Full-Day School Care in Germany: What Expat Parents Must Know

Introduction

Starting August 1, 2025, a significant change in German family policy came into effect: every child entering first grade now has a legal right to full-day care at school (Rechtsanspruch auf Ganztagsbetreuung). This is a major shift for families across Germany — including the thousands of expat and immigrant families raising young children here.

For working parents, this change can be genuinely life-changing. It means you no longer have to scramble for private after-school care or rely on grandparents or expensive private solutions when your child starts primary school. However, as with many things in Germany, the reality on the ground varies considerably from one municipality to the next.

What the New Law Actually Guarantees

The legal right (Rechtsanspruch) means that local authorities are obliged to offer a full-day care place to every child starting first grade. In practice, "full-day" typically means care from the start of the school day until at least 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, during the school year.

This right will be extended gradually:

• From August 2025: applies to children in Year 1 (first grade)
• By 2029: will cover all primary school children (Years 1–4)

The care can be provided in different formats depending on the school and municipality — this could be an all-day school (Ganztagsschule), an after-school care program (Hort), or supervised lunch and afternoon activities on school premises.

How Municipalities Are Responding

The rollout is a massive logistical challenge. Cities and towns across Germany are investing heavily — building new rooms, hiring additional staff, and redesigning school schedules. The city of Pirmasens, for example, has been highlighted as a case study in how smaller municipalities are managing the transition with targeted investment in both infrastructure and personnel.

However, not all municipalities are equally ready. Some urban areas, particularly larger cities with already-strained school infrastructure, may face bottlenecks in the first years. This means that while your child has a legal right to a place, the exact form, timing, and quality of that care may differ depending on where you live.

If your municipality cannot fulfil the obligation, you may have legal recourse — but in practice, most families are advised to register early and follow up proactively with their local school or Schulamt (school authority).

What This Means for Expat Families

For expat parents, this change has several practical implications:

Work flexibility: Full-day care removes one of the biggest barriers for both parents to work full-time or return to work after parental leave. This is particularly relevant for families on dependent-partner visas who are looking to enter the German job market.

Cost: Public Ganztagsbetreuung is generally subsidised and significantly cheaper than private after-school care. Fees vary by municipality and are often income-dependent. Ask your local Gemeinde or school directly about the fee structure.

Language and integration: Full-day programs often include structured activities, social interaction, and sometimes language support — which can be a valuable integration opportunity for children still learning German.

Registration: You typically need to apply for a care place through your child's school or the local authority. Do not assume the place is automatic — you must actively register your child for the Ganztagsbetreuung program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this right apply to children of expats and immigrants?

Yes. The legal right applies to all children residing in Germany who are enrolled in first grade, regardless of the parents' nationality or residence permit status. If your child is registered (angemeldet) and attending a German primary school, they are entitled to this care.

What if my municipality doesn't have enough places yet?

The law is binding, but enforcement takes time. If your school cannot offer a place, contact your local Schulamt or Jugendamt (youth welfare office) in writing as soon as possible. Document your request. In some cases, families have successfully pushed for solutions or compensation for private care costs when the municipality failed to meet its obligation.

Is the care available during school holidays?

This depends on the municipality and the type of care program. Many Hort programs do offer holiday care, but it is not always included automatically. Ask your school or local authority about holiday coverage specifically.

Can I choose not to use the full-day care?

Absolutely. The right is an entitlement, not a requirement. You are free to pick your child up at the end of the regular school day if you prefer — or use the care only on certain days, depending on what the program allows.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Germany's new full-day care entitlement is a meaningful step forward for working families — and expat families stand to benefit directly. If you have a child starting first grade, or will in the coming years, the key actions are:

1. Contact your child's school or local Schulamt to find out exactly what care is available and how to register.
2. Apply early — even though the right is guaranteed, places in well-organised programs fill up.
3. Ask about fees — costs are usually income-scaled and may be much lower than private alternatives.
4. Check holiday cover if you need year-round childcare to maintain your work schedule.

This policy will expand year by year through 2029, so even if your child is currently in kindergarten, it is worth tracking how your local municipality is building capacity.

Source: Tagesschau