Childcare in Switzerland

Parents of young children aged between zero and four can access childcare in Switzerland. Childcare for very young children is mostly privately run in Switzerland, with a multitude of companies offering diverse experiences for your child, many of them in English. Swiss childcare is some of the most expensive in Europe, but that comes alongside some of the highest standards of care. 

When your child reaches the age of four, they are entitled to a place at preschool, which they attend for one or two years before starting primary school. 

Entitlement to childcare in Switzerland

Switzerland operates a private system of childcare between the ages of zero and four, with state-funded preschool programmes beginning on your child’s fourth birthday.

If you send your child to a childcare facility before the age of four, you will be expected to cover the costs yourself. There are a limited number of state-funded places for children under the age of four, but they are usually given out on a first-come-first-served basis and may be hard to come by, especially if you live in one of the larger cities in Switzerland. 

Private childcare is available to anyone who can pay for it, and there is generally a good availability of places, although you may want to enquire early to secure a spot for your child if you have a particular facility in mind. 

Since early childhood education at this stage isn't government-funded, you are not obliged to send your young child to daycare, but apart from helping you return to working in Switzerland, it might also be a rewarding experience for your child as they interact with new people. There are also centres that can support new parents from the birth of the child.

Childcare types in Switzerland

If you would like to access care for a child aged between zero and four, there are many different options available. Switzerland has a large system of independent childcare facilities, with many of them specialising in certain types of care. There are also many childcare centres that will be able to deliver their services in English, particularly in the larger cities of Switzerland. 

Crèches and nurseries 

The most common form of childcare in Switzerland is the system of crèches. These are facilities that provide comprehensive care for your child from a young age. They usually open at 7am and continue until 6.30pm Monday to Friday, although some may offer weekend or overnight services. 

There are some publicly-funded creches available which can offer discounted fees, but the vast majority are privately-run. Places are always in high demand, so it is recommended to apply for your child well in advance, perhaps even during your pregnancy. 

Childminders

In addition to a traditional crèche, registered foster families and crèche workers may offer care for your young child at their home. This system relies on families and people authorised by the Department of Youth Protection to care for your child temporarily during the day. 

The benefit of this type of care is that they can offer a more personalised service and be more flexible than a regular crèche. These services are in high demand and the application process can be more rigorous.

Home daycare and nannies

The final option for young children is to pay for home daycare for your child. This is where a registered nanny attends your house every day as required to take care of your children. This is a good option should you require the flexibility and highly personalised care that a nanny provides, but it is one of the more expensive options. 

How to find a childcare place in Switzerland 

The best way to secure a childcare place for your child in Switzerland is to approach your chosen facility directly and ask about their application process. They would be more than happy to talk you through the specifics. 

For details of childcare providers in your area, you can contact the children’s services team at your local council (Gemeinde), and they can provide you with a directory of local caregivers. You can also search options on the Kibesuisse website. 

Cost of childcare in Switzerland

Although there are some subsidies available, most childcare provision in Switzerland is privately-run, and consequently it ranks as one of the most expensive countries in Europe for daycare. 

The exact cost of your childcare will depend on where you live and the kind of childcare you choose to send your children to, but you can reckon on spending anywhere between 15 and 20 francs per day for a government-subsidised public crèche, and up to 180 francs per day for a private crèche. Childminders charge anywhere between 5 and 15 francs per hour, while nannies will charge considerably more, especially if they live in your home with you. 

You are, however, entitled to the family allowance in Switzerland to help offset the cost of childcare. On top of this, parents can deduct the cost of childcare from their taxable income, up to 25.800 Swiss francs per year as of 2025, in their tax returns. Your canton might also offer childcare subsidies. To inquire about this possibility, speak to your local Gemeinde. 

Childcare in Switzerland during the school holidays 

It is worth noting that many childcare facilities will close during the school holidays, and so if you do send your child to a nursery or crèche, you will need to make alternative provisions during those periods. If you are struggling to find childcare over the holidays, speak to your local council.