Finding the right childcare in Norway is usually less stressful than many expect. The system is well organized, quality is high, and outdoor play sits at the heart of everyday life. Whether you are moving here for work, staying for a year, or settling in long term, understanding the options will help you plan smoothly.
If you are looking for the quick overview, here it is: the most common choice for children aged 1 to 5 is barnehage (kindergarten), with both municipal and private providers offering full-day and part-time spots. From the school years, most families use SFO or AKS for before and after school care. Alternatives include dagmamma childminders, nannies, au pairs, and open kindergartens for drop-in play with a parent. Fees are nationally capped, there are sibling discounts, and many municipalities offer reduced fees or free core hours for lower incomes. Applications are handled centrally and admissions primarily start in August.
Let’s take a deeper dive into childcare in Norway, how to apply, what it costs, and what daily life looks like for your child.
How the Norwegian childcare landscape is organized
Norway separates early childhood years from school years. Children typically start barnehage sometime after their first birthday and continue until the August they begin first grade. After that, school takes over the main part of the day and SFO (Skolefritidsordning) or AKS in Oslo fills in mornings, afternoons, and holiday weeks. Throughout, local municipalities set practical details like opening hours and application routines, while national rules guide quality, staffing, pedagogy, and price caps.
Parental leave and the first year
Norwegian parents often spend much of the first year at home thanks to generous parental leave schemes. This period bridges the time until a barnehage place starts. Some families extend home care beyond that using kontantstøtte if their child between roughly 1 and 2 is not in barnehage. The specifics of eligibility and amounts vary, so check your NAV portal as you plan. The main takeaway is that many families transition to barnehage around the first birthday, timing the start with the municipal intake.
Barnehage for ages 1 to 5
Barnehage is the backbone of childcare in Norway. You will find two main types: kommunal (municipal) and privat (private). Both follow the same national framework plan, and quality is high across the board. Differences usually show up in pedagogy and atmosphere. Some kindergartens are nature-based, spending long hours outside on local trails and in forests. Others are urban and project-oriented with strong music or art profiles.
A typical barnehage day is unhurried and outdoorsy. Children play outside in almost all weather, nap in fresh air when they are small, and join weekly tur days to explore nearby woods or parks. Many barnehager ask for a small monthly food fee and provide a hot meal once or twice a week. Others prefer the classic Norwegian matpakke lunch from home. Staff use communication apps to share photos, messages, and reminders, and there is a gentler settling-in period called tilvenning where a parent stays part of the first days.
Tip: Ask about group sizes for your child’s age band, nap routines, food allergies, and how often they go on trips. Barnehager are happy to answer, and you will get a feel for the place quickly.
Admissions and how to apply
Applications go through a centralized municipal portal, even for many private barnehager. The big intake is for August starts, and the main application deadline is in late winter or early spring. Families rank several preferred barnehager and, if eligible, receive an offer later in spring. There is also rolling admission if spots open during the year.
Children generally gain a legal right to a barnehage place the calendar year they turn one, tied to the main intake. Priority rules can include siblings already enrolled, local residency, and certain documented needs. If you are new in town, submit your application as soon as you have a Norwegian ID number and address. If you do not have these yet, contact the municipality for guidance since procedures differ locally.
Tip: Always rank multiple options. You can accept an offer and stay on a waitlist for a higher choice.
What it costs and how discounts work
Norway uses a national maximum price for barnehage, and municipalities add local reductions. Families receive sibling discounts, and low-income households can qualify for reduced fees or free core hours for children from age two. Some regions offer extra subsidies. You will also pay a modest food fee if meals are provided. Because the exact numbers change over time, the most reliable place for current amounts is your municipality’s website. The key point is that costs are predictable and far below full market rates, which makes full-day childcare accessible across the country.
SFO and AKS for school-age children
From first through fourth grade, most families use SFO or AKS (Oslo’s name for the same service) for morning and afternoon care around the school day, plus coverage in many school holidays. You can choose full-time or part-time patterns, for example only afternoons. Activities include homework support, free play, arts and crafts, and plenty of outdoor time. Fees are separate from school and follow municipal rules, with reductions available for qualifying families. Registration is done with the school or municipal portal, and you can often adjust hours during the year as your needs change.
Good to know: Some municipalities provide a number of free weekly hours in the early grades or for specific groups. Check with your school office when you enroll.
Alternatives: dagmamma, nanny, au pair, babysitters
Not everyone chooses barnehage. Other options include:
Dagmamma childminders. A dagmamma cares for a small group in a home setting. This can be a gentler step for a child who thrives in a quieter environment. Ask about group size, daily routines, references, and how outdoor time is arranged. In many municipalities, childminders are registered or cooperate with approved networks for supervision and support.
Nannies and babysitters. Urban areas have agencies that vet caregivers, though many families also rely on personal networks and local notice boards. Make sure contracts, insurance, and taxes are handled correctly. Hourly rates vary, especially in larger cities.
Au pairs. Au pairs live with a host family, receive pocket money, and join language courses. They are not intended as full-time childcare or household labor. If you go this route, follow official rules carefully and set clear expectations.
Open kindergartens and playgroups
Many municipalities run åpen barnehage, an open kindergarten where caregivers attend with the child. You drop in for a few hours, meet staff and other families, and let your child play in a barnehage environment. It is a great bridge for children not yet ready for full-time care or for parents on leave who want social time and language exposure. These centers often provide friendly guidance on local services and can be a lifeline for newcomers.
Extra support, language, and inclusion
Children with special educational needs are supported through municipal services and the barnehage’s own resources. If your child needs speech therapy, adapted routines, or extra assistance, raise this early with staff so the process can start well before the first day. Many barnehager have experience welcoming families who do not yet speak Norwegian. You will hear simple Norwegian used consistently, and there may be bilingual staff or targeted language activities. Daily repetition, songs, and outdoor play help children pick up the language quickly.
Everyday practicalities that make life easier
Opening hours. Most barnehager open early and close late afternoon. Confirm exact times and build in a buffer for pickup to avoid late fees.
Holidays and planning days. Expect several staff planning days when barnehage is closed and shorter hours around Christmas and summer. Always check the closure calendar early, especially for July when many Norwegians take vacation.
Clothing. Outdoor play in all weather means a steady rotation of wool layers, rain sets, insulated snowsuits, mittens, and waterproof boots. Label everything. Send spare clothes and a sunhat in spring.
Sick days. Fever, stomach bugs, or contagious symptoms mean staying home. Staff will let you know the return rules. Norwegians are pragmatic about this, and many employers are flexible when children are ill.
Communication. You will likely use a parent app for messages, sign-ups, permissions, and photos. Keep your profile updated and read weekly plans so you are ready for tur days and special events.
Tips for international families
Ask for a tour before you apply, then visit again once you receive an offer. Look for warm staff interactions, calm transitions, and time outdoors. If your child is sensitive to noise or change, ask about smaller groups or extra settling-in days. Clarify food routines, allergies, and nap arrangements. For SFO and school, ask how homework time is handled and what vacation coverage looks like. If you are new to Norway, connect with your local helsestasjon for guidance on health checks, playgroups, and language support. And if you are waiting for a spot, combine open kindergarten, part-time childminding, and playdates to create a gentle routine.
The Norwegian system is built on trust, play, and the belief that children thrive outdoors with caring adults. Once you know the pieces, you can mix and match to fit your family. With clear calendars, the right clothing, and a bit of early planning, you will find a childcare solution in Norway that feels both practical and good in your gut.