If you’re raising a family in the Netherlands or thinking about moving there, one of the first things you’ll need to sort out is daycare or childcare for your kids. The Dutch childcare system is organized, tightly regulated, and really tries to help both working parents and little ones get what they need.
From formal daycare centers to registered childminders, you’ll find a bunch of options, and honestly, the financial support can be surprisingly generous.
Dutch childcare starts for babies as young as 10 weeks and goes up to kids aged 12. Each stage has its own type of care.
You can find a daycare for babies and toddlers, after-school programs for primary school kids, and even part-time playgroups.
The government offers subsidies that might cover up to 96% of your costs, depending on your income. Figuring out the system takes a bit of work, but once you get the types of care, costs, and registration rules straight, choosing what’s right for your family feels a lot less overwhelming.
Whether you’re an expat just arriving or you’ve been here a while, this guide should help you get a grip on childcare in the Netherlands.
Choosing The Right Childcare Option
There are four main types of childcare in the Netherlands, each one fitting a different age group or schedule. You’ll see everything from full-day care at a licensed center (kinderdagverblijf) to flexible home-based care with registered childminders (gastouders).
Kinderdagverblijf (Daycare Centers)
A kinderdagverblijf is probably what most people picture when they think of childcare for kids from 10 weeks to 4 years old. These centers are run by professionals, have qualified staff, and can take care of your child for up to 10 hours a day during the week.
Kids spend their days playing, learning, and socializing. Most places offer full-day or part-day slots, and you usually book set days each week.
If you’re working, a kinderdagverblijf is probably your go-to for reliable and steady care.
Gastouderopvang (Childminders)
Maybe you’d rather have a smaller, homier setup. In that case, a gastouder could be just what you’re looking for.
Gastouderopvang means a registered childminder looks after a small group of kids in their home or yours. It’s more flexible with hours and often feels more personal.
Your gastouder has to register with a gastouderbureau (childminder agency), and the care still needs to meet the same standards as a bigger center. Lots of parents like this option because it’s got a family vibe.
Peuterspeelzaal (Playgroups and Preschools)
A peuterspeelzaal is for kids aged 2 to 4 and usually runs a few mornings each week. These playgroups help kids build social skills, pick up language, and get ready for Dutch primary school.
Municipalities often manage them, and they’re easier on the wallet than full-day daycare. Just keep in mind, the hours are short, so if you work full-time, you’ll probably need to combine this with something else.
Buitenschoolse Opvang (After-School Care)
Buitenschoolse opvang, or BSO, is for kids aged 4 to 12 who are in primary school. BSO covers care before and after school, plus school holidays and public holidays in the Netherlands.
The focus is on play and relaxation, not academics. As mentioned in a parent guide, BSO can happen at a childcare center or right at the school.
If both parents work, BSO is a lifesaver for filling the gap between school and the end of your workday.
Costs, Subsidies, And What You Can Claim
Childcare in the Netherlands isn’t cheap at first glance, but the government’s kinderopvangtoeslag (childcare allowance) can really cut down your monthly bill. The kinderbijslag gives you a separate quarterly payment per child, which helps too.
How Much Does Childcare Cost?
Childcare costs here are calculated per hour. In 2026, the government’s set maximum hourly rate for subsidies is about €11.23 for daycare, according to NL Compass.
Your provider might charge more, and you’d pay the extra yourself. A typical three-day-a-week, full-time daycare spot can run from €1,200 to €1,800 a month before subsidies.
Gastouderopvang is usually a bit cheaper per hour, and BSO costs less since the hours are shorter. Always ask for a clear price breakdown before you sign anything.
Kinderopvangtoeslag (Childcare Allowance)
Kinderopvangtoeslag is the main subsidy that helps with childcare costs. You apply through the Belastingdienst (Dutch tax authority) via Toeslagen.
To get it, both you and your partner need to work, study, or be in an integration program like the civic integration exam. Your childcare provider must be registered nationally.
The percentage you get back depends on your combined income. Lower incomes can get up to 96% of childcare costs reimbursed.
You’ll also need a residence permit and a BSN number. Apply as early as possible—ideally before your child starts care. And if your income or family situation changes, let Toeslagen know right away to avoid headaches later.
Kinderbijslag and Other Benefits
Besides the childcare allowance, you might qualify for kinderbijslag, a quarterly child benefit for all parents raising kids under 18 in the Netherlands. This isn’t income-based and helps with general costs like clothes, food, and school stuff.
There’s also the kindgebonden budget, an extra income-dependent supplement you can get through Toeslagen. When you’re planning your budget, remember to include these benefits alongside your salary and payslip deductions and the overall cost of living in Amsterdam or wherever you live.
If you’re thinking about family planning, you might want to check out our guide on adoption in the Netherlands too.
Registration, Rules, And Provider Checks
Every childcare centre, gastouderopvang, and after-school care facility in the Netherlands needs to show up in the Landelijk Register Kinderopvang (LRK). The GGD checks these places every year to make sure they’re safe and that staff have the right qualifications.
Before you sign your child up anywhere, double-check that the provider is actually listed in the Landelijk Register Kinderopvang. This public database covers every registered daycare center, childminder, and BSO location in the country. You’ll find registration numbers and inspection reports there too.
Only care from a registered provider counts for the kinderopvangtoeslag. If you skip this check, you could lose thousands of euros in subsidies—definitely not something you want to risk.
The GGD (regional health service) inspects all childcare centres at least once a year. They look at staff-to-child ratios, hygiene, caregiver qualifications, and whether the play areas are safe—both inside and out.
You can read these inspection reports in the LRK before picking a provider. The WorkinNL overview mentions this as well. If a provider doesn’t pass, the municipality can fine them or even pull their registration.
When you’re ready to register your child, you’ll usually need proof of identity for both of you, BSN numbers, and details about your work contract or integration course. Many popular childcare centres have waiting lists, and some parents even sign up during pregnancy to make sure they get a spot.
If you’re new to the Netherlands, start this process early—right alongside your moving to the Netherlands checklist. Sorting out Dutch health insurance and your housing situation sooner rather than later will really help you focus on finding the right care for your child.