Family guide Netherlands 2026: Schools, childcare, and child benefits
Child benefit €291-416/quarter, childcare allowance 96%, schools from age 4
Family resources & subsidies 2025
CONFIRMED November 2025 - All facts verified from official sources: Moving to Netherlands with children requires planning around education, childcare, and family benefits. Dutch families receive €286-€416 per child quarterly (kinderbijslag - verified from SVB.nl), childcare subsidies up to 96% of costs (maximum €10.71/hour government rate), and access to both free Dutch public schools and international schools ranging from €4,250/year (DIS subsidized) to €25,000/year (private).
This comprehensive guide covers international school costs and waiting lists, the Dutch education system, childcare subsidies and strict application deadlines, family allowances including kinderbijslag and kindgebonden budget, and strategies for helping children integrate successfully. For new parents, also review our Parental Leave Guide covering 9 weeks paid leave at 70% salary plus partner leave entitlements.
Quick facts for expat families
Government benefits
Kinderbijslag (child benefit)
Ages 0-5: €286-€291/quarter
Ages 6-11: €348-€354/quarter
Ages 12-17: €409-€416/quarter
2025 rates, verified SVB.nl
Kindgebonden budget
Childcare costs & subsidies
Subsidy coverage
33-96%
Based on income (€29,400-€159,200)
Max coverage
230 hrs
Per month/child (€2,760/year max)
Actual costs
Government max: €8.10-€10.71/hr
Typical provider: €12-€13/hr
School costs
Dutch public schools
FREE
€50-€200/year voluntary contributions
DIS international schools
€4,250-€7,000
Per year (government-subsidized)
Private international
€16,300-€25,000
+ €200 application + €3,000 capital + €1,600 registration
Critical deadlines
Childcare subsidy application
Within 3 months of starting childcare
Lose subsidy for previous months if late
School registration
May-June for September start
Apply early for international schools
Good to know
Language integration
Children become conversational in Dutch within 3-6 months
International school waitlists
Amsterdam: 12-24 months
Rotterdam/The Hague: 6-12 months
Smaller cities: 3-6 months
Understanding the Dutch school system
Primary education (Basisschool) - Ages 4-12
Overview
- • Mandatory age: 5 years old (but most start at 4)
- • Duration: 8 years (Groep 1-8)
- • Cost: FREE (voluntary contribution €50-€200/year)
- • Language: Dutch only
- • Class size: 25-30 students typically
- • School hours: Usually 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM
School structure
Groep 1-2 (Ages 4-6): Play-based learning
- • Focus on social development, motor skills, basic concepts
- • No formal reading/writing yet
- • Transition from preschool to structured learning
Groep 3-8 (Ages 6-12): Core subjects
- • Reading, writing, arithmetic (Dutch language only)
- • Science, history, geography, arts
- • Structured curriculum
- • Regular testing and progress tracking
Final year (Groep 8):
- Citotoets (standardized test) in February
- Teacher recommendation (schooladvies)
- Determines secondary school track
- Critical for future education path
For non-Dutch speaking children
International preparation classes (IKC - Internationale Schakelklas):
- • Offered at some Dutch public schools
- • Intensive Dutch language instruction
- • Duration: 6 months to 2 years
- • Goal: Transition into regular Dutch classes
Typical timeline:
- • Month 1-3: Child understands basic instructions
- • Month 3-6: Conversational Dutch emerging
- • Month 6-12: Fluent enough for regular classes
- • Month 12+: Fully integrated, often bilingual
Reality: Children adapt faster than adults. By age 8-10, expat children in Dutch schools are often fluent in both languages. For Asian families specifically concerned about cultural identity preservation, see our Asian expat guide on family and cultural challenges.
Enrollment process
- Research schools in your area
- Visit schools (arrange tours, meet teachers)
- Apply directly to school (no central system)
- Provide documents: Birth certificate, vaccination records, residence permit
- Start date: Usually beginning of school year (August/September) but mid-year possible
- IKC placement: Discuss language support needs with school
Secondary education (Voortgezet Onderwijs) ages 12-18
Dutch secondary education is tracked based on Groep 8 Citotoets scores and teacher recommendations. This determines which type of secondary school your child attends.
Three main tracks
VMBO - 4 years
Focus: Vocational preparation
For: Practical-oriented students
Ages: 12-16
Leads to: MBO (vocational college) or apprenticeships
~40% of students
HAVO - 5 years
Focus: Higher general education
For: Students aiming for applied sciences
Ages: 12-17
Leads to: HBO (universities of applied sciences)
~25% of students
VWO - 6 years
Focus: University preparation (academic track)
For: High-achieving students
Ages: 12-18
Leads to: WO (research universities)
Includes: Gymnasium (with Latin/Greek) or Atheneum
~20% of students
Selection criteria
Primary factors:
- • Citotoets score (standardized test in Groep 8)
- • Teacher recommendation (schooladvies) - often MORE important than test
- • School performance over previous years
- • Motivation and work ethic
For expat children joining mid-stream:
- • Assessment tests determine track placement
- • Language proficiency heavily influences placement
- • May be placed in lower track initially due to language barrier
- • Can move up after 1-2 years if performance is strong
International schools in Netherlands
Types of international schools
DIS - Dutch International Schools (Government-Subsidized) ⭐
What they are:
International schools subsidized by Dutch government for expat families
Cost:
€4,250-€7,000/year (verified - Harbour International School €4,250/year 2025-2026)
Waiting lists:
Typically 12-18 months (high demand due to cost savings)
Eligibility (must meet at least ONE):
- • Child of expat working in Netherlands on temporary assignment
- • Parent has highly skilled migrant visa
- • Child of Dutch citizen who lived abroad 2+ years
- • Parent will be stationed abroad within 2 years for 2+ years
IMPORTANT: Cannot be used if family has permanent residency or naturalization
Examples:
- • Harbour International School: €4,250/year
- • International School of Amsterdam (ISA)
- • International School of The Hague (ISH)
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, Diploma Programme
Private international schools
Cost: €16,300-€25,000/year tuition (verified - Nord Anglia Rotterdam 2025-2026)
Eligibility: Anyone who can pay
Waiting lists: 6-24 months typical (Amsterdam longest at 12-24 months)
Examples with verified 2025-2026 fees:
- • Nord Anglia International School Rotterdam: €16,300-€23,500/year tuition
- • British School of Amsterdam (estimated €20,000-€24,000/year)
- • American School of The Hague (estimated €22,000-€25,000/year)
Additional costs (verified from Nord Anglia Rotterdam):
Total first-year cost: €24,500-€35,000+ (including all fees)
European schools
Cost:
€5,000-€12,000/year
Eligibility:
Preference for EU nationals
Curriculum:
European Baccalaureate (multilingual)
Example: European School The Hague
International school admissions process
Timeline
| Period | Action |
|---|---|
| 12-24 months before | Research schools, apply for DIS (highest demand) |
| September-November | Private school applications open |
| December-February | Assessments, interviews, entrance exams |
| March-April | Admission decisions |
| May-June | Enrollment deadline, fee payment required |
| August-September | School year starts |
CRITICAL: Apply as soon as you know you're moving.
Popular schools (especially Amsterdam) have 12-24 month waiting lists.
Application requirements
Documents needed:
- • Child's birth certificate (translated)
- • Passport copies
- • Previous school records/transcripts (2-3 years)
- • Vaccination records
- • Residence permit/visa documentation
- • Parent employment letter
- • Recent report cards
- • Teacher recommendations (some schools)
Dutch public school vs international school decision
When to choose Dutch public school
Best for families who:
- • Plan to stay in Netherlands 5+ years
- • Want children to fully integrate into Dutch culture
- • Prefer free education
- • Live in areas without international schools nearby
- • Value bilingualism (child will speak Dutch + home language)
- • Have children under age 8 (adapt faster)
Advantages:
- • FREE (€50-€200/year only)
- • Full Dutch language immersion
- • Genuine Dutch friendships
- • Deep cultural integration
- • Children become bilingual within 6-12 months
- • Strong academic standards
- • Less "expat bubble" isolation
Challenges:
- • Language barrier first 3-6 months
- • Parents may struggle to help with homework
- • Tracking system at age 12 (difficult to change tracks later)
- • Less familiar curriculum if returning home
- • Cultural adjustment needed
Timeline expectations:
- • Weeks 1-4: Stressful
- • Months 2-3: Basic comprehension emerging
- • Months 4-6: Conversational Dutch developing
- • Months 6-12: Fluent in classroom Dutch
- • Month 12+: Fully bilingual, integrated
When to choose international school
Best for families who:
- • Plan to stay 2-4 years only
- • Relocating to another country after
- • Have teenagers (harder to learn Dutch quickly)
- • Can afford €4,250-€25,000/year
- • Want familiar curriculum (IB, British, American)
- • Value education continuity
Advantages:
- • English instruction (or home language)
- • Familiar curriculum
- • Easier transition for children
- • IB recognized globally
- • Easier for parents to support homework
- • Immediate peer group (other expats)
- • Flexibility if family moves again
Challenges:
- • DIS schools: €4,250-€7,000/year minimum
- • Private schools: €16,300-€25,000/year+
- • Long waiting lists (6-24 months)
- • "Expat bubble" (less Dutch integration)
- • Children may not learn Dutch fluently
- • Less connection to local community
Childcare and daycare (Kinderopvang) ages 0-4
Types of childcare
Daycare centers (Kinderdagverblijf)
For:
Ages 0-4 years
Hours:
Usually 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Cost: €12-€13/hour actual rate (government max: €10.71/hour in 2025)
Full-time cost example:
- • 40 hours/week × 4.3 weeks = 172 hours/month
- • 172 hours × €12-13 = €2,064-€2,236/month WITHOUT subsidy
- • WITH subsidy (33%-96%): €83-€1,383/month after subsidy
Waiting lists:
- • Amsterdam: 12-18 months (start registering while pregnant if possible)
- • Rotterdam/The Hague: 6-12 months
- • Smaller cities: 3-6 months
CRITICAL: Register as soon as you know you're moving, even if months away from needing care.
Preschool (Peuterspeelzaal)
For:
Ages 2-4 years
Hours:
Part-time only (2-4 mornings/afternoons per week)
Cost:
€3-€6/hour (cheaper than daycare)
Example:
- • 3 mornings/week × 3 hours = 9 hours/week
- • 9 × 4.3 weeks = 39 hours/month
- • 39 × €5 = €195/month (before subsidy)
Childcare costs and subsidy (Kinderopvangtoeslag) 2026
2025 government maximum hourly rates (Verified)
Daycare:
€10.71/hour
After-school care:
€9.52/hour
Childminder:
€8.10/hour
What this means: Government covers up to these rates; you pay difference
Subsidy coverage percentage - Income-based (Verified)
| Combined Income | Subsidy % (First Child) |
|---|---|
| Under €29,400 | Up to 96% |
| €29,400-€45,000 | 96% (excellent rate) |
| €45,000-€63,000 | 87-92% |
| €63,000-€100,000 | 67-86% |
| €100,000-€159,200 | 33-66% |
| €159,200+ | 33% minimum |
- • Second child: Higher percentage (typically 67.1% minimum)
- • Maximum coverage: 230 hours per month per child (€2,760/year maximum)
CRITICAL application rules (Verified)
Application deadline: Within 3 months of starting childcare
Why this is critical:
- • If you apply in month 4, you LOSE subsidy for months 1-3 permanently
- • Cannot claim retroactively after 3-month window
- • Many families are surprised by this rule
Application process:
- Get BSN for child (register with gemeente)
- Find registered childcare (must have LRK number)
- Sign childcare contract
- Apply online at toeslagen.nl within 3 months
- Provide: BSN, partner BSN, childcare LRK number, employment contract, estimated income
- Processing: 8 weeks
- Receive: Monthly advance payments
If you miss 3-month window: You pay 100% of childcare costs
Kinderbijslag (child benefit) 2026
2025 amounts (Verified from official SVB.nl website)
Current rates (updated through 2026):
| Child's Age | Quarterly Amount | Annual Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 0-5 years | €286.45-€291.49 | €1,145.80-€1,165.96 |
| 6-11 years | €347.83-€353.95 | €1,391.32-€1,415.80 |
| 12-17 years | €409.21-€416.41 | €1,636.84-€1,665.64 |
Payment schedule:
- • Q1: Paid early April
- • Q2: Paid early July
- • Q3: Paid early October
- • Q4: Paid early January (following year)
Example family (3 children):
- • Child age 3: €286.45/quarter
- • Child age 7: €347.83/quarter
- • Child age 14: €409.21/quarter
- • Total: €1,043.49/quarter = €4,173.96/year
Reality: Income does NOT affect kinderbijslag. Everyone receives same amount based on child's age.
Kindgebonden budget (child-related budget) income-based
2025 maximum monthly amounts (Verified)
Additional for single parents: Up to €270/month extra
Income threshold: Typically phases out around €60,000-€80,000 combined income
Example:
Family with 2 children, €45,000 income
Receives: ~€150-€183/month = €1,800-€2,196/year
Real-world cost examples
Example 1: Family with 2 children (ages 3 and 6) - DUTCH PUBLIC SCHOOL
Scenario:
- • Both parents work
- • Combined income: €63,000
- • Both children in daycare 4 days/week (138 hours/month each)
- • Chose Dutch public school
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Childcare (2 kids, 138 hrs/mo) | |
| Full cost: 138 × €12.50 × 12 × 2 | €39,600 |
| Government subsidy (87%) | -€30,132 |
| Your childcare cost | €9,468 |
| School (free) | €100-€200 |
| Kinderbijslag received (yearly) | -€2,489 |
| Kindgebonden budget (yearly) | -€1,800 |
| NET ANNUAL FAMILY COST | €5,279 |
Example 2: Family with 1 child (age 8) - INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (Private)
Scenario:
- • Child attends private international school
- • Combined income: €100,000
- • No childcare needed
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| International school tuition | €20,000 |
| Annual registration fee | €1,600 |
| Books/materials | €400 |
| School trips | €500 |
| Transport | €3,500 |
| Kinderbijslag received | -€1,391 |
| NET ANNUAL COST | €24,209 |
Example 3: Family with 1 child - DIS SCHOOL (Subsidized International)
Scenario:
- • Child attends DIS school (Harbour International €4,250/year)
- • Eligible for DIS (expat on temporary work visa)
- • Combined income: €100,000
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| DIS school tuition | €4,250 |
| Application fee | €200 |
| Annual registration | €300-500 |
| Books/materials | €300 |
| Kinderbijslag received | -€1,391 |
| NET ANNUAL COST | €3,659 |
Savings vs private international school: €20,550/year
City-by-city school comparison
Amsterdam
Dutch Public Schools:
High quality but very competitive
More expat-friendly schools available
International Schools - Waiting Lists:
ISA (DIS): 18-24 months
Private schools: 12-24 months
Cost Range:
Highest in country
Rotterdam
International Schools - Waiting Lists:
Harbour International (DIS): Shorter waits (6-12 months)
Nord Anglia (Private): 6-12 months
Cost Range:
Lower than Amsterdam
Nord Anglia fees verified 2025-2026: €16,300-€23,500/year
The Hague
International Schools - Waiting Lists:
ISH (DIS): 6-12 months
American School: 6-12 months
Cost Range:
Moderate
Utrecht
International Schools - Waiting Lists:
Generally shorter (3-6 months)
Fewer options available
Cost Range:
Most competitive pricing
Teenage expat integration challenges
60% of expat teens report identity struggles in first 2 years
Common issues for teens (Ages 12-18)
Social & identity struggles
- • Language pressure: Peer pressure to speak Dutch; feeling excluded from Dutch conversations
- • Cultural fit: Balancing home culture and Dutch norms; different dating/social norms
- • Academic pressure: Navigating rigid tracking system; standardized testing in Dutch
- • Identity confusion: "Am I Dutch? Am I expat?"
Support strategies
School-based support:
- • Buddy systems: Many schools assign Dutch "buddy" to new students
- • International prep classes: Smaller class sizes; gradual transition
- • Counseling: English-speaking school psychologists
Extracurricular activities:
- • Sports clubs (football, hockey, swimming)
- • Music, art, volunteer work
- • Scouting (very common in Netherlands)
Why they matter: Teens make friends through shared interests (not just school). Provides Dutch language practice in low-pressure setting.
Step-by-step family setup timeline
Pre-arrival (2-6 months)
- Research schools (both Dutch and international)
- Apply for international school slots (12-24 months lead time)
- Gather documents: birth certificates, diplomas, vaccination records
- Register for daycare waiting lists
- Research family-friendly neighborhoods
Week 1-2 (Arrival)
- Register with gemeente (municipality)
- Get BSN for each family member
- Register children at new address
Week 2-4
- Finalize childcare selection
- Sign childcare contract (get LRK number from provider)
- Apply for kinderopvangtoeslag ⚠️ CRITICAL: Within 3 months
- Finalize school enrollment
- Submit required documents to school
Month 2-3
- Apply for kinderbijslag through SVB.nl
- Check eligibility for kindgebonden budget
- Attend parent orientation sessions
- Connect with other expat parents
Month 3-6
- Monitor language progress
- Arrange extracurricular activities
- Schedule playdates
- Attend school events
Ongoing maintenance
- Every quarter: Receive kinderbijslag payment
- Every 6 months: School progress meetings
- Annually: Renew kinderopvangtoeslag; pay school contribution
Key takeaways
This guide is based on verified data from SVB.nl (kinderbijslag), Belastingdienst (subsidies), government sources, and international school websites. All 2025 costs and rates are current as of November 2025. Facts have been verified from official sources.
Frequently asked questions
How much is child benefit (kinderbijslag) in 2026?
Verified from SVB.nl (January 2026): Ages 0-5: €291.49 per quarter (€1,165.96/year). Ages 6-11: €353.95 per quarter (€1,415.80/year). Ages 12-17: €416.41 per quarter (€1,665.64/year). Payment every 3 months (January, April, July, October). Income does NOT affect amount - everyone receives same by age.
What childcare allowance can we get in 2026?
Kinderopvangtoeslag covers up to 96% of costs based on income. Maximum daycare rate: €11.23/hour (2026). Maximum after-school care rate: €9.98/hour (2026). Maximum 230 hours/month per child. Both parents must work 56+ hours/month. Apply through Belastingdienst. Example: Family earning €45,000 gets ~90% coverage.
Can expat children attend Dutch public schools?
Yes, FREE. Tuition: €0. Voluntary contribution: €50-€200/year. Language: Dutch only. International prep classes (IKC) available for non-Dutch speakers. Timeline: Children become conversational in 3-6 months through immersion.
What's the difference between DIS and private international schools?
DIS (Government-Subsidized): Cost €4,250-€7,000/year. Eligibility: Temporary expat status required. Government subsidy. Lose if you get permanent residency/naturalization. Private: Cost €16,300-€25,000/year. Eligibility: Anyone who can pay. Full tuition from families. No restrictions. Both offer IB curriculum, English instruction, strong academics.
How long are international school waiting lists?
Verified: Amsterdam: 12-24 months. The Hague/Rotterdam: 6-12 months. Utrecht/Smaller cities: 3-6 months. Strategy: Apply 12-24 months before you need spot; apply to multiple schools.
What happens if I miss the 3-month childcare application deadline?
CRITICAL: You lose subsidy retroactively. Apply in month 4 = lose subsidy for months 1-3 permanently. Cannot claim retroactively after 3-month window. You pay 100% cost for those months. Solution: Apply within 3 months or lose money permanently.