice once kinderopvangtoeslag is factored in. For families on average or above-average incomes, the net cost is often manageable. For lower-income families, the subsidy can cover nearly all of it.
The biggest challenge is not cost — it is finding a place. Start your search immediately, register on multiple waiting lists, and consider gastouder care as a backup. And get your DigiD sorted well before the baby arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does childcare cost in the Netherlands in 2026?
Dutch childcare (kinderopvang) costs vary by provider, city, and hours. The maximum hourly rate for daycare (dagopvang) set by the government in 2026 is approximately EUR 9.65 per hour. In practice, many providers charge close to this maximum. For a child in full-time daycare (4-5 days per week, around 40 hours), the gross monthly cost before subsidy is typically EUR 1,500-2,000. The childcare allowance (kinderopvangtoeslag) can reimburse a significant portion of this cost — in some cases up to 96% — depending on your income.
What is kinderopvangtoeslag and who is eligible?
Kinderopvangtoeslag is a government childcare subsidy paid by the Belastingdienst (Tax Authority) to help working parents afford registered childcare. Both parents must work or be in education/retraining to qualify. EU/EEA citizens registered in the Netherlands and eligible for toeslagen (allowances) can apply. Non-EU citizens with a work permit and legal residence status are also generally eligible. The subsidy is income-dependent — lower incomes receive a higher percentage back, up to 96% of the hourly rate up to the government maximum.
What types of childcare are available in the Netherlands?
The main types are: dagopvang (daycare for children aged 0-4), gastouderopvang (registered home childminder for ages 0-12), BSO (buitenschoolse opvang, after-school care for 4-12 year olds), and peuteropvang (pre-school sessions for 2-4 year olds, often half-days). In addition, some municipalities offer VVE peuterspeelzalen (early education playgroups). International schools sometimes have integrated childcare and after-school programmes.
How do I find a childcare place in the Netherlands?
Finding a place — particularly for babies and toddlers in larger cities — can take 6-12 months or longer. The main steps are: register on childcare provider waiting lists as early as possible (some allow registration during pregnancy), search via landelijk register kinderopvang (LRK) which lists all registered providers, check local municipal childcare waiting list databases, and ask expat community groups for recommendations. Starting the search before you relocate is strongly advisable.
Is Dutch childcare high quality?
Generally yes. All registered childcare providers in the Netherlands must meet government quality standards set out in the Wet kinderopvang. Providers are inspected by the GGD (public health authority) and must employ qualified staff. The maximum group sizes are set by law — for example, no more than 3 children per supervisor for babies under 1, and no more than 8 per supervisor for toddlers aged 1-4. The LRK register shows inspection reports for every registered provider.
What is the difference between a KDV and a BSO?
A KDV (kinderdagverblijf, daycare centre) cares for children aged 0-4, typically during full working days. A BSO (buitenschoolse opvang, after-school care) is for school-age children aged 4-12, providing care before school, after school, and during school holidays. Both are covered by kinderopvangtoeslag. Some organisations offer both types in the same building, which is practical if you have children of different ages.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does childcare cost in the Netherlands in 2026?
Dutch childcare (kinderopvang) costs vary by provider, city, and hours. The maximum hourly rate for daycare (dagopvang) set by the government in 2026 is approximately EUR 9.65 per hour. In practice, many providers charge close to this maximum. For a child in full-time daycare (4-5 days per week, around 40 hours), the gross monthly cost before subsidy is typically EUR 1,500-2,000. The childcare allowance (kinderopvangtoeslag) can reimburse a significant portion of this cost — in some cases up to 96% — depending on your income.
What is kinderopvangtoeslag and who is eligible?
Kinderopvangtoeslag is a government childcare subsidy paid by the Belastingdienst (Tax Authority) to help working parents afford registered childcare. Both parents must work or be in education/retraining to qualify. EU/EEA citizens registered in the Netherlands and eligible for toeslagen (allowances) can apply. Non-EU citizens with a work permit and legal residence status are also generally eligible. The subsidy is income-dependent — lower incomes receive a higher percentage back, up to 96% of the hourly rate up to the government maximum.
What types of childcare are available in the Netherlands?
The main types are: dagopvang (daycare for children aged 0-4), gastouderopvang (registered home childminder for ages 0-12), BSO (buitenschoolse opvang, after-school care for 4-12 year olds), and peuteropvang (pre-school sessions for 2-4 year olds, often half-days). In addition, some municipalities offer VVE peuterspeelzalen (early education playgroups). International schools sometimes have integrated childcare and after-school programmes.
How do I find a childcare place in the Netherlands?
Finding a place — particularly for babies and toddlers in larger cities — can take 6-12 months or longer. The main steps are: register on childcare provider waiting lists as early as possible (some allow registration during pregnancy), search via landelijk register kinderopvang (LRK) which lists all registered providers, check local municipal childcare waiting list databases, and ask expat community groups for recommendations. Starting the search before you relocate is strongly advisable.
Is Dutch childcare high quality?
Generally yes. All registered childcare providers in the Netherlands must meet government quality standards set out in the Wet kinderopvang. Providers are inspected by the GGD (public health authority) and must employ qualified staff. The maximum group sizes are set by law — for example, no more than 3 children per supervisor for babies under 1, and no more than 8 per supervisor for toddlers aged 1-4. The LRK register shows inspection reports for every registered provider.
What is the difference between a KDV and a BSO?
A KDV (kinderdagverblijf, daycare centre) cares for children aged 0-4, typically during full working days. A BSO (buitenschoolse opvang, after-school care) is for school-age children aged 4-12, providing care before school, after school, and during school holidays. Both are covered by kinderopvangtoeslag. Some organisations offer both types in the same building, which is practical if you have children of different ages.
