Childcare remains free of charge - Families save 18,000 euros - Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania Extends Free Childcare for Families Until 2027
Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania remains one of just two German states where parents pay nothing for childcare. The policy, in place since 2020, covers daycare, kindergarten, and after-school services. Now, the regional government has confirmed it will continue funding free childcare for at least two more years.
The state abolished parental fees for all early education services in 2020. This includes daycare, kindergarten, childminding, and after-school care. Since summer 2022, even holiday childcare programmes have been fully subsidised.
Families benefit significantly from the policy. On average, they save around €18,000 per child from birth until the start of school. The savings come as a relief in a region where household budgets are often tight. The decision to extend free childcare was finalised in early December. Parliament approved the 2026/27 budget, ensuring no fees for the next two years. The move reflects the priorities of the SPD-Left coalition, led by Ministerpräsidentin Manuela Schwesig. Her government has repeatedly emphasised support for families as a key part of its financial planning. Only Berlin matches Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania in offering completely free childcare. Most other German states still require parental contributions, though subsidies vary widely.
The extension of free childcare secures ongoing financial relief for families in the region. With the policy locked in until 2027, parents will continue to avoid fees for all early education and holiday programmes. The decision also reinforces the state’s position as one of the few in Germany with fully subsidised childcare.
