- Most children in Sweden attend preschool (förskola) from around age 1
- Preschool is voluntary, heavily subsidised, and fees are capped under the maxtaxa system
- Applications are made through your municipality, which must usually offer a place within 4 months
- Children can attend even if they don't speak Swedish, with language support available where needed
- EU/EEA and non-EU families generally apply once they know where they will live in Sweden
- Children of unemployed parents or those on parental leave are usually entitled to at least 15 hours of preschool per week
If you’re moving here with a child aged 1–5, you’ll probably hear about förskola (preschool) very quickly.
Preschool isn’t compulsory, but it’s a normal part of family life in Sweden. Most children attend between ages 1 and 5. It helps children learn, play, make friends, and get comfortable in Swedish society — while also making it easier for parents to work or study.
Förskola is affordable, subsidised, and widely available.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how it works, how to apply, and what to expect — including the practical things expat parents wish someone had explained on day one.
Swedish preschool is part of the education system, not babysitting.
It focuses on:
- play-based learning
- independence
- outdoor life
- emotional security
- social skills and equality
Children spend time outside every day — in all weather. Yes, even snow and rain. This often surprises new parents, but the idea grows on you.
Applications are handled by your municipality, usually through an online portal. Rules and waiting times vary slightly between municipalities.
To apply online, you'll typically need Swedish eID (BankID or Freja eID). If you don't have eID yet, contact the municipality directly for alternative application methods.
EU/EEA families
You can usually apply once you know which municipality you will live in. Your child will normally start preschool after you have arrived and settled in Sweden.
non-EU/EEA families
Most families apply after their residence permits have been approved and they have relocated to Sweden. Some municipalities allow expressions of interest before arrival, but places are generally offered only after you have moved to the municipality.
This is the part no official website explains well:
the inskolning period (settling-in)
When your child starts preschool, there is a gradual introduction period called inskolning.
This surprises many parents.
You don’t drop your child and leave on day one — you attend preschool together at first.
typical inskolning timeline
days 1-3
- Parent stays the whole day
- You join activities, meals, outdoor play
- Teachers build trust with your child
days 4-5
- First short separations
- Parent stays nearby
- Separation time increases gradually
end of inskolning
- First full day without parent
The goal is for both child and parent to feel safe and confident.
- Municipalities as a rule must offer a preschool place within 4 months of your application — often sooner
- If you have children aged 3–5, you may receive an offer automatically
- Sweden has many international and bilingual preschools (you usually apply to these directly)
Swedish preschools are strict about illness.
Your child must stay home if they have:
- fever (24h symptom-free before return)
- vomiting/diarrhea (48h symptom-free)
- eye infections
- low energy / can’t participate outdoors
The first year often includes many illnesses — completely normal.
If your child can’t play outside, they can’t attend preschool.
Swedish daycare = outdoor life.
Your child needs proper outdoor clothing year-round.
essential clothing checklist
☐ Rain suit
☐ Rain boots
☐ Snow suit (winter)
☐ Wool base layers
☐ Fleece layers
☐ Warm boots
☐ Waterproof mittens (multiple pairs)
☐ Hats for warm & cold weather
☐ Neck warmer (no scarves)
☐ Spare clothes (2 sets)
☐ Indoor shoes/slippers
Common Swedish saying: “There’s no bad weather — only bad clothing.”
Communication style can feel different.
Typical expectations:
- Daily reports are short
- Parents ask questions if they want details
- Apps are used for updates
- Staff assume trust from parents
“No news” usually means everything is going well.
The first months can feel overwhelming.
Totally normal feelings are tears, culture shock, lots of illness and a bit of self-doubt. But you get over it soon enough.
After a few months, most parents say:
- their child loves preschool
- independence grows fast
- Swedish language develops naturally
☐ Make sure your child is at least 1 year old
☐ Register at your local municipality
☐ Choose up to 5 preschools
☐ Apply online or by paper form at least 4 months before your start date:
- Offer usually arrives about 2 months before start
- If your choice is full, you’ll get the nearest preschool
- The earliest you can apply is 6 months before your start date
☐ Plan for a 1–2 week introduction period
☐ Give 1 month’s notice if you want to cancel an offer
- If you’re planning to stay in Sweden for a longer or indefinite time, it’s a really good idea to apply for a place in a Swedish preschool
- Förskola helps your child learn Swedish naturally, make friends, and get used to how things work here
- It also makes it easier for you to work or study, since childcare is reliable and affordable
↗ Find a school in Stockholm
↗ Find a school in Gothenburg
↗ Find a school in Malmö
how much does förskola cost?
- Preschool in Sweden is heavily subsidised, and fees depend on your gross income, i.e. BEFORE tax
- If you’re unemployed or on parental leave, your child is guaranteed at least 3 hours / day or 15 hours / week; some municipalities offer more
- Sweden also has a maximum childcare fee (‘maxtaxa’) to keep costs affordable
how many preschools can I choose?
- You can choose 1–5 options. You can mix regular preschool and daycare providers
- You can change your choices anytime before you get an offer — and keep your queue date
Important: Once you get an offer from one of your chosen options, your application ends.
when can I apply?
- You can apply up to 180 days (about 6 months) before you need the place
- Your child must be at least 1 year old to start
how do I apply?
- Apply online at your local municipality
- Or use a paper form if you:
- have protected personal data
- don’t have a Swedish personal number
- are foster parents
If you apply online, you’ll get an email confirmation. Make sure your contact details are correct — they’ll contact you by email and SMS.
what if my first choice is full?
They try to give you:
- your preferred school
- the same school as a sibling
If that’s not possible, you’ll get the closest available school to your home.
how do I cancel a place?
- You must cancel online through your local municipality, or with a form
- If there are two guardians, both must confirm the cancellation