Becoming a parent in the Netherlands
Here's a comprehensive guide for expecting and new parents in the Netherlands, covering essential topics:
Medical Aid in the Netherlands for Pregnant Mothers
In the Netherlands, pregnancy care is primarily managed by midwives (verloskundigen). They conduct regular check-ups, monitor the health of both mother and baby, and guide you through the pregnancy journey. If complications arise, they collaborate with obstetricians or refer you to a hospital.
Find a midwife near you: https://www.knov.nl/praktijkzoeker
Information on pregnancy and childbirth: https://www.allesoverzwanger.nl/
Maternity Laws in the Netherlands
Dutch law provides robust protections for pregnant employees and new parents:
Maternity leave: Pregnant employees are entitled to 16 weeks of paid maternity leave.
Partner leave: Partners can take up to 6 weeks of paid leave within the first 6 months after the child's birth.
Parental leave: Parents can take unpaid parental leave until the child turns 8 years old.
For detailed information:
What Are Verloskundigen and How Do They Work?
Verloskundigen are certified midwives who provide care throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. They operate independently or within midwifery practices and are often the first point of contact for pregnant women.
How Does the GGD Work for Pregnant Women and Babies (Jeugd GGD)?
The Municipal Health Services (GGD) offer preventive healthcare services for children and support for parents:
Youth healthcare: Regular check-ups, vaccinations, and developmental monitoring for children aged 0-18.
Parental support: Guidance on parenting, nutrition, and child development.
Services vary by municipality. Here's a list of all the GGD offices across the country to help you find the one in your area:
GGD: https://www.ggd.nl/
What Is Kraamzorg and How Does It Work?
Kraamzorg refers to maternity care provided at home during the first week after childbirth. A maternity nurse (kraamverzorgende) assists with:
Monitoring the health of mother and baby.
Providing breastfeeding support.
Offering guidance on newborn care.
Kraamzorg is covered by your basic Dutch health insurance. You normally only pay a small fixed co-payment per hour (this is determined by the government and changes each year), unless you have supplementary insurance that reimburses it fully.
It's advisable to register for kraamzorg early in pregnancy (from your 12th week):
What Benefits Can You Claim as a Parent and How Do These Work?
The Dutch government offers various financial supports for parents:
Childcare allowance (kinderopvangtoeslag): A subsidy to help cover childcare costs. Eligibility depends on income, working hours, and the type of childcare.
Child benefit (kinderbijslag): A quarterly payment to all parents to help cover child-rearing costs.
Parental leave benefits: Financial support during periods of parental leave.
When should you apply?
Dutch residents already in the system usually don’t need to apply. The SVB is automatically notified of your child’s birth by the municipality (gemeente). Parents then get a letter to confirm payment.
As an expat / new arrival, you must apply yourself, because you and your child are not yet registered in all Dutch systems.
👉 You can apply as soon as you and your child are registered in the BRP (Basisregistratie Personen, the Municipal Personal Records Database).
What do you need?
Registration in the BRP (you + your child).
A valid BSN (citizen service number) for both you and your child.
DigiD to log in and submit the application (if you don’t yet have a DigiD, apply for one right after registering in the BRP).
Important timing
You don’t lose entitlement if you apply late, but the SVB will only pay child benefit retroactively up to 1 year.
Child benefit is paid quarterly (January, April, July, October).
Your first payment depends on your child’s date of birth and your application date.
Example: If your child is born in February, you’ll get the first payment at the start of April (for the January–March quarter).
What Types of Daycare Are There and What Are the Costs?
In the Netherlands, several childcare options are available:
Daycare centers (kinderdagverblijf): For children aged 0-4, offering full-day care.
Preschool (peuterspeelzaal): Focused on early childhood education for 2-4-year-olds.
After-school care (buitenschoolse opvang - BSO): For children aged 4-12, before and after school hours.
Costs vary based on the type of care, location, and number of hours. The government provides subsidies to offset these costs:
Update on Free Childcare Plans for 2027
The Dutch government initially planned to make childcare nearly free for working parents by 2025. However, due to staffing shortages and budgetary constraints, this plan has been postponed to 2027. Recent developments indicate further delays and uncertainties:
Postponement due to staff shortages: https://nltimes.nl/2024/11/12/govt-pushing-much-cheaper-childcare-2027-despite-staff-shortages
Budgetary challenges affecting implementation: https://www.dutchnews.nl/2025/04/higher-taxes-no-free-childcare-to-pay-for-coalition-plans/
While the goal remains to make childcare more affordable, the timeline and feasibility are subject to change based on future government decisions and resource availability.
