Childcare allowance
The Dutch government provides subsidies to lower the costs of formal childcare which can significantly lower your childcare costs, if you meet the following conditions:
Both partners need to work or study
To qualify for the Dutch childcare allowance, both parents need to be in paid employment or study at a Dutch educational institute or university recognized by the Dutch Ministry of Education (OCW). If you are taking part in a retraining program from the UWV or a former employer, you may also qualify. Self-employed people also qualify, regardless of the level of their income.
Registered childcare
Your childcare provider (daycare, afterschool care, preschool or home-based childcare) should be registered with the national childcare register (Landelijk Register Kinderopvang or LRK).
Employees of international organizations, diplomatic missions and consular posts
Employees of an international organization and staff of a diplomatic mission or consular post may qualify for the Dutch childcare allowance. If you and your partner or spouse, living with you at the same address, are in paid employment and use formal childcare in the Netherlands, you can apply. Contact our Blue Umbrella staff for more information.