🇫🇮 How to Join Päiväkoti (Daycare) and Schools in Finland

A Complete Guide for Families in Finland.

Finland offers world-class early childhood and basic education, and it’s free for everyone living in the country — including international families. Whether you're relocating or already living in Finland, here’s your ultimate guide to joining päiväkoti (daycare) and school, with links to registration pages for every major city. Daycare fees are subjected to a monthly charges depending on Family's income.

--Varhaiskasvutus ---

🧒 What Is Päiväkoti?

Päiväkoti is Finland’s early childhood education system for children ages 0 to 6:

Ages 0–5: Optional early education
Age 6: Mandatory preschool (esiopetus)
From age 7: Comprehensive school (peruskoulu) begins

You can apply for a place in

a day care centre (päiväkoti)
group family day care (ryhmäperhepäivähoito)
family day care (perhepäivähoito)

🧒 Fee?

The early education fee (varhaiskasvatusmaksu) depends on the family’s income, family size, and

how many hours a week your child will attend early childhood education. If you leave your child only 4hrs a day(5 and 6 years old), its completely free.

A discount is granted for the day care fees of any siblings. If the family has a very low income, early childhood education may be free of charge. For further information, contact the advisory services of your own municipality.

Click here for details about the hours and fee.

📝 When and How to Apply?

Type	When to Apply	Where to Apply
Daycare	At least 4 months early	Local municipality e-services
Preschool/School	Jan–Feb (for August start)	Automatically assigned or apply directly

You’ll usually need online banking credentials (suomi.fi login) or Mobile ID to apply.

You can also apply via PILKE - Pilke’s private daycare centres offer innovative early childhood education and pre-primary education based on active learning and professional teaching – in locations across Finland.

🌍 City-by-City Guide – Päiväkoti & School Registration Links

Click on your city and follow the guidelines.
Helsinki: Daycare | School
Espoo: Daycare | School
Vantaa: Daycare | School
Turku: Daycare | School
Lahti: Daycare | School
Jyväskylä: Daycare | School
Oulu: Daycare | School
Tampere: Daycare | School
Kuopio: Daycare | School
Lappeenranta: Daycare | School
Vaasa: Daycare | School
Pori: Daycare | School
Kotka: Daycare | School
Rovaniemi: Daycare | School

📚 Additional Notes

You may choose between Finnish, Swedish, or English programs depending on location and availability.
Many cities offer preparatory education (valmistava opetus) for non-Finnish-speaking children.
Private and international school options are available in larger cities like Turku and Helsinki.

✅ Step-by-Step Checklist

✔️ Choose your city & visit the service link.
✔️ Gather personal details + online banking ID
✔️ Apply online or visit personally the nearest daycare centers by directly contacting the private day care centre, group family day care centre or family day care provider.
✔️ Wait for placement confirmation
✔️ Accept placement and prepare child for transition

💬 Final Tip

If you’re planning to move to Finland with children, don’t delay registration! Public services are excellent, but spots in top daycares or English-language schools fill quickly — especially in the Helsinki area.

Need help with the application or forms? Contact your city’s immigrant support services — most offer guidance in English.

📌 For more tips on life in Finland, follow sawfinland.com – your Immigrants community hub! you can also email to sawfinland[at)gmail.com

🇫🇮 How to Join Päiväkoti (Daycare) and Schools in Finland. Step by step process.