Kita in Berlin: the Kita-Gutschein explained
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This page only covers what is different in Berlin. The rules, documents and deadlines are the same everywhere — see the national guide: Kita (daycare).
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How Berlin's system works
Berlin uses a voucher system. Before a Kita (daycare centre) or a childminder (Kindertagespflege) can take your child with public funding, you need a Kita-Gutschein, the Kita voucher. It confirms your child's entitlement and the number of hours.
The voucher and the place are two separate steps:
- Apply for the Kita-Gutschein at the youth office (Jugendamt) of the district where you live.
- Find a Kita with a free place and give them the voucher.
When to apply
Apply no earlier than 9 months and no later than 2 months before the date you want care to start. The minimum age is 8 weeks. Normal processing takes 6 to 8 weeks. The service page currently warns of longer delays due to a technical system change, so apply early in the window.
There is no deadline if you only want to increase the hours of an existing voucher.
How to apply
- Who: parents or guardians who live in Berlin and have custody. All guardians must agree and sign.
- Where: the Jugendamt of your home district. Each district's contact points are listed on the service page.
- Online help: Berlin offers an online form assistant (Online-Ausfüllhilfe). You fill in the form online, print it, sign it and post it to your Jugendamt. You can also hand it in at a Familienservicebüro (family service office).
- Fee: applying is free.
Finding a place: the Kita-Navigator
The official Kita-Navigator lists Kitas and childminders across Berlin. You can search for Kitas and providers near your address. You then contact the Kitas yourself.
What it costs in Berlin
Care in a Berlin Kita or with a childminder is free of charge for parents. Berlin charges only a small monthly meal contribution. Families on certain social benefits do not pay it. The national Kita guide explains fees elsewhere.
Berlin at a glance
| Topic | Berlin |
|---|---|
| Entitlement document | Kita-Gutschein |
| Issued by | District Jugendamt |
| Apply | 9 to 2 months before the start date |
| Processing | Usually 6–8 weeks (longer at the moment) |
| Search tool | Kita-Navigator |
| Parent fees | None for care; small meal contribution |
Official Berlin sources
Rules can change. These are the pages we checked — they have the final word. How we check facts
More for Berlin
- Anmeldung in Berlin: Bürgeramt appointments and local rulesHow to register your address in Berlin: which Bürgeramt to use, how to get an appointment, what to do in an emergency, and who can register online.
- Residence permits in Berlin: how the LEA worksBerlin's immigration office (LEA): online applications, contact forms instead of a booking system, emergency appointments and when to apply for an extension.
- All Berlin offices and links