Childcare in Denmark

Updated March 2026By exploringdenmark14 min read

Denmark has one of the best childcare systems in the world – heavily subsidised, widely available, and integrated into the education system from age 0. The municipality guarantees a childcare spot for every child from 6 months. This guide explains the types, costs, and how to secure a place.

Overview

Danish childcare is designed to enable both parents to work. The state subsidises approximately 75% of the cost, and municipalities are legally required to offer a spot to every child from 26 weeks of age. Most Danish children attend institutional childcare from around 10-12 months.

The system is divided by age group, and each type has its own characteristics, staff ratios, and approach to early childhood development. It’s almost entirely publicly run or publicly funded, and quality is high across the board.

Types of childcare

Type	Danish Name	Ages	Description
Home daycare	Dagpleje	0-2	Small group (up to 4 children) in a caretaker’s home. Personal, cosy, home-like.
Nursery	Vuggestue	0-2	Institutional setting with trained educators. Larger groups, more structured activities.
Kindergarten	Børnehave	3-5	Pre-school education. Focus on play, social skills, nature, independence.
Combined	Integreret institution	0-5	Nursery + kindergarten under one roof. Children move between groups by age.
After-school	SFO / Fritidshjem	6-9	Before and after school care for children in school (børnehaveklasse through 3rd grade).

Childcare by age

0-12 months: at home on barsel

Most parents use their parental leave during this period. Denmark provides 52 weeks of shared leave with barselsdagpenge. Most families start childcare when the youngest parent returns to work, typically at 10-14 months.

6 months – 2 years: dagpleje or vuggestue

Dagpleje (home daycare) is a licensed caretaker who watches up to 4 children in their own home. Very personal, home-like environment. Often in smaller towns and suburbs.

Vuggestue (nursery) is an institutional facility with trained pædagoger (educators). Groups of 10-14 children with 3-4 staff. More common in cities.

Both are equally valid – the choice is personal preference. Some parents prefer the cosiness of dagpleje; others prefer the resources and peer interaction of vuggestue.

3-5 years: børnehave

At age 3, children move to børnehave (kindergarten). This is a pre-school environment focused on play-based learning, social development, outdoor activities, and preparing for school. Groups are larger (20-25 children with 3-4 staff). The curriculum includes language development, creative activities, physical play, and nature experiences.

6+ years: SFO

When children start school (børnehaveklasse at age 5-6), they can attend SFO (school-based leisure time) before and after school hours. This runs from ~6:30-8:00 before school and ~14:00-17:00 after school. Cost: ~1,200-2,000 DKK/month after subsidy.

Costs and subsidies

The municipality subsidises approximately 75% of childcare costs. Parents pay the remaining 25%. The exact amount varies by municipality.

Monthly parent costs (2026, approximate)

Type	Copenhagen	Aarhus	Odense
Dagpleje (0-2)	~2,800 DKK	~2,600 DKK	~2,500 DKK
Vuggestue (0-2)	~3,400 DKK	~3,100 DKK	~3,000 DKK
Børnehave (3-5)	~2,000 DKK	~1,800 DKK	~1,700 DKK
SFO (6-9)	~1,700 DKK	~1,500 DKK	~1,400 DKK

Sibling discount: 50% off for the second child enrolled simultaneously. Third child and beyond: even larger discounts or free.

Fripladstilskud: Low-income families can apply for additional subsidy. If your household income is below a certain threshold (~600,000 DKK/year combined), you may qualify for partial or full free childcare. Apply through borger.dk.

How to apply

1. Register your child on the municipal waiting list at borger.dk or your municipality’s website (in Copenhagen: kk.dk). You need your child’s CPR number.
2. Specify preferences: You can typically list 3-5 preferred institutions and choose between dagpleje and vuggestue.
3. Start date: Indicate when you need the spot (usually when barsel ends).
4. Wait for an offer: The municipality will offer a spot. You typically get one of your preferred choices, but it’s not guaranteed.
5. Accept or decline: If you decline, you go back in the queue. If you accept, you’ll receive practical information about start dates and settling-in procedures.

Waiting lists

The municipality must guarantee a spot by the time your child is 26 weeks old (if you’ve registered), but it may not be at your preferred institution. Factors affecting waiting time:

• City: Copenhagen has the longest waits. Smaller cities and suburbs are faster.
• Time of year: August (school year start) has the most turnover and availability.
• Preference flexibility: Being open to dagpleje or institutions further from home speeds things up.
• Siblings: If you already have a child at an institution, siblings get priority there.

International childcare options

If language is a concern, some international options exist:

• International daycare/kindergartens: Private institutions where the primary language is English. Examples in Copenhagen: Busy Bees, Copenhagen International Kindergarten. Cost: 4,000-8,000 DKK/month (less subsidised).
• Bilingual institutions: Some public institutions offer bilingual programmes (Danish + English or other languages).
• Standard Danish institutions: Don’t underestimate these – children under 3 learn Danish remarkably fast. Most international families find their children are fluent within 6-12 months. Staff are experienced with multilingual children.

Au pairs and private nannies

Some families use au pairs or private nannies as alternatives or supplements:

• Au pairs: Live-in childcare from a foreign national. Denmark has specific au pair visa rules. The au pair receives pocket money (~4,550 DKK/month), room, and board. Maximum 30 hours of childcare/light housework per week. Arranged through agencies.
• Private nannies: You employ them directly. Must be registered as an employer, pay tax and social contributions. Cost: 10,000-20,000+ DKK/month for full-time. Not subsidised.

Quality and curriculum

Danish childcare follows a national pedagogical curriculum (den styrkede pædagogiske læreplan) with six themes: communication and language, social development, body and movement, nature, culture and community, and personal development. The emphasis is on play-based learning – not academic drilling.

Children spend a lot of time outdoors in all weather (“there’s no bad weather, only bad clothing” is a genuine Danish philosophy). Staff-to-child ratios are regulated: typically 1:3 for nurseries and 1:6 for kindergartens.

What’s expected of parents

• Drop-off/pick-up times: Typically open 6:30-17:00. Late pickup may incur fees.
• Illness policy: Children must stay home if they have a fever (38°C+), vomiting, diarrhoea, or contagious illness. They can return 48 hours after symptoms end.
• Participation: Parents are expected to attend parent meetings, contribute to events (cake days, summer parties), and communicate with educators.
• Clothing: Send your child in weather-appropriate clothes that can get dirty. A spare set of clothes stays at the institution. Rain gear and rubber boots are essential.
• Food: Some institutions provide meals; others require a packed lunch. Check with your specific institution.

Common problems

We didn’t get a spot at our preferred institution

Accept the offered spot (you can always transfer later) and ask to be placed on the transfer waiting list for your preferred institution. Transfers happen regularly as families move or change needs.

My child doesn’t speak Danish

This is normal and expected for international families. Educators are trained to support multilingual children. Most children become conversationally fluent in Danish within 6-12 months. Speak your own language at home – bilingualism is a strength, not a problem.

The settling-in period is difficult

Danish institutions use an indkøring (settling-in) period of 1-2 weeks. A parent stays with the child for gradually shorter periods. This is normal and designed to make the transition smooth. Expect some tears – it passes.

Questions and answers

Can I apply before we arrive in Denmark?

You need a CPR number for the child to register. Once you have it, register immediately – even if the start date is months away.

What about school holidays?

Daycare and kindergarten are open most of the year, including many school holidays. They typically close for 1-2 weeks around Christmas and sometimes a week in summer. SFO follows a similar pattern. Check with your institution.

Is the quality consistent across institutions?

Generally yes – the national curriculum and municipal oversight ensure baseline quality. That said, some institutions have better facilities, more experienced staff, or particular focus areas (nature, art, music). Visit before choosing.