Childcare costs Netherlands 2026: Kinderopvang subsidies and budgeting
Pay only €63-74/month with 96% subsidy (income ≤€56,000). Daycare €11.23/hour, BSO €9.98/hour
The Dutch childcare crisis: Why costs are rising fast
2026 cost reality
Maximum government-set hourly rates for 2026:
- Daycare (dagopvang): €11.23/hour (up from €10.71 in 2025)
- After-school care - BSO: €9.98/hour (up from €9.52 in 2025)
- Childminder (gastouderopvang): €8.49/hour (up from €8.05 in 2025)
⚠️ Critical: Actual providers often charge MORE than government maximum rates
Real-world costs in major cities: €11.77-€13.28/hour for daycare. High-end Amsterdam centers charge €14-15/hour. Government only subsidizes up to the maximum rate, you pay the difference.
Real monthly costs for working families
Good news: Government estimates households with €45,000 annual income pay approximately €450-600/month net (after subsidies) for one child in daycare.
Why costs are accelerating
1. Wage cost increases
Childcare workers' wages rising 7-9% (2025). Costs passed directly to families.
2. Inflation across operations
Increased costs for food, utilities, insurance, facility maintenance.
3. Government rates lag behind costs
Max reimbursement €11.23/hour, but providers' actual costs exceed this. Families pay the difference.
4. Deferred free childcare plan
Originally planned for 2027, now postponed to 2028+. Current costs persist longer.
Understanding Dutch childcare subsidy system: Kinderopvangtoeslag
The kinderopvangtoeslag (childcare allowance) is the government contribution toward your childcare costs. Understanding this system is crucial to calculating your actual out-of-pocket expenses.
How the subsidy system works
The government reimburses a percentage of your childcare costs based on:
- Your household income
- Number of children in childcare
- Type of childcare (daycare, after-school care, childminder)
- The hourly rate of your provider
The government pays the percentage directly to your childcare provider; you pay the remainder to the provider.
2026 income thresholds and subsidy percentages
🎉 Major change for 2026:
Government allocated additional €199 million to increase subsidies. Families with income up to €56,000 now eligible for 96% reimbursement (up from previous tiers).
| Combined Household Income | Reimbursement % | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Up to €32,190 | 96% | Maximum subsidy tier |
| €32,191 - €56,000 | 85-96% | Still very high subsidy |
| €56,001 - €65,000 | 75-85% | Gradually reduces |
| €65,001 - €85,000 | 65-75% | Gradually reduces |
| €85,001 - €110,000 | 50-65% | Significantly reduces |
| €110,001+ | 30-50% | Minimal subsidy |
Maximum reimbursement cap: Government reimburses up to 230 hours per child per month, regardless of how many hours you use childcare. You can't receive subsidies for more than 230 hours/month.
Real-world subsidy examples
Example 1: Family with €45,000 income
- • One child in daycare
- • Provider charges: €11.50/hour
- • Schedule: 4 days/week, 8 hours/day = 1,664 hours/year
- • Annual cost: €11.50 × 1,664 = €19,136
- • Government subsidy at 96%: €18,370
- • Your monthly cost: €63 (€756/year)
Example 2: Family with €65,000 income
- • One child daycare, one child BSO
- • Daycare: €11.23/hour, 4 days/week = €18,719/year
- • BSO: €9.98/hour, 5 days/week, 3 hours = €7,784/year
- • Total annual: €26,503
- • Government subsidy: 82-85% = €21,829
- • Your monthly cost: €380-385
Example 3: Family with €100,000 income
- • Two children in daycare
- • Each child: €11.23 × 1,664 = €18,719
- • Total: €37,438/year
- • Government subsidy: 65-70% = €24,337
- • Your monthly cost: €1,091 (€13,101/year)
How to calculate your exact subsidy: Step-by-step
Step 1: Gather your information
- Combined household gross annual income (yours + partner's)
- Number of children in childcare
- Type of childcare (daycare, BSO, childminder)
- Your provider's hourly rates
- Hours per week your child attends
Step 2: Use the official government calculator
The Belastingdienst (Dutch Tax Authority) provides the official calculator at toeslagen.nl:
- Visit toeslagen.nl or mijntoeslagen.nl for your account
- Select "Kinderopvangtoeslag" (Childcare allowance)
- Enter your combined household income
- Enter the hourly rates of your childcare providers
- Enter monthly hours (or annual hours ÷ 12)
- Calculator shows your monthly subsidy amount
Alternative: Your childcare provider often has a calculator on their website.
Step 3: Calculate your out-of-pocket cost
Formula:
(Hourly rate × Monthly hours) - Monthly subsidy = Your cost
Example calculation:
- • Hourly rate: €11.23
- • Monthly hours: 160 (4 days × 8 hours × 4 weeks)
- • Provider's monthly cost: €11.23 × 160 = €1,797
- • Your income tier subsidy: 85%
- • Monthly subsidy: €1,797 × 0.85 = €1,527
- • Your monthly cost: €270
Critical subsidy rules you must know
1. Valid LKR registration required
Provider must be registered in Landelijk Register Kinderopvang (LKR). Not registered = zero subsidy.
2. At least one parent must work
Require paid employment, reintegration program, civic integration, or training program.
3. Maximum 230 hours/month reimbursed
Even if child attends 240 hours, government only subsidizes 230. You pay full rate for extra hours.
4. Subsidy based on government max rates
Government reimburses max €11.23/hour for daycare. If provider charges €12.50, you pay €1.27 difference.
5. Income affects subsidy percentage
Higher household income = lower subsidy %. Income jumps can significantly reduce subsidy.
6. Child benefits required
Must receive kinderbijslag (child allowance) to qualify for childcare subsidy. Automatic for most working parents.
Finding and comparing childcare providers
Types of childcare in Netherlands
1. Daycare centers (Dagopvang)
- • Ages: 8 weeks to 4 years
- • Hours: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
- • Cost: €10.71-€13.28/hour
- • Groups of 4-12 children per caregiver
2. After-school care (BSO)
- • Ages: 4-12 years
- • Hours: 3:30 PM - 6:00 PM + holidays
- • Cost: €9.52-€9.98/hour
- • Bridges gap between school and work
3. Childminder (Gastouderopvang)
- • Ages: infants to school age
- • Hours: flexible, customized
- • Cost: €8.05-€8.49/hour (cheapest)
- • 4-6 children per childminder
4. Corporate childcare
- • On-site employer childcare
- • Cost varies (sometimes subsidized)
- • Ask your HR department
- • Limited availability
Major childcare providers
Largest national chains:
- • Kober: 100+ locations
- • Up Kinderopvang: Premium care
- • Dak: Government-subsidized in some areas
- • Mikz: Diverse provider network
- • Kindercity/Kinderrijk: Various locations
- • De Moussaieff: High-end care in major cities
Finding providers in your city:
- • Landelijk Register Kinderopvang (LKR): lrkkinderopvang.nl (official database)
- • Search by postcode to find nearby registered providers
- • Verify LKR registration before enrolling (required for subsidy)
Key questions to ask providers
Cost-saving strategies for childcare
1. Mix daycare and childminder care
Childminder (€8.49/hour) cheaper than daycare (€11.23/hour).
Potential savings: €200-400/month
2. Adjust your work schedule
Work 4 long days instead of 5. Reduce to 4 days/week. Stagger schedules with partner.
Potential savings: €300-600/month
3. Negotiate flexible hours
Ask about part-time discounts, reduced summer rates, annual rate negotiation.
Potential savings: €100-300/month
4. Verify maximum subsidy
Double-check income categorization. If income drops, higher subsidy. Review annually.
Potential savings: Varies widely
5. Use school hours strategically
Once child starts school (age 4), switch to BSO (after-school care) instead of full-day daycare.
Potential savings: €400-800/month
6. Check employer subsidies
Some employers offer childcare benefits. Ask HR if available.
Potential savings: Varies by employer
Expat-specific childcare considerations
Registering your child without a BSN
Most childcare providers require a BSN (citizen service number) to enroll. As an expat:
- Get your child's BSN immediately upon arrival (required for childcare and school). Application through municipal gemeente office.
- Temporary enrollment possible: You may attend childcare before BSN is processed with a temporary reference number from your gemeente.
Learn more in our BSN registration guide.
Language considerations
Childcare in English
- • Most daycare in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, The Hague have English-speaking staff
- • Some offer "English-immersion" programs
- • Ask specifically if English speakers available
Childcare in Dutch
- • Most daycare conducted in Dutch
- • Children ages 2-4 pick up Dutch rapidly
- • Supports integration and language development
Expat integration programs
Some cities offer childcare-integrated integration programs for expat families:
- • Amsterdam: Various expat-friendly daycare centers
- • Rotterdam: Expat childcare support through integration organizations
- • Utrecht: University-linked childcare programs
Contact your local gemeente's expat integration office.
Important changes and 2026 updates
What's new in 2026
1. Increased subsidies
Families earning ≤€56,000 now receive maximum 96% subsidy (expanded from previous limits).
2. Higher hourly rates
Daycare: €10.71→€11.23. BSO: €9.52→€9.98. Childminder: €8.05→€8.49.
3. Additional funding
€199 million allocated to increase subsidies for working parents in 2026.
What's NOT changing (critical news)
Free childcare deadline postponed again: The Dutch government originally planned to make childcare nearly free by 2027. This has now been postponed until 2028 or later, meaning current costs will persist throughout 2025-2026 and beyond.
Important for budgeting: Don't expect free childcare yet.
Key resources for expats
Official government resources
- Rijksoverheid.nl: Official childcare subsidy information
- Toeslagen.nl: Government subsidy calculator and application
- Belastingdienst.nl: Tax authority (manages childcare allowance)
- LRKkinderopvang.nl: National childcare registration database
Final recommendations
Start planning early
Childcare spots fill quickly in major cities
Register immediately
Once you have your child's BSN
Use official calculators
Don't estimate, use toeslagen.nl
Budget conservatively
Assume 5-7% annual rate increases
Review subsidies annually
Income changes affect what you receive
Get everything in writing
Rates, cancellation policies, services included
Childcare costs are substantial, but with proper subsidy application and strategic planning, you can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. Don't leave money on the table—apply for every subsidy you qualify for.
Frequently asked questions
How much does childcare cost in Netherlands 2026?
Government maximum rates: Daycare €11.23/hour, BSO (after-school) €9.98/hour, childminder €8.49/hour. Real monthly costs: €1,200-€2,800 for one child (5 days/week). However, with subsidies, families earning ≤€56,000 pay only 4% (around €63-74/month). Higher earners (€100,000+) pay €1,091/month after subsidies.
How does the kinderopvangtoeslag (childcare subsidy) work?
Government reimburses 30-96% of childcare costs based on household income. Income ≤€56,000 gets 96% subsidy. Income €65,000-€85,000 gets 65-85%. Income €110,000+ gets 30-50%. Subsidy paid directly to provider, you pay the remainder. Maximum 230 hours/month reimbursed per child.
What is the cheapest childcare option in Netherlands?
Childminder care (gastouderopvang) at €8.49/hour (2026 government max) is cheapest. After subsidies, families earning ≤€56,000 pay around €50-65/month. Mix childminder (cheaper) with daycare (structured) to save €200-400/month while maintaining quality care.
Can expats get childcare subsidies in Netherlands?
Yes, if you're a working resident with valid residence permit. Requirements: Child has BSN number, provider is LKR-registered, at least one parent is employed. Subsidy percentage same as Dutch citizens, based on household income. Apply via toeslagen.nl after receiving your first invoice.
How do I calculate my exact childcare subsidy?
Use toeslagen.nl official calculator. Enter: combined household income, provider's hourly rate, monthly hours (days/week × hours/day × 4.3). Example: €65,000 income, €11.23/hour, 160 hours/month = €1,797 cost. 85% subsidy = €1,527. You pay €270/month.
What happens if my childcare provider charges more than government maximum?
You pay the difference. Government subsidizes based on maximum rates (€11.23 daycare, €9.98 BSO). If provider charges €12.50/hour, government subsidizes €11.23, you pay extra €1.27/hour yourself. Always ask provider's exact rates before enrolling.