How does childcare in the Netherlands work?
The Dutch childcare system is highly regulated and differs in several ways from what you may be used to in other countries. All childcare locations must be registered in the National Childcare Register (Landelijk Register Kinderopvang/LRK) and are inspected annually by the Municipal Health Service (GGD). This provides a basic quality guarantee, but it also means that as a new parent in the Netherlands, you'll be navigating a system with its own logic ā including waiting lists, benefit applications, and educational standards.
Amsterdam has a large and diverse range of childcare options, from large organizations with multiple locations to smaller settings with a specific educational philosophy. That diversity is exactly what makes comparing your options worthwhile.
Daycare center, after-school care, or childminder: what suits your situation?
For children aged 0 to 4, the daycare center (kinderdagverblijf/KDV) is the most common option. Children attend full or half days and are cared for by qualified childcare professionals in fixed groups. For children aged 4 to 12, there is after-school care (BSO), which provides care before and after school and during holidays. A third option is the childminder (gastouder): small-scale care in someone's home, offering more flexibility in hours and a more homely atmosphere. Childminder care (gastouderopvang) can only be arranged through a registered childminder agency. The best fit depends on your child's age, your working hours, and your preference for group size.
The cost of childcare in the Netherlands and the childcare benefit
Childcare in the Netherlands is priced based on an hourly rate and the facility's opening hours. At most childcare locations, you sign a contract covering all hours the facility is open, meaning you pay for those hours regardless of whether your child attends. Hourly rates at daycare centers in Amsterdam typically range from ā¬12 to ā¬13.50, while after-school care generally costs ā¬10 to ā¬12 per hour.
Childcare in the Netherlands is partly funded by the government through the childcare benefit (kinderopvangtoeslag). This is an income-dependent allowance ā the higher your income, the lower the percentage reimbursed: up to 96% for the lowest incomes, down to 36.5% for the highest. The benefit is calculated based on a maximum hourly rate; the actual hourly rate charged can be higher. In 2026, the following maximum hourly rates apply for the childcare benefit: ā¬11.23 for daycare centers, ā¬9.98 for after-school care, and ā¬8.49 for childminder care. If a location charges more than the maximum rate, you pay the difference entirely out of pocket.
Prices in Amsterdam can vary considerably, so it's well worth comparing options carefully before signing a contract. Also look at what services and extras are included in the rate, as well as the opening hours.
Are expats entitled to the childcare benefit?
To be eligible for the childcare benefit, both partners must be working, studying, or following a civic integration program. As an expat, you are generally entitled to the childcare benefit if you work in the Netherlands and pay taxes here ā but there are exceptions, for example if you are paid through a foreign employer or if your partner does not have a work permit. Check your situation via the Dutch Tax Authority (Belastingdienst) or seek advice from your employer or a tax advisor.
The role of the GGD
All registered childcare locations in the Netherlands are inspected annually by the Municipal Health Service (GGD). These inspections assess, among other things, educational quality, the safety and hygiene of the premises, whether staff hold valid certificates of conduct (VOG), and whether the staff-to-child ratio (BKR) is being met. The BKR determines how many children may be present per staff member: for babies up to 1 year old, the maximum is 3 children per caregiver; for toddlers aged 3 to 4, the maximum is 8.
Inspection reports are publicly available through the National Childcare Register and on Kiddie. As a parent, it's advisable to consult these reports before booking a tour ā they provide an objective picture of what was found during an inspection, including any violations and whether they have been resolved. Want to know how to read one of these reports? Check out this guide to GGD inspection reports.
Bilingual and international childcare: what does it mean in practice?
Amsterdam has a relatively large offering of bilingual and international childcare, often referred to as bilingual or international childcare. At bilingual settings, communication consistently takes place in two languages ā typically Dutch and English. At fully English-language or international settings, English is the sole language of instruction, which can be appealing for expats on shorter assignments or in international home environments.
There are a few practical things to keep in mind. First, bilingual locations must still comply with Dutch regulations and are registered in the LRK. They are inspected by the GGD using the same criteria as standard locations. Second, waiting lists for bilingual childcare in Amsterdam are long ā often longer than for regular locations. Third, bilingual childcare is generally more expensive, and the hourly rate is more likely to exceed the maximum rate covered by the childcare benefit.
If your child is a bit older and attending after-school care, it's also worth asking whether English-speaking staff are available, or whether communication with parents in English is possible. Not all after-school care locations offer this, but Amsterdam has more options in this regard than most other parts of the Netherlands.
How do you find a place, and why do you need to start early?
Amsterdam has been experiencing a shortage of childcare places for years. Waiting lists of six months to over a year are not uncommon, especially at daycare centers in popular neighborhoods or at bilingual locations. If you've just arrived or are planning to relocate soon, it's wise to start exploring your options as soon as possible ā even if your child hasn't been born yet or the start date seems far off.
A few practical steps: register at multiple locations simultaneously, as registration is non-binding. Ask each location about the expected waiting time for your desired start date and days. Also factor in the notice period at your current childcare arrangement if you're switching providers. Some Amsterdam employers have agreements with childcare organizations or offer employer-reserved places ā it's worth checking with your HR department. Want to know when to start your search? This article walks you through it step by step.
What should you look for during a tour?
A tour gives you the chance to get a feel for a location and ask targeted questions. Take your time and come prepared with a list. Here are some topics that are particularly relevant as an expat:
Language and communication ā In what language do staff communicate with your child? How does the handover at the end of the day work? Is there a parent app, and is it available in English? Some locations use apps such as Konnect or Famly, through which you receive daily updates about activities and meals.
Settling-in period ā Ask what the settling-in period looks like and whether it can be flexible. If you've just moved and are still finding your feet yourself, it's reassuring to know how much room there is to take things at a gentle pace.
Educational approach ā Ask about the location's educational philosophy. Some settings work from a specific framework (such as Reggio Emilia or Montessori), while others take a more eclectic approach. Also ask how they support children who don't yet speak Dutch.
Group composition and stability ā How many children are in your child's group? Are there dedicated staff members per group? How is staff absence due to illness or leave handled?
Practical matters ā What are the opening hours? Are there closure days (staff training days, public holidays)? What is the policy on sick children? These questions are answered differently in every country, but in the Netherlands each location sets its own policies.
Getting started
Finding childcare in Amsterdam as an expat takes a little extra preparation, but the system is well regulated and there is genuine choice. Compare childcare locations in Amsterdam on Kiddie.nl, where you can view GGD reports, opening hours, and location details side by side, and get in touch directly with childcare providers in your neighborhood.
