Childcare costs and subsidiesArticle 3 of 6 · 4 min read
Is nursery free anywhere in Spain?
Free or near-free nursery places for children aged 0 to 3 exist only in some regions, at some ages, and usually with conditions. This page shows where to look and who tends to qualify. It is for families with a child under 3.
Key rules
- Where: Free or near-free places for ages 0 to 3 exist only in some regions and municipalities.
- Ages: Do not assume every age from 0 to 3 is covered, because free places often start at age 2.
- Conditions: Expect income and work conditions, and an authorised nursery.
- From age 3: Teaching is free in public and concertada schools, but canteen and extras are not.
The list of regions, ages and income limits changes each school year, so confirm the current details with your regional education department and town hall.
Short answer
No, nursery is not free everywhere in Spain. Free or near-free places for ages 0 to 3 exist only in some regions and cities, only for some ages, and usually with conditions. Where you live decides most of it.
Where to look
Several regions have schemes. They change each school year and by municipality, so treat this as a list of places to check, not a promise.
- Basque Country: a broad public nursery network, with fees based on income.
- Community of Madrid: a nursery cheque (Cheque Guardería) for some families. Some Madrid municipalities also offer free places for age 2.
- Catalonia, Galicia, Asturias, Navarra, Valencia and the Balearic Islands: programmes at various ages. Many run under national plans to expand places for ages 0 to 3.
Ask the education department of your region, and your town hall, what is on offer this year.
Which ages are covered
Free places do not cover every age from 0 to 3. Some regions offer them only for children aged 2 to 3. Others start from age 1 or from birth, usually with income or other conditions. Galicia, Asturias, the Basque Country and some Valencia and Catalonia schemes have extended free places further. Check the ages in your region's current call.
Who usually qualifies
Rules are set in each regional call. In general, you need to meet these conditions:
- Your income per person or per household is under a limit. It is based on your latest personal income tax return (IRPF).
- Both parents, or the single parent, are working or in a situation treated as equivalent.
- Your child is of nursery age and enrolled in an authorised nursery.
The income limits and the reference year differ by region. Get the current figures from your regional education department before you count on a place.
What changes at age 3
From age 3 to 6, the second cycle of infant education is free in public schools and in concertada schools (state-funded private schools). Concertada schools may charge voluntary fees for extras.
You will still pay for the school canteen (comedor), early-morning and after-school care, activities, uniforms, materials and transport. Some regions subsidise canteen costs by income and give grants for books and materials. Prices and aid vary by region and school.
The questions below cover the most common doubts.
Frequently asked questions
What conditions do I usually need to meet for a nursery cheque or bonus?
You usually need to meet an income limit and a work condition. Income is based on your latest tax return (IRPF), per person or per household. Both parents, or the single parent, must normally be working or in an equivalent situation. The child must also be enrolled in an authorised nursery, and each regional call sets the exact limits.
Are places free for every age from 0 to 3?
No, the ages covered depend on your region. Some regions offer free places only for children aged 2 to 3, while others start from birth or from 1 year old, usually with income or other conditions. Check the current ages with your regional education department.
What will I still pay once my child turns 3?
Schooling itself is free from age 3 in public and concertada (state-funded private) schools, but you still pay for extras. These include the canteen (comedor), early-morning and after-school care, activities, uniforms, materials and transport. Many regions help with canteen costs by income level and give grants for books and materials.
Which regions have free or near-free nursery places?
Several regions have schemes, including the Basque Country, Madrid, Catalonia, Galicia, Asturias, Navarra, Valencia and the Balearic Islands. The Basque Country has a broad public network with income-based fees, and Madrid has a nursery cheque (Cheque Guardería) for some families. The list changes each school year and by municipality.
More in Childcare costs and subsidies
Need certainty before you act?
For important relocation decisions, speak with a qualified human specialist.
Always verify important information with the relevant official authority or a qualified adviser before acting. This website uses large language models together with various public data sources, official government documents and other established sources. Due to the amount of data on this website, some information might be wrong. Information may also be incomplete or outdated.