The decision to move to a different country is never easy to make. Especially not if you have young children. Flanders has extensive infrastructure to make sure your family has all the support it needs and your children have every opportunity possible.
Child benefit payments (Groeipakket)
Part of this support? The Government of Flanders assists you with the cost of raising your children. It’s more or less always the case when they’re under 18 years of age, but between the ages of 18 and 25, your child needs to meet certain requirements to qualify for these payments. For example, your child needs to be enrolled in tertiary education(opens in new window) or to have finished their formal education(opens in new window) and reached the age of 21.
Childcare
You’ll find childcare is very popular in Flanders. And understandably so. While your children play and explore with other children in a healthy, safe environment, you’re able to work or attend training courses or other educational classes.
There are different types of childcare aimed at babies, toddlers and school-aged children. Children with special needs are also welcome in childcare centres. You are usually entitled to tax/fiscal deductions for your childcare costs.
And this brings up the costs of childcare. How much will it cost? Basically, in most childcare facilities, the price is based on your income. In other facilities you often pay a fixed price, which the childcare can determine itself. You can ask the childcare for information about the price.
Finding a childcare centre
Please note that is extremely difficult to find vacancies with childcare providers in certain regions in Flanders. We strongly recommend beginning your search as soon as you know you are pregnant or have decided you’ll be moving to Flanders.
Kinderopvangzoeker (in Dutch)(opens in new window) is a website devoted to helping parents find childcare. It includes the addresses of all licensed childcare centres in Flanders and Brussels. Please note that it’s only available in Dutch.
Furthermore, every municipality maintains a list of childcare providers. And there is often a website with all the information you need. Failing this? Contact childcare centres yourself. Ask if they have any vacancies. If they do, arrange to meet in person. If there are no vacancies? They may be aware of other childcare providers who do have them.
Au pairs and nannies
Would you prefer to a nanny or an au pair to take your children to a childcare centre? There are several private agencies that will match your needs to an au pair or nanny. A quick internet search should provide you with plenty of options.
We strongly recommend you arrange a written employment contract(opens in new window) (contract for servants). This way, you and your nanny/au pair knows exactly what is expected of them, what is permitted and what is not permitted.
The employment contract for servants stipulates how much your nanny or au pair will be paid for performing domestic manual labour - or taking care of your children and possibly performing other chores - under your authority as an employer. A contract for servants can be concluded for a definite or indefinite period. If you are engaging a nanny for a definite period, you always need to enter into a contract.
Education
Education systems differ across the European Union. The education system in Flanders(opens in new window) is divided into several levels. It may be quite different from what you are accustomed to. Many children start attending kindergarten or school at the age of two and a half. Primary education and secondary education follow. Tertiary education is offered at hogescholen and universities.