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Kindergarten in Vienna: enrolment

Municipal kindergartens in Vienna are free for families with their main residence in Vienna — you only pay for meals. The key is not to miss the enrolment period.

When to enrol
November–December of the year before (for September)
Cost
Free; meals €99.49 a month (from Sept 2026)
Compulsory
From age 5 (by 1 Sept): at least 20 hours a week, 4 days
Answer
Decision — by the end of March

Step by step

  1. Apply during the main enrolment period — November and December — online at mein.wien.gv.at or via the MA 10 service centre (tel. +43 1 277 55 55).
  2. Choose your preferred kindergartens and hours. A customer number (Kundennummer) is assigned automatically if the child and a parent have their main residence in Austria.
  3. If you work or study, attach proof no older than 3 months — it is considered when places are allocated.
  4. By the end of March you get a decision for September. For a 5-year-old, kindergarten is compulsory — at least 20 hours a week over 4 days.

What to bring

  • Photo ID of the parent(s)
  • Address registration (Meldezettel) of child and parent
  • Proof of work or study (not older than 3 months), if applicable

Common mistakes

Applying in spring — by then most September places are already allocated.

Skipping the compulsory year without an exemption: fines of up to €440. Exemptions must be reported by 30 June.

Words you will meet

anmeldento enrol, register
der Platzplace
abholento pick up
die Betreuungszeitcare hours
der Essensbeitragmeal contribution

Official sources

Checked: 2026-10-05. This is a plain-language summary of official information, not legal advice. Deadlines and amounts change — check the linked official sources before you go.