KiTa-Gutschein Check

Who is eligible for a KiTa-Gutschein in Berlin?

Every child living in Berlin has a legal right (Rechtsanspruch) to a KiTa place from their first birthday — and to part-time care of up to 7 hours a day with no need to justify it. Eligibility does not depend on your nationality: the child and at least one parent must be registered (angemeldet) in Berlin, and non-EU parents need a residence permit, but residence status itself doesn't disqualify you. For children under 1 there is no automatic entitlement, so you must demonstrate a need (work, study, or family circumstances).

How many hours of care will I get?

Care is granted in four bands: Halbtag (up to 5 hours/day), Teilzeit (over 5 to 7 hours), Ganztag (over 7 to 9 hours), and Ganztags erweitert (more than 9 hours). From age 1 you are entitled to Teilzeit (up to 7 hours) automatically. Anything beyond 7 hours is examined more closely and requires written proof of both parents' working or training hours. The exact number of hours is a case-by-case decision the Jugendamt makes from your actual schedules — this tool estimates the band you can reasonably request, not a binding figure.

What do I need to prove to get full-day (Ganztag) care?

Extended care beyond the 7-hour Teilzeit entitlement has to be justified. Every caregiving parent must show a qualifying reason that keeps them from caring for the child — typically employment, self-employment, study, or vocational training — usually with an employer letter stating your hours, a training contract, or proof of self-employment. If one parent is at home, on Elternzeit, or job-seeking, they are generally presumed available to care, so full-day care usually isn't approved (your Teilzeit entitlement still stands).

Does my commute count toward the hours?

Yes. The need assessment looks at the time you are genuinely unavailable to care for your child, which includes reasonable travel time to and from work or training (Wegezeiten) on top of your working hours. This tool can factor a round-trip commute into its estimate, but the Jugendamt decides the exact allowance from your stated schedule.

When and where do I apply for the KiTa-Gutschein?

Apply to the Jugendamt of the Bezirk where you live — up to 9 months and at least 2 months before your desired start of care (most parents target the first birthday). The application needs your child's Geburtsurkunde and Meldebescheinigung, so it can only go in after birth — aim for the first 4–6 weeks. Processing typically takes 6–8 weeks, and you can apply online through Berlin's Kita-Portal. You don't have to wait to start the search, though: contact and visit KiTas during pregnancy and get on their waiting lists early — securing a place and getting the Gutschein are two separate steps. Note that an approved full-day or extended voucher must be used within seven months of the approved start of care, or it lapses.

Do single parents get more hours?

A working or studying single parent justifies their full care need on their own (there is no second parent presumed available to care), and single-parent families also receive placement priority at KiTas. Flag your single-parent status on the application. If you have sole custody, a written declaration of alleiniges Sorgerecht replaces the second guardian's signature.

Is the KiTa-Gutschein free, and what does it actually cover?

KiTa is free in Berlin for all children from age 1 — the voucher covers the care itself. Parents pay a small meals contribution (typically around €23/month), and for children under 1 there can be an income-dependent co-payment. The Gutschein is valid across all of Berlin, so you can use it at a KiTa in a neighbouring Bezirk.