Finland has one of the most generous family support systems in the world. Immigrant families who are registered in Finland and hold valid residence permits are entitled to the same child benefits and daycare rights as Finnish citizens. Here is a plain-language guide to every key benefit.
Child Benefit (Lapsilisa)
Every child under 17 living in Finland is entitled to a monthly child benefit from Kela. Apply at kela.fi within two months of birth or within two months of registering in Finland. Payment amounts in 2026:
- First child: 94.88 euros per month
- Second child: 104.84 euros per month
- Third child: 133.79 euros per month
- Fourth child: 163.24 euros per month
- Fifth and each subsequent child: 182.95 euros per month
These amounts are not means-tested — every qualifying family receives them regardless of income.
Finnish Daycare (Paivakoti)
Every child in Finland has a legal right to a place in municipal daycare (paivakoti or varhaiskasvatuspaikka) from the age of 9 months. Contact your municipality as early as possible — waiting lists exist in larger cities and you should apply at least 4 months before you need the place.
Daycare Fees
Daycare fees in Finland are income-tested. Monthly fees range from 0 euros (lowest income households) to a maximum of approximately 295 euros per month for the first child (2026 cap). Second and subsequent children are charged at reduced rates. The fee is set by your municipality based on total household income.
Home Care Allowance (Kotihoidon Tuki)
If you choose to care for your child at home instead of using municipal daycare until the child turns 3, you may be entitled to the home care allowance of approximately 341 euros per month from Kela, plus a possible municipal supplement depending on where you live. Apply through kela.fi.
School System
Basic education (peruskoulu, ages 7-16) is compulsory and free for all children in Finland regardless of immigration status. Children of immigrants receive Finnish as a second language (S2) support within the school system — this is a legal entitlement, not an optional extra.
Apply for child benefit and your daycare place immediately after registering in Finland. Neither is applied retroactively in full, and daycare waitlists in cities like Helsinki and Tampere can be 3-6 months long.
