How to apply for Kita-Gutschein in Berlin Germany: Costs, hours & best Kitas in Germany #

Looking for childcare in Berlin. or Germany? Germany offers affordable and high-quality early childhood education through Kindergartens (Kitas). The Kita-Gutschein (Childcare Voucher) helps parents cover the costs of daycare. Here’s everything you need to know!

What is a Kita in Germany? #

A Kita (Kindertagesstätte) is a daycare center for children aged 0-6 years.

• It helps kids learn and socialize before primary school.
• Available as public (state-funded) or private Kitas.
• Costs are partially or fully covered by the Kita-Gutschein.

What is a Kita-Gutschein in Germany? #

The Kita-Gutschein is a childcare voucher that covers part or all of the costs for daycare in Berlin.

• 100% free for children aged 3+ (no fees for up to 7 hours/day).
• Available for children as young as 8 weeks old.
• Parents pay only for meals (€23-90/month), depending on the Kita.

Who can apply for a Kita-Gutschein in Germany? #

You can apply if:

• You live in Berlin and your child is registered at your address.
• You need childcare for work, studies, or integration reasons.
• Your child is between 8 weeks and 6 years old.

How many hours Ddoes the Kita-Gutschein cover? #

The voucher covers 4-9 hours per day based on your situation:

Voucher type	Hours per day	Who can apply?
4-5 hours	Part-time	No proof needed (for all children 1 year+)
5-7 hours	Standard	Parents working/studying over 20 hours per week
7-9 hours	Full-time	Parents with full-time jobs, single parents, special needs

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How to Apply for a Kita-Gutschein in Berlin Germany? #

Step 1: Prepare the required documents #

• Parent’s ID/passport
• Child’s birth certificate (Geburtsurkunde)
• Proof of address (Meldebescheinigung)
• Proof of work/study (if applying for more than 5 hours)

More info: Berlin Service Portal

Step 2: Apply online or in-Person #

• Apply online
• Or submit your application at the Jugendamt (youth office) in your district.

Step 3: Get your Kita-Gutschein & find a Kita #

• Processing takes 4-8 weeks.
• Once approved, visit different Kitas and choose the one you like.
• Give the Kita-Gutschein to the Kita – they will handle the fees!

Find the right Kita in Berlin #

• Public Kitas (state-funded, lower costs, long waiting lists).
• Private Kitas (more flexibility, but higher costs).
• Parental Initiatives (Eltern-Initiativ-Kitas) (run by parents, close-knit community).
• Bilingual Kitas (great for international families).

Tip: Start looking for a Kita 6-12 months in advance – spots fill up fast!

Useful links to find a Kita in Berlin: #

• Official Berlin search portal – Kita Navigator shows you nearby options and tells you if there are any open spots coming up.
• Kita.de
• HeyAva.de
• Kita Spot Berlin: A Facebook page and an updated (paid) database that regularly shares available free spots.
• International families in Berlin: A helpful Facebook group for recommendations, especially for international or bilingual options.
• Kita in Berlin: Another active Facebook group where parents help each other.

Costs & financial support #

• Children 3+ get Kita for free (up to 7 hours/day).
• Under 3? The cost depends on your income, but most parents pay nothing or very little.
• Meal Costs: Some Kitas charge between €23-90/month for food.

Useful links & resources #

• Apply for Kita-Gutschein: Berlin Kita-Gutschein Portal
• Find a Kita in Berlin
• Jugendamt Locator: Find Your Local Youth Office