Childcare in canton LU
All childcare options in canton LU
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Providers
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Daycare centers
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Cities
| Type of care | Costs (without subsidies) | Costs (with subsidies) |
|---|---|---|
| Daycare, full day | CHF 100–130 per day | Reduced via childcare vouchers |
| Playgroup, half day | CHF 14–22 per half day | Rarely subsidised |
| Day mother (via association) | CHF 5–10 per hour | Income-dependent |
The City of Lucerne offers childcare vouchers. Other municipalities in the canton have their own subsidy models.
Childcare in Canton Lucerne
Canton Lucerne operates with childcare vouchers in the City of Lucerne and several other municipalities. A new cantonal childcare act (KiBeG) is intended to create a uniform subsidy system. The range of daycare centres and day families is good in the City of Lucerne, but somewhat limited in rural areas.
Subsidies & discounts
Canton Lucerne has various subsidy models depending on the municipality:
City of Lucerne:
- Childcare vouchers for families residing in the City of Lucerne
- Income- and asset-dependent
- Application at the Department of Social Affairs and Society
- A childcare voucher calculator is available on the City of Lucerne website
Other municipalities:
- Horw, Kriens, Emmen and other municipalities have their own subsidy models
- Check directly with your municipality of residence
A new cantonal Childcare Act (KiBeG) is being drafted and is intended to create a uniform system.
Legal framework
Licensing requirements in Canton Lucerne:
- Daycare centres require a cantonal operating licence
- Day families: reporting obligation via the municipality
- Responsible authority: Department of Social Affairs and Society (DISG)
Tax deduction in Canton LU
For tax period 2026, the following caps apply per child in Canton LU:
| Direct federal tax | Cantonal tax LU | |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum per child/year | CHF 25'800 | CHF 20'200 |
| Age limit | The child has not yet reached age 14 | The child has not yet reached age 14 |
Eligibility: Proven net costs borne by the family; the child lives in the same household. The care must be directly related to employment, education, or inability to work or provide care. For parents living together, both must be prevented from providing care for one of those reasons.
Cantonal special rule: A separate own-care deduction of CHF 2'000 also exists; the combined deductions are capped at CHF 20'200. Proven third-party care costs are uncapped in cases of incapacity for work.
Official source: Luzerner Steuerbuch: Kinderbetreuungsabzug · Rules checked on 14.07.2026