From what age does a child from Ukraine have an entitlement to a Kita place?

From the first birthday. The legal entitlement (Rechtsanspruch) to early care is enshrined in § 24 SGB VIII and has applied since 1 August 2013 to all children living in Germany, regardless of nationality and parents' employment. For children from age 3 until school, a separate entitlement has applied since as early as 1996.

What is a Kita-Gutschein and what is it for?

It is a voucher from the Jugendamt that confirms your child's entitlement to care and states from which day and how many hours per day they may attend the Kita. Without the voucher, the nursery will not sign a contract with you. First you obtain the voucher, then you look for a place.

Where do I apply for a Kita-Gutschein?

To the Jugendamt (youth welfare office) of the district where you live — regardless of where the nursery is located. The application can be filled in online or the PDF downloaded, signed by all guardians and sent by post or submitted in person at the Familienservicebüro.

Well in advance. General rule: at the earliest 6 and at the latest 3 months before the desired date. In Berlin, the first request is submitted at the earliest 9 and at the latest 2 months before the start; processing takes 6–8 weeks.

Country update

A Kita place for a child from Ukraine in Germany 2026: entitlement, voucher, how to apply and how much it costs

Published Jun 20, 2026 · Updated Jun 20, 2026 · 6 хв read

Source: Deutscher Bildungsserver — Rechtsanspruch auf Kindertagesbetreuung (§ 24 SGB VIII) Verified Jun 20, 2026 Affects:

Germany

Пластилінова діорама: німецький дитсадок Kita, Бранденбурзька брама, табличка DE і ваучер у руках батька й дитини.

In short. From age 1, a child has a legal entitlement (Rechtsanspruch, § 24 SGB VIII) to a Kita place — this applies to children from Ukraine too. First apply for a Kita-Gutschein at the Jugendamt of your district, then look for a place and sign a contract. Apply 3–6 months in advance (in Berlin — 2–9 months) before the start. In many states, care is free; in Berlin parents pay only €23 per month for lunches.

The legal entitlement to a Kita place applies from the child's first birthday (§ 24 SGB VIII) and extends to children from Ukraine on equal terms with German children.
First obtain a Kita-Gutschein (voucher) at the Jugendamt of your district, and only then look for a specific nursery and sign a contract.
Apply for the voucher well in advance: generally 3–6 months before the desired date, in Berlin — at the earliest 9 and at the latest 2 months.
The voucher determines from which day and how many hours per day the child may attend the Kita (in Berlin, basically up to 7 hours).
In Berlin, Kita care has been free since 2018; parents pay only €23 per month for lunches (exemption — via berlinpass-BuT).
If there is no place about 3 months before the start, contact the Jugendamt with a request for placement assistance; the entitlement can be enforced, including in court.

A child from Ukraine living in Germany has the same legal entitlement to a Kita place as a German child — from age 1. The entitlement (Rechtsanspruch) is enshrined in § 24 SGB VIII and has applied since 1 August 2013 to all children in Germany, regardless of nationality and parents' employment. For children from age 3 until they start school, a separate entitlement has applied since as early as 1996. Below is what this means in practice and how to get a place.

Who is entitled and from what age

From 1 to 3 years (U3): a legal entitlement to early care in a Kita or in Kindertagespflege (a home-based childminder) — from the day the child turns 1.
From age 3 until school: a separate legal entitlement to a nursery place.
Nationality does not matter: the entitlement extends to all children residing in Germany, including those from Ukraine.

Important: a suitable place within a reasonable distance is guaranteed, not the specific nursery you choose. If there is another suitable place in the municipality, you have to accept it.

Step 1. Obtain a Kita-Gutschein (voucher)

First the voucher, only then the search for a nursery. Without a voucher, the Kita will not sign a contract with you. The voucher is issued by the Jugendamt (youth welfare office) of the district where you live — regardless of where the nursery will be located.

Fill in the application online or download the PDF from your Jugendamt's website.
Print it and have it signed by all guardians (in the case of sole custody — attach proof).
Send it by post to the Jugendamt of your district or submit it in person at the Familienservicebüro.
Wait for the voucher by post. In Berlin, processing takes 6–8 weeks.

The voucher states from which day and how many hours per day the child may attend the Kita. In Berlin, a child from age 1 is basically entitled to up to 7 hours per day; more hours — if there is employment, study or a documented need.

Step 2. Apply well in advance

General rule across Germany: the application is submitted at the earliest 6 and at the latest 3 months before the desired date — the earlier the better.
Berlin: the first request — at the earliest 9 and at the latest 2 months before the start.

Step 3. Find a nursery and sign a contract

Look for available places (in Berlin — via the official Kita-Navigator search) and contact nurseries directly.
Offer the voucher to the chosen facility.
Sign a care contract (Betreuungsvertrag).

What documents are required

A signed application for the voucher.
Written consent of all guardians (or proof of sole custody).
For extended hours or a child under 1 year — proof of employment, study or self-employment.
If necessary — proof of residence (registration).

How much it costs

It depends on the federal state. In Berlin, Kita care has been free for all children since 1 August 2018. Parents pay only the meal contribution — €23 per month for lunches (in 2026). With a berlinpass-BuT, this contribution is not payable (since 1 August 2019). In other states the rules and amounts differ — check on the website of the local Jugendamt.

If there is no place

If there is no confirmation about 3 months before the start, contact the Jugendamt and submit a request for placement assistance (finding a place). The entitlement to a place can be enforced, including through the courts. The Jugendamt will also help you fill in the documents and submit the application free of charge.

Official sources

Questions

From what age does a child from Ukraine have an entitlement to a Kita place?: From the first birthday. The legal entitlement (Rechtsanspruch) to early care is enshrined in § 24 SGB VIII and has applied since 1 August 2013 to all children living in Germany, regardless of nationality and parents' employment. For children from age 3 until school, a separate entitlement has applied since as early as 1996.
Do you have to pay for the Kita?: It depends on the federal state. In Berlin, Kita care has been free since 1 August 2018 for all children; parents pay only the meal contribution — €23 per month for lunches (in 2026). With a berlinpass-BuT, this contribution is not payable since 1 August 2019. In other states the rules and amounts differ.
What is a Kita-Gutschein and what is it for?: It is a voucher from the Jugendamt that confirms your child's entitlement to care and states from which day and how many hours per day they may attend the Kita. Without the voucher, the nursery will not sign a contract with you. First you obtain the voucher, then you look for a place.
Where do I apply for a Kita-Gutschein?: To the Jugendamt (youth welfare office) of the district where you live — regardless of where the nursery is located. The application can be filled in online or the PDF downloaded, signed by all guardians and sent by post or submitted in person at the Familienservicebüro.
When should I apply?: Well in advance. General rule: at the earliest 6 and at the latest 3 months before the desired date. In Berlin, the first request is submitted at the earliest 9 and at the latest 2 months before the start; processing takes 6–8 weeks.
What to do if there is no place?: If there is no confirmation of a place about 3 months before the desired start, contact the responsible Jugendamt and submit a request for placement assistance (finding a place). The entitlement to a place can be enforced, including through the courts. A specific nursery is not guaranteed — a suitable place within a reasonable distance is offered.