Förskola registration guide: preschool in Sweden for new arrivals

For families, förskola (preschool) is often one of the first practical priorities after a move. Here is how it generally works according to Skolverket, with the parts that vary by municipality marked.

When municipalities generally must offer a place. According to Skolverket, municipalities generally must offer preschool (förskola) from age one when guardians work or study.

The free hours. From the autumn term of the year a child turns three, 525 hours per year are free of charge.

How fees work. Fees are set by your municipality, depend on income and are capped by a national maximum rate. Because the fee is municipal and income-based, the exact amount is something to check locally rather than assume.

Where to apply. Waiting times and the exact application process vary by municipality, so your own kommun is the source of truth for dates and queue rules. Application usually goes through your municipality — verify the local rules and waiting times with your municipality.

What this guide can't do. It can't promise your child a place, or say exactly when one will be offered — those depend on your municipality. Use this as orientation to ask your municipality the right questions early.