Moving to Finland with children in 2026: childcare and school

Families moving to Finland should check residence and population registration, apply for childcare and arrange a school place with the municipality. Finland normally offers a year of pre-primary education in the year a child turns six, followed by nine years of basic education beginning in the year the child turns seven.

Which documents should you bring?

Prepare passports, residence and family records, custody details, proof of address, prior school reports, vaccination history and relevant medical information. The Digital and Population Data Services Agency and the municipality can require different documents depending on status. Ask about accepted certified translations before arrival.

How do you apply for childcare?

Early childhood education can be municipal or private. Contact the municipality about applications, availability, income-related fees and possible service vouchers. A place at a particular preferred nursery cannot be promised before a decision. Ask about meals, hours and language or developmental support.

What is pre-primary education at age six?

The Finnish National Agency for Education says children normally attend a free year of pre-primary education at age six before basic school. Nine-year basic education begins in the calendar year the child turns seven. Compulsory education now continues up to age 18 or until completion of an upper-secondary qualification, subject to the applicable rules.

Are school and meals free?

Basic education is free, including learning materials, school meals and school healthcare and welfare services. Free transport can be available where the journey is long or dangerous. The municipality generally assigns a neighbourhood school; choosing another may be possible under restrictions.

What is the child benefit amount?

According to Kela’s child benefit table, the benefit is EUR 94.88 per month for one eligible child, a total of EUR 199.72 for two and EUR 333.51 for three. Each child under three adds EUR 26 per month. Child benefit is paid for a child under 17 who lives permanently in Finland. It is not automatic for visitors, so check eligibility with Kela before applying. Checked on 10 November 2026.

What about healthcare and language support?

Eligible families can use child health clinics and school health services. Preschool and schools assess support for learning Finnish or Swedish and any special needs. Share vaccination and medical information with the relevant authorities.

Related guides

• How to get into a municipal kindergarten in Finland: application, waiting list, cost
• Preschool at 6 years old: schedule, what is taught, and how it relates to first grade
• Moving to Finland without mistakes: how to choose a reason, work, study, family, business
• Daycares in Helsinki
• Schools in Helsinki

Sources

• Finnish National Agency for Education: basic education
• Finnish National Agency for Education: free education and meals
• Kela: child benefit
• Kela: changes for families in 2026