Moving to Denmark with children in 2026: childcare and school
In short. When you move to Denmark with children, the family needs to clarify residence rights, CPR registration, address, childcare and school in the municipality where you live. The municipality must offer a childcare place to children older than 26 weeks until school starts, but the guarantee does not give a right to a particular institution. Children normally start school in the year they turn six.
Which family documents should you prepare?
Gather passports or other accepted ID, documents on family relationships and custody, address documents and any papers on residence rights. CPR registration depends on the family's status and the move. Ask the municipality and the relevant authorities which originals and translations are required, rather than assuming one list fits everyone. Also bring your child's vaccination records and previous school papers.
How does the childcare placement guarantee work?
According to Borger.dk, the municipality must offer a place in age-appropriate childcare for children older than 26 weeks until school starts. If you want a place immediately after the first 26 weeks, the municipality has a further four weeks to offer it. In other cases the municipality must offer a place no later than three months after receiving the application. You can request a particular institution, but the guarantee does not give a right to that specific place. Remember the municipality's application deadline.
Source: Borger.dk, rules for childcare.
In the directory you can browse childcare institutions in Copenhagen.
When do children enter school?
In general, a child starts school in the calendar year in which they turn six. The first year is grade 0, called børnehaveklasse (kindergarten class), school attendance is compulsory, and children usually finish in grade 9. Some municipalities, especially larger ones, have reception classes where children learn basic Danish before moving to a regular class. In other municipalities the child joins a regular class directly and gets extra Danish support. Reception classes are free. Contact the municipality to find out what is offered where you live.
Source: Life in Denmark, enrolment to start school.
Browse public schools in Copenhagen and private schools in Copenhagen in the directory.
What do nurseries and kindergartens cost?
Parental fees depend on the municipality, the type of institution and opening hours. Some families may get a subsidy depending on income, so ask the municipality. Use the municipality's current rates rather than applying a Copenhagen price to Aarhus or Odense. Private arrangements can have other terms.
How do families access healthcare and school support?
Once the family is registered and entitled to public health insurance, each family member receives a health card, and the child can use public healthcare services. What the family is entitled to depends on residence basis and status, so clarify it with the municipality and the relevant authorities. Read more in our guide to healthcare in Denmark. Schools and childcare providers can assess language, development and the need for extra support, so talk to the institution early about any special medical needs.
Frequently asked questions
For children older than 26 weeks until school starts.
No, you can request an institution, but the guarantee does not give a right to that specific place.
In general the municipality must offer a place no later than three months after receiving the application.
In general in the calendar year in which the child turns six.
Børnehaveklasse (kindergarten class), also called grade 0.
No, parental fees depend on the municipality, the type of institution and opening hours.
Yes, many municipalities offer reception classes or extra Danish support. Ask the municipality where you live.
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