Kita-Gutschein - childcare voucher (Bezirksämter, Kindertagesbetreuung)

The childcare departments of Hamburg's seven district offices issue the Kita voucher (Kita-Gutschein) that you need for a place in a day-care centre or with a childminder. From age one until school, every child is entitled to five hours of care a day including lunch, free of charge; longer hours are possible if parents work, train or attend a German or integration course. Apply online through the Serviceportal Hamburg, up to six months before care should start. If you cannot find a place, the district office can help with a place search.