What is the typical kindergarten time in Switzerland?

Hours vary by facility, but Swiss kindergartens are usually open from 7:00 am to 6:30 pm on working days. Some facilities offer extended hours or weekend storage upon request. It is important to check the times of the chosen facility at the time of registration, as they must correspond to your working hours.

How are custody fees structured based on income?

Rates usually follow a graduated scale where the household income determines the percentage of the maximum rate the household must pay. Low-income families pay a lower percentage, while higher-income families pay more. Progressivity guarantees equal access to services.

What parental leave rights do you have in Switzerland?

Federal maternity guarantees 14 weeks of leave at 80% of salary, covered by the loss of earnings allowance (IPG). Federal paternity guarantees 2 weeks of leave. Some cantons and employers offer additional rights. Check with your employer and canton for full provisions.

How do I access Cantonal Custody Allowances?

Contact the relevant office in your canton (called the children's office, family welfare, or municipality). You will need to submit a tax return and documentation about your family situation. Access criteria, income limits and maximum grant amounts vary for each canton.

Are Custody Fees Tax Deductible?

In many Swiss cantons, childcare expenses for young children are deductible from the cantonal and municipal tax base. Deductibility rules and limits vary per canton. Consult your cantonal tax administration or a tax specialist to learn about the specific benefits of your situation.

Childcare in Switzerland: cantonal costs and subsidies (cross-border guide)

Di Redazione Frontaliere Ticino · Published on 24 August 2026

Swiss daycare center with children playing outside on a sunny spring day

How childcare works in Switzerland, what are the costs of kindergartens and the subsidies available to families at cantonal level.

Context

In a nutshell

Child custody in Switzerland is the responsibility of the cantons
Nurseries, day families and after-school are the main services
Rates calculated on the scale graduated according to family income
Cantonal subsidies available for low- and middle-income families

Key facts

What: Cantonal care system (kindergartens, day families, after-school)
When: Currently in force in Switzerland
Where: At the 26 Swiss cantons and municipalities
Who: Cantons and municipalities (organization), Confederation (parental leave)
Services: Nurseries, day families, after-school
Rates: Calculated on the scale graduated according to income
Support: Cantonal subsidies and tax deductions

Childcare in Switzerland is a primary responsibility of the cantons. Each canton organizes and regulates custodial services, defining access criteria, fees and financial contributions for families. This decentralised system mirrors the federal structure of Switzerland, where important competences in the social field fall to the cantons.

Childcare services fall into three main categories: kindergartens for young children (generally up to 4-5 years old), day families caring for children in their homes (more flexible alternative to kindergartens), and afterschool for school-age children. The range and availability of these services vary by canton: some have an extensive network of public facilities,

Operational details

How cantonal fares and subsidies work

Rates in custodial services are structured with an income-inclusive approach. Many cantons use the net income of the family as the basis of calculation, applying a percentage that varies according to the income group. This means that a family that earns modest amounts pays less than one that earns more.

The graduated pricing model pursues a dual objective: to ensure that childcare services remain financially sustainable while at the same time ensuring that families with limited economic resources are not excluded. Some cantons also provide additional reductions for families with multiple children in custody simultaneously.

Cantonal subsidies and access

The cantons offer direct subsidies to families, mainly aimed at those with low-middle income. These subsidies can cover a significant percentage of the living expenses, sometimes up to 50% or more, depending on the economic situation. To access benefits, families generally need to submit a tax return and documentation of their family situation. Exact criteria for access vary by canton, as do income limits and maximum grant amounts.

The role of the Confederation in parental leave

Although custody is primarily a cantonal competence, the Confederation plays an important role through the

Recommended tools

For an updated estimate, use the net salary calculator and the CHF-EUR exchange comparator.

Key points

How to Access Childcare Services

To access childcare services, the first step is to contact the competent municipal or cantonal office for children (designations vary by canton). The typical procedure follows these steps:

1. Gather information on available services in your municipality (public, private nurseries, daytime families, after-school care) 2. Submit a request to the competent office, usually during specific registration periods (often in the spring of the previous year) 3. Complete forms requesting information on income, number of children, and required childcare hours 4. Wait for the assignment of a place (not always guaranteed, especially for public nurseries with high demand) 5. Calculate the personal cost after applying the graduated tariff and available subsidies 6. Sign a contract with the childcare facility

Required Documents and Information

Typically requested documentation includes a statement of family income, employment contract (to verify required childcare hours), identity document, and proof of residence. Some cantons also require medical certificates for children (vaccinations) and references from previous childcare services

Tools and Support for Evaluating Costs

To estimate the economic impact of childcare on the family budget, it's useful to consult the cost of living calculator, which allows you to understand how this expense integrates into the overall budget. Additionally, many cantons provide online calculators specific to estimate tariffs based on your family's income

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical kindergarten time in Switzerland?: Hours vary by facility, but Swiss kindergartens are usually open from 7:00 am to 6:30 pm on working days. Some facilities offer extended hours or weekend storage upon request. It is important to check the times of the chosen facility at the time of registration, as they must correspond to your working hours.
How are custody fees structured based on income?: Rates usually follow a graduated scale where the household income determines the percentage of the maximum rate the household must pay. Low-income families pay a lower percentage, while higher-income families pay more. Progressivity guarantees equal access to services.
What parental leave rights do you have in Switzerland?: Federal maternity guarantees 14 weeks of leave at 80% of salary, covered by the loss of earnings allowance (IPG). Federal paternity guarantees 2 weeks of leave. Some cantons and employers offer additional rights. Check with your employer and canton for full provisions.
How do I access Cantonal Custody Allowances?: Contact the relevant office in your canton (called the children's office, family welfare, or municipality). You will need to submit a tax return and documentation about your family situation. Access criteria, income limits and maximum grant amounts vary for each canton.
Are Custody Fees Tax Deductible?: In many Swiss cantons, childcare expenses for young children are deductible from the cantonal and municipal tax base. Deductibility rules and limits vary per canton. Consult your cantonal tax administration or a tax specialist to learn about the specific benefits of your situation.