Childcare in the Netherlands and the childcare benefit (kinderopvangtoeslag)

Before you start

• A citizen service number (BSN) for you, your partner and your child
• DigiD to apply online
• A written childcare contract with a provider registered in the national childcare register (LRK)

Documents you need

• Citizen service numbers (BSN) for parents and child

  required

• Childcare contract stating the hourly rate and hours per month or year

  required

• Valid residence permit

  For parents who are not Dutch or EU/EEA/Swiss citizens

  optional

• Estimate of your household income for the year

  required

Step by step

1. 1

   Step 1: Choose the type of childcare

   • Daycare (dagopvang), at a daycare centre (kinderdagverblijf, kinderopvang), for children from a few months old until they start school.
   • Childminder (gastouder): care in a small group at the childminder's or your home, arranged through a childminder agency (gastouderbureau).
   • Pre-school groups (peuteropvang, formerly peuterspeelzaal): short sessions for two- to four-year-olds. Children at risk of a language or development delay can get a subsidised place in early education (voorschoolse educatie, VE), usually referred by the child health clinic (consultatiebureau).
   • After-school care (buitenschoolse opvang, BSO): before and after school and in school holidays.
   • Lunchtime care (tussenschoolse opvang): organised by schools; it does not qualify for the benefit.

   Care by family, friends or an au pair does not qualify for the benefit unless the carer is a registered childminder.

2. 2

   Step 2: Find a registered provider

   Only providers listed in the national childcare register (Landelijk Register Kinderopvang, LRK) qualify for the benefit. Search the register by town and type of care, and read the GGD inspection reports, which are public. Visit several centres, ask about the waiting list, group sizes, opening hours, holiday closures, meals, nappies and languages spoken, and register with more than one provider if waiting lists are long.

3. 3

   Step 3: Sign a written contract

   The contract must state the hourly rate and the number of hours of care, because the benefit is calculated from these figures. Check the notice period and what happens on public holidays and closing days. You receive benefit only for hours the provider is actually open and which are in your contract, whether or not your child attends.

4. 4

   Step 4: Check whether you qualify for the childcare benefit

   In most cases you qualify if:

   • you receive Dutch child benefit for the child, or contribute substantially to their upkeep;
   • the provider is registered in the LRK and you have a written contract;
   • you and your benefit partner have Dutch nationality or a valid residence status;
   • you and your partner both work, study, follow a route to work, or follow a compulsory civic integration course with a certified institution.

   Special rules apply for co-parents, people who stop working and some health situations. The Benefits Service's website lists all conditions.

5. 5

   Step 5: Apply within three months

   Apply online through Mijn toeslagen with your DigiD (the portal is in Dutch), or call the Tax Information Line for help or an appointment. You must apply within three months after the month in which your child first goes to childcare; if you apply later, you miss months of payment. Use the Benefits Service's trial calculation (proefberekening) first to estimate the amount.

6. 6

   Step 6: Pay the provider and keep your details up to date

   The benefit is paid to you monthly, as an advance based on your estimated income and hours. You pay the provider's full bill. Report changes straight away, such as a new income, more or fewer hours, a new provider or a change in your partner's situation. After the year ends, the Benefits Service sets the final amount; if you received too much, you pay it back. Keeping your income estimate realistic avoids large repayments.

How much is the benefit in 2026?

What changes from 2029

Complaints and concerns

Watch out

Common mistakes

• Choosing a provider or babysitter that is not in the LRK and then finding the costs do not qualify.
• Forgetting to report the end of a contract or a change in hours.
• Assuming that one parent's job is enough; in a two-parent household both partners must usually work, study or follow an eligible programme.

Tips

• Register with daycare centres during pregnancy or as soon as you know your moving date if you are coming to Amsterdam.
• Ask your employer whether it contributes to childcare or has arrangements with providers.
• If you do not qualify for the benefit, ask your municipality about subsidised pre-school places for toddlers.

Frequently asked questions

Editorial answers written by our team, based on the sources below.

Official links

In your plan

• Find a registered childcare placeAdd to plan
• Apply for childcare benefit within three monthsAdd to plan
• Get in touch with the youth health service (JGZ)Add to plan
• Register your children at a schoolAdd to plan
• Research childcare and schools near where you will liveAdd to plan

Sources

Written and checked by HomiStart editorial against the official sources below. Next scheduled check: 4 Feb 2027.