One of the biggest surprises for international parents moving to Norway is learning that while primary and secondary public education is completely free, kindergarten or preschool (the famous barnehage) comes with a monthly fee.
However, the government subsidises kindergarten so all children over age one can attend.
Standard maximum price and extra fees
The Norwegian parliament sets a national maximum monthly price (makspris) for full-time kindergarten, which applies to both public and private facilities.
In 2026, the maximum base price is capped at 1,200 kroner per month.
The total monthly amount parents pay is called foreldrebetaling (parental payment), and is handled directly by each municipality.
On top of this base rate, individual kindergartens charge a separate food allowance (kostpenger) to cover daily meals, which varies by municipality and facility.
For example, Oslo municipal kindergartens currently charge about 320 kroner per month for food, while Bergen municipal kindergartens charge 375 kroner. Private kindergartens set their own food fees.
READ MORE: What you need to know about preschool in Norway
Sibling reductions
Families with more than one child attending kindergarten in the same municipality automatically qualify for sibling reductions (søskenmoderasjon).
This applies whether your children attend public or private kindergartens.
Your municipality will give you at least a 30 percent discount for your second child, while a third child and any more siblings get a free kindergarten place.
Reduced payment cap based on income
Under Norwegian regulations, no family should pay more than 6 percent of their total combined gross income for a kindergarten spot. So, if your combined household income is low, you can apply for a reduced payment.
In practice, this means households with an annual income below 220,000 kroner can pay reduced fees.
Before doing the calculations, remember that the total income calculation includes the combined earnings of both cohabiting parents, spouses, or registered partners residing at the same address.
To receive this reduced rate, apply through your local municipality’s website and include your latest tax assessment or proof of recent income.
You can also find the service by searching for "redusert foreldrebetaling" followed by your municipality's name.
This reduction lasts for one academic year, so you need to reapply before each new school year.
Free core time (gratis kjernetid)
If your total annual household income is below 692,465 kroner, your child aged two to five can get up to 20 hours of free core time (gratis kjernetid) each week.
This would mean that if your child attends kindergarten part-time (up to 20 hours per week), your entire base monthly tuition fee will be 100 percent covered (though food fees may still apply separately).
For full-time attendance, the municipality subtracts the cost of those 20 hours from your monthly bill.
Like the income-based payment cap, free core time is not granted automatically. You must submit an active application through your local municipality’s website or search for "gratis kjernetid" followed by your kommune name.
Child benefit and income calculations
Beyond kindergarten discounts, parents living in Norway, including foreign residents who meet residency requirements, can access additional financial support from Norway’s welfare agency, NAV. While this isn't directly tied to childcare pricing, it is a major financial bonus for families to know about.
The main support is the ordinary child benefit (barnetrygd), a scheme that provides monthly assistance for children under 18 at a fixed rate of 2,012 kroner per child.
Good news: Child benefit payments are non-taxable and are not counted when your municipality calculates your total household income for kindergarten discounts. This means getting this monthly support will not increase your calculated income or affect your eligibility for lower fees.
READ ALSO: Everything you need to know about the new school year in Norway
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