Daycare in Hamburg

Hamburg childcare voucher system (Kita-Gutschein): Parents apply for a childcare voucher at their district office or online. With this voucher, they then apply directly to their chosen childcare centres. Since January 2025, there are “XL vouchers” valid until school entry, but they only cover 5 hours of basic care. For extended hours, the voucher must be renewed annually.

5 hours per day free of charge: Hamburg provides 5 hours of free childcare per day including lunch for all children from birth until school entry. Longer hours require parental contributions, based on income, family size, and care hours. Maximum fees are €191 for 8 hours and €204 for 10–12 hours per day.

Invoice from the district office (Bezirksamt): Parents receive their invoice from the district office, not the childcare provider. Providers are reimbursed directly by the city. For example, a family with a net income of €4,850 pays €191 for 8 hours of care for an infant. Families receiving social benefits (citizen’s income, housing benefit, etc.) are exempt from fees.

Long opening hours: About half of all centres are open more than 10 hours a day. Opening hours are set by providers. Vouchers are available for 5, 6, 8, 10 or 12 hours per day.

Wide variety of providers: Hamburg has municipal providers (Elbkinder), church-run, independent and private centres. The state framework agreement for childcare defines uniform standards. Parents have free choice of provider, but providers may charge additional quality fees of €25–45.

Hamburg Childcare Act (KibeG): The KibeG is the central legal framework for early childhood education and care in Hamburg. As a city-state, Hamburg combines both state and municipal responsibilities.

2024 reform and XL vouchers: The 2024 KibeG reform limits additional payments and strengthens parent participation. Since January 2025, families only need to apply once for the 5-hour basic entitlement — the XL voucher is valid until school entry.