Childcare in the Czech Republic for Expats: Nurseries, Kindergartens and Leave

Posted on by Jan Marek

Childcare in the Czech Republic works differently for under-threes and over-threes. Places for very young children are scarce and mostly private, while kindergarten from about age three is widely available and affordable. This guide explains the options, how to apply and what to check, with figures marked where you should confirm current amounts.

Care for Children Under Three

Public nurseries (jesle) for children under three are rare in the Czech Republic, and most families either stay at home on parental leave or use other arrangements. The main options are:

  • Children’s groups (dětské skupiny): Small groups run by employers, municipalities, non-profits or private providers. They are the closest equivalent to a nursery.
  • Private nurseries and daycares: Available mainly in Prague and larger cities, with fees set by each provider. Ask for a current price list, because costs vary widely.
  • Nannies and babysitters: Hired privately, often found through expat groups and agencies.
  • Au pairs: Possible for foreign families, but visa and residence rules apply, so check current requirements with the immigration authorities or the agency before arranging one.

Waiting lists are common, so enquire as soon as you know where you will live, even before the child reaches the starting age.

Kindergarten (From About Age Three)

Public kindergartens (mateřské školy) accept children generally from age three until school age. The last year before primary school is compulsory and free of tuition fees. Czech law gives many children a legal entitlement to a place from age three, but this depends on your residence and where you apply, so confirm the rules with your municipality. Children of foreign residents can generally attend public kindergartens, and EU citizens and long-term residents have access under the same rules as Czech children. Check current eligibility if you hold a short-term visa.

Public kindergarten fees are low compared with private options, and each school sets its own monthly fee, with meals charged separately. Teaching is in Czech, so children without Czech usually get support during the first months, though the amount varies by school. Private and bilingual kindergartens, including Montessori and English-language programmes, charge much higher fees. Always ask for a current price list and what it includes.

How to Apply

Enrolment in public kindergartens normally takes place in spring, often in May, for the following school year starting in September. Each kindergarten announces its dates and requirements, which typically include:

  • The child’s birth certificate or passport
  • Proof of residence in the municipality
  • Confirmation from a paediatrician of vaccinations and fitness for collective care
  • A completed application form, usually available in Czech

Applications are usually made at the kindergarten in your catchment area, and Prague districts and other cities run their own systems. Because forms and staff are usually Czech-speaking, ask a Czech-speaking friend, a relocation agent or an expat group to help. See our healthcare guide for registering your child with a paediatrician.

Leave and Family Benefits

  • Maternity leave: Up to 28 weeks for a single birth, and longer for multiple births. A sickness insurance benefit is paid to eligible mothers, depending on insurance record and earnings.
  • Paternity leave: Two weeks of paid leave for fathers, paid through the same system for those who are eligible.
  • Parental leave and allowance: Parents can stay at home with the child until age three under employment law, and a state parental allowance is paid, with the total amount and rules set by law. The benefit depends on your residence status, so check with the Czech Social Security Administration or the labour office.
  • Child benefits and tax credit: Income-tested child benefits (přídavek na dítě) and a child tax credit exist, and rules differ for non-EU residents. Confirm current eligibility and amounts before budgeting.

Eligibility for benefits can depend on how long you have worked and paid social insurance in the Czech Republic, so recent arrivals may not qualify straight away.

Where You Live Matters

Prague has the most choice, including international and bilingual kindergartens, but also the longest waiting lists and the highest fees. Brno and other large cities offer a mix of public and private places at lower prices. In small towns and rural areas, there is often a local public kindergarten but few private alternatives, and families may rely on relatives or a nanny for children under three.

Practical Checklist

  • Ask kindergartens and children’s groups about places before you choose a home, since the catchment area affects your options.
  • Visit before enrolling and ask about language support, opening hours, meals and holiday closures.
  • Check current fees directly, as published amounts change.
  • Prepare translated and certified documents early.
  • Think about the school route as well, using our guides to international schools and public versus private schools.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can expat children attend Czech public kindergartens?

Generally yes, if the family is legally resident, and the application follows the same process as for Czech children. Teaching is in Czech, so expect some language support but also an adjustment period.

Is kindergarten free in the Czech Republic?

Public kindergarten is free of tuition fees in the last compulsory year, and otherwise charges a modest monthly fee set by the school, plus meals. Private kindergartens charge much more.

What if I cannot get a place in a public kindergarten?

Ask your municipality about other kindergartens in the area, apply to several, and consider a children’s group, private kindergarten or nanny in the meantime.

For the wider picture, see our guide to family life in the Czech Republic and the Expat and Nomad hub.