How do you find childcare in Denmark? Do you talk to fellow expats with kids in Denmark? Take a tour of your neighborhood to discover the best options for your child? Take your sweet time to build a friendship with a Dane before asking them for advice on your childcare options? If these questions have swum around in your head, filling your heart with worry, we have good news for you in this article. We will look at how to find good childcare in Denmark, how much it costs, and how to balance your work life and caring for your children in Denmark.
Types of Childcare in Denmark
There are various options to choose from if you’re looking for childcare in Denmark. These include:
- Day nursery
- Kindergartens
- Family daycares
- Au pairs
- Regulated private home care
- After-school programs
How to Enroll Your Child in Danish Childcare
Begin by securing a CPR number for your child, which is Denmark’s unique 10-digit identification number essential for accessing healthcare, education, and various public services. Your child will be eligible for a CPR number if they came to Denmark with you and:
- The duration of your stay in Denmark is more than three months.
- You’ve gotten a residence or a fixed place of abode in Denmark.
- You have a residence permit.
- You’ve notified the municipal authority that governs your place of residence about your arrival in Denmark after getting your residence and your residence permit.
If you’ve fulfilled the requirements listed above, register your child with the Danish Civil Registration System. You’ll use your Danish address.
Afterward, you must visit a citizen service center in person to complete the registration. During your visit, bring important documents, including your child’s passport or ID, proof of your Danish address, any documentation for name changes, the child’s birth certificate, and, if applicable, a marriage certificate.
When you have the necessary documentation in hand, including your child’s birth certificate and your CPR numbers, contact your local municipality’s placement service. Copenhagen has the largest market share of childcare facilities in Denmark, so it’s a safe point to start searching for a childcare center for your kid. If you’re considering getting childcare in Copenhagen, visit the commune’s page on school and childcare services.
After submitting your application, wait for confirmation from the placement service. They will inform you about the next steps, including the start date and orientation sessions. Ask about the starter package, which includes details about the daily routine, policies, and other pertinent information about the childcare facility. This package can help both you and your children adjust to the new setting more comfortably.
Cost of Childcare in Denmark
The cost of childcare in Denmark is fairly affordable, thanks to state subsidies. Prices vary based on the type of care, the child’s age, and whether lunch is included. For children under 3, a childminder costs around DKK 3,573 per month, while children 3 and older cost DKK 2,762 per month. Nursery and kindergarten prices for children under 3 are DKK 3,673 monthly without lunch and DKK 4,331 with lunch. For children 3 and older, the cost is DKK 2,020 without lunch and DKK 2,762 with lunch. After-school institutions run about DKK 1,800 per month.
Childcare costs in Denmark also depend on household income and the number of children. Municipal daycare offers income-based subsidies, with full exemptions for households earning up to DKK 200,300 before tax. Partial exemptions apply to households earning between DKK 200,300 and DKK 622,199, while those with incomes above DKK 622,200 cover the full parental contribution.
Parents and municipalities share funding for childcare in Denmark. While most childcare services are municipal, many privately-owned facilities are available as well. You have the flexibility to choose care that best fits your needs and budget.
Quality and Standards of Childcare in Denmark
Denmark’s childcare system has always been known for being accessible, affordable, and forward-thinking. But recent findings on vuggestuer (daycare for toddlers) show there’s room for improvement.
A national assessment by Denmark’s Evaluation Institute (EVA) and the National Research and Analysis Center for Welfare (VIVE) found that only 13 percent of daycares met high-quality standards, 49 percent were just “sufficient,” and 38 percent rated as “insufficient.” This doesn’t mean toddlers are unsafe or uncared for—most staff are friendly and welcoming. But many of these facilities could use more resources and targeted training, especially to help children with emotional needs and to foster stronger relationships between kids.
Even with these shortcomings, Danish childcare still stands out. From a young age, children here are given the freedom to develop autonomy; toddlers are encouraged to do simple tasks like removing their own shoes and jumpers. Nutritional standards are impressive, too. Daycares offer meals featuring Danish staples like rye bread, fish, and vegetables, aligning with Denmark’s broader focus on health.
So while the report highlights areas needing attention, Denmark’s approach remains unique. Children are encouraged to be independent; they’re well-fed, and parents don’t have to pay exorbitant prices for it. To address these quality gaps, the Minister for Children and Education has committed to working with municipalities. This has made it clear that raising the bar requires a more holistic approach to improve the experience for Denmark’s littlest residents.
Balancing Work and Childcare in Denmark
You can easily balance your work life and childcare in Denmark. Danish workplaces operate on a principle of “freedom with responsibility,” meaning you’re trusted to manage your time without a boss hovering over you. This flexibility makes it easier to handle childcare or family emergencies without hassle. With five weeks of vacation and ample sick leave, taking time for family doesn’t require jumping through hoops.
Denmark’s affordable, quality childcare system is designed to support working parents. Most parents here work, so flexible hours are common, and many jobs accommodate part-time schedules if needed. Public transportation is reliable enough to make commuting between work and daycare smooth.
While high taxes fund this level of support, they pay for the excellent childcare and healthcare that keep families well-supported. Although you’ll find it easier to integrate into the Danish society in the long run if you speak Danish, you won’t have a problem with communication until then.
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve examined various aspects of childcare in Denmark—from the types of childcare available to how you can balance your work life with childcare in Denmark. As you enroll your child in the childcare system in Denmark, try picking up a few Danish phrases along the way and encouraging your child to do the same.
