Nursery and Childcare Costs Calculator

Average monthly nursery costs in Poland in 2026 range from PLN 800 (public nurseries in smaller towns) to PLN 3,500 (private nurseries in large cities). Meals add PLN 200–600/month and other fees are extra. After the Aktywny Rodzic subsidy (up to PLN 1,500/month), the actual out-of-pocket cost is significantly lower.

"Aktywny Rodzic" is a government subsidy for childcare of children under 3, worth up to PLN 1,500/month. It is available to families whose child attends a nursery, toddler club or is cared for by a registered childminder. Applications are submitted via ZUS or the mObywatel app. There is no income threshold.

Public nurseries are not completely free — fees depend on family income and local municipality policy (PLN 0–1,000/month). Meals are charged separately. After the Aktywny Rodzic subsidy (PLN 1,500), most parents using public nurseries pay nothing or a token amount.

Nursery meal fees are typically PLN 15–30 per day (4–6 meals), giving around PLN 300–600/month. In public nurseries the per-meal rate is set by the municipality; in private nurseries meals may be bundled into the overall fee or charged separately.

Annual cost = (fee + meals + other) × number of months − annual subsidy. The calculator performs this automatically. A typical nursery year is 11 months (August break), though some facilities operate year-round for 12 months.

A child can start nursery from 20 weeks of age (around 5 months). Most facilities accept children from 6 months. The maximum age is 3 years (36 months), after which the child transitions to kindergarten.

No — you must apply through ZUS (PUE ZUS platform) or the mObywatel app. Either parent or legal guardian can apply. Once approved, the benefit is paid directly to the nursery or to the parent's bank account, depending on the option chosen.

Most nurseries refund the value of missed meals for days of absence. The fixed monthly fee is typically non-refundable or partially refunded after several consecutive days of absence. The terms are set out in the contract with the facility. The Aktywny Rodzic subsidy is not reduced for sick days.

Beyond the nursery fee and meals, there may be: NNW accident insurance for the child (PLN 30–100/year), arts and crafts materials (PLN 20–50/month), trips and cultural outings (up to PLN 50 per trip), annual photos, and clothing costs (spare clothes, slippers, bedding).

Nursery fees themselves cannot be deducted from income tax in Poland (unlike in some other countries). However, the child tax relief (ulga prorodzinna) of up to PLN 1,112/year for the first and second child is available regardless of nursery attendance. Use our child tax relief calculator for the exact amount.