Apply for a daycare spot
Registration for a spot in a daycare center or family daycare through the Youth Welfare Office or the city’s daycare portal.
Wo wohnen Sie?
Damit wir Apply for a daycare spot mit dem zuständigen Jugendamt in Ihrer Stadt anzeigen können.
Oder Großstadt wählen:
Sie werden zur geführten Suche weitergeleitet – mit Kontaktdaten, Termin und nächsten Schritten für Apply for a daycare spot.
Quick answer
- 1
Documents you need
Child's birth certificate · Personalausweis oder Reisepass
- 2
Responsible authority
The authority of your main residence
- 3
How to do it
Apply directly online
- 4
Costs
Kostenlos
How to proceed
- 1
Register on the city's daycare portal
As early as possible, ideally right after birth, to secure a spot later on.
- 2
List multiple preferred facilities
Increases your chances of getting a spot.
- 3
Accept the offer
If your request is denied, you may need to assert your legal claim through the Youth Welfare Office.
Responsible authority
The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →
The essentials before applying
Who is eligible?
Parents of children who are at least 1 year old (legal entitlement) or of preschool age.
Income limit
Processing time
Nationwide: approx. approx. 2 months
Success rate
approx. 70.0 % (estimate)
Most common mistakes
- •Registration takes place just before childcare begins, rather than 6–12 months in advance
- •Only one facility was specified as a preference
Common reasons for rejection
- •No openings at the preferred facilities
- •Registration was submitted too close to the desired start date for childcare
Alternatives
- Check related services in the application assistant
- Use social counselling before applying
If rejected
File a written objection within 30 days – with reasons why the decision is wrong and any missing evidence.
Related services
Questions & Answers
Is there a legal right to a spot in daycare?▼
Yes, starting at age 1, children have a legal right to early childhood education and care at a daycare center or in a family daycare setting.
Freshness & source
- Maintenance
- Continuously reviewed & updated
- Source
- Familienportal des Bundes
- Data quality
- 100 %