What does a nursery place really cost? Luxembourg
Estimate in a few seconds what families are left to pay once benefits are taken into account, under the system in force in Luxembourg. A simple tool to reassure parents from the very first visit.
How does the Chèque-Service Accueil (CSA) work?
In Luxembourg, nursery care is supported by the Chèque-Service Accueil (CSA). Children aged 1 to 4 who are not yet at school get 20 free hours a week, for 46 weeks a year, in an approved setting.
Beyond those 20 hours, parents pay an hourly contribution worked out from the household's income, its composition and the type of setting. That contribution is capped at 6 € an hour and can go down to 0 € for the lowest incomes. Meals are billed on top, up to 4,50 €.
20 free hours a week
For children aged 1 to 4, for 46 weeks a year, in a CSA approved setting.
Contribution based on income
Beyond the 20 hours, an hourly rate matched to the household's income and composition.
Capped at 6 € an hour
The hourly contribution is capped at 6 € and can be nil for lower incomes.
Childcare cost calculator
Adjust the settings to estimate what a family pays each month. The result is a simplified guide and does not replace an official calculation.
Where these figures come from, and their limits
This estimate applies the principle of the Chèque-Service Accueil: 20 free hours a week for children aged 1 to 4, then an hourly contribution capped at 6 € based on the household's income. We use three indicative income bands (a contribution of 0 €, 3 € and 6 € an hour) and an average of 4,33 weeks a month. Reference figures for 2025.
The calculation does not take into account the exact number of children in the household, the cost of meals (capped at 4,50 €), the holiday weeks without free hours, or the rules that apply to cross-border workers. It remains indicative and does not replace the official calculation by the Caisse pour l'avenir des enfants.
Reassure families from the first visit
With Kidola, you can show parents a clear estimate of what they will pay as early as the pre-registration. Fewer grey areas about the budget means more families taking the step.
And once the child is enrolled, Kidola handles the billing, the contracts and the follow-up, with no re-entry.
- A clear estimate of what parents will pay.
- Quotes and contracts generated from the same data.
- Billing and payment tracking automated.
Frequently asked questions about childcare costs
Do the 20 free hours apply to everyone?
They apply to children aged 1 to 4 who are not yet at school, in a CSA approved setting, for 46 weeks a year. Some holiday weeks are excluded.
How is the parents' contribution set?
From the household's net taxable income, its composition and the number of hours of care. The hourly rate is capped at 6 € and can go down to 0 €.
Are cross-border workers entitled to it?
Yes, if at least one parent works in Luxembourg and pays social security contributions there. Applications go through the Caisse pour l'avenir des enfants.