Childcare in canton BS
All childcare options in canton BS
0
Providers
0
Daycare centers
0
Available spots
| Type of care | Costs (without subsidies) | Costs (with subsidies) |
|---|---|---|
| Daycare, full day | CHF 110–140 per day | Max. CHF 1'600/month (full-time) |
| From the 3rd child | — | Free of charge (for full-time place ≤ CHF 2'934/month) |
| Playgroup, half day | CHF 15–25 per half day | Discount possible |
| Day mother (via association) | CHF 5–11 per hour | Income-dependent |
Basel-Stadt has the most generous daycare subsidies in Switzerland. Parents eligible for childcare subsidies pay a maximum of CHF 1'600/month for full-time care.
Childcare in Canton Basel-Stadt
Basel-Stadt is the pioneer in parental cost relief: Since 2024, eligible families pay a maximum of CHF 1'600 per month for a full-time place. For the third child and each additional sibling, care is even free of charge. Furthermore, compulsory early German language support applies for children with little or no German.
Subsidies & childcare contributions
Basel-Stadt operates with childcare contributions (supply-side funding): The Daycare Specialist Office pays a contribution directly to the daycare centre. Parents pay the difference, capped at CHF 1'600/month.
Eligibility for childcare contributions:
- Taxable income + 10% of assets − allowances < CHF 150'000
- Allowances: CHF 37'500 (single parents), CHF 10'000 (per child)
3rd child free of charge: For the third and each additional sibling, care is free of charge, provided the full-time place does not cost more than CHF 2'934/month.
Compulsory early German language support: Children who speak little or no German must attend a German-speaking playgroup, daycare centre or day family for at least 3 half days per week in the year before kindergarten. This is a legal requirement.
Legal framework
Licensing requirements in Canton Basel-Stadt:
- Daycare centres require a cantonal operating licence
- Constitution of Basel-Stadt, § 11 para. 2: Right to supplementary childcare
- Responsible authority: Daycare Specialist Office
Tax deduction in Canton Basel-Stadt
In Canton Basel-Stadt, you can deduct childcare costs as follows:
| Federal tax | Cantonal tax BS | |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum amount per child/year | CHF 10'100 | CHF 10'000 |
| Age limit | Under 14 years | Under 14 years |
| Requirement | Employment of both parents | Employment of both parents |
Important: Subsidies and childcare contributions are deducted from the deductible costs. You can only deduct costs that you have actually paid yourself.