Nanny's - Premium Kinderopvang
April 1, 2026
6 min read
By the Nanny's Team

What does a nanny cost in Belgium? Complete guide 2026

A professional nanny at home costs on average between €15 and €25 gross per hour in Belgium in 2026, depending on experience, region, and tasks. Net costs for families are significantly lower thanks to tax benefits and service vouchers. In this guide, we explain all costs transparently.

Average nanny costs in 2026

A nanny costs on average between €15 and €25 gross per hour in Belgium. This is the amount before social contributions and taxes. The exact rate depends on several factors we discuss below.

For a full-time nanny (38 hours per week), this amounts to a monthly gross of €2,470 to €4,120. As an employer, you pay employer contributions of approximately 25% on top of this.

  • Starter (0-2 years experience): €15-18 gross/hour
  • Experienced (3-5 years): €18-22 gross/hour
  • Very experienced (5+ years, specializations): €22-25 gross/hour
  • Live-in nanny: Lower hourly rate, but including room and board

In Flanders, rates are on average 5-10% higher than in Wallonia, with the highest rates in the Antwerp and Brussels regions.

Factors that determine the price

The cost of a nanny is determined by experience, region, number of hours, task scope, and the chosen employment formula. Each of these factors can significantly influence the hourly rate.

Experience and education

Nannies with a degree in childcare, pedagogy, or nursing, and with proven work experience, justifiably charge a higher rate. Certificates such as pediatric first aid or training in positive parenting also increase value.

Region

In urban areas (Antwerp, Ghent, Brussels), rates are higher due to higher living costs and greater demand. In rural areas of Flanders, rates are typically lower.

Hours per week

More hours per week often means a lower hourly rate. A nanny working 38 hours costs less per hour than someone coming 10 hours per week. Minimum hours for payroll through Nanny's is 13 hours per week.

Task scope

A nanny who only does childcare costs less than someone who also handles household tasks, cooking, groceries, and administration. The broader the task scope, the higher the rate.

Flexibility and irregular hours

Evening work, weekend work, or last-minute availability increase the rate. Fixed schedules are more economical.

Difference between gross and net costs

The net amount you actually pay as a family is 30-50% lower than the gross hourly rate thanks to tax deductions and subsidies. This makes a nanny at home more affordable than many families think.

Gross cost for the employer:

The nanny's gross salary + employer contributions (approx. 25%) + any insurance. With a gross hourly wage of €20, you effectively pay about €25 per hour as an employer.

Net cost after tax benefits:

  • Childcare tax reduction: up to €15.70 per care day per child
  • Childcare allowance (via Groeipakket): depending on income
  • Possible service vouchers for household tasks

Calculation example:

A nanny working 20 hours per week at €20 gross/hour:

  • Gross monthly employer cost: approx. €2,170
  • Minus tax reduction: approx. -€340
  • Net monthly cost: approx. €1,830

This amounts to an effective hourly rate of about €21 including employer contributions but after tax benefit.

Formulas: payroll vs self-management

There are two ways to employ a nanny in Belgium: via payroll (the nanny is employed by an agency) or self-managed (you are the employer yourself). Both formulas have pros and cons.

Payroll via Nanny's (PC 318)

  • The nanny is employed by Nanny's
  • We handle payroll administration, social contributions, insurance, and contracts
  • You pay a monthly invoice to Nanny's
  • Advantage: no administrative burden, legal certainty, replacement guarantee
  • Suitable for: families who want to be unburdened

Self-management

  • You are the nanny's employer yourself
  • You arrange the contract, payroll, and social contributions (via a social secretariat)
  • Lower cost as there is no agency margin
  • Advantage: more control, lower hourly rate
  • Disadvantage: more administration, legal responsibility, no replacement guarantee

Monthly cost comparison (20h/week, experienced nanny):

  • Payroll via Nanny's: approx. €2,400 - €2,800 (all inclusive)
  • Self-management: approx. €1,900 - €2,300 (excluding your own admin time)

At Nanny's, we offer both formulas and help you choose based on your situation.

Tax benefits and service vouchers

Belgian families can recover up to 45% of childcare costs through tax benefits. This makes professional childcare at home much more affordable.

Childcare tax reduction

You receive a tax reduction of €15.70 per care day per child (2026 amount). This applies to children up to 14 years (up to 21 years with a severe disability). You need a tax certificate issued by the care provider.

Childcare allowance via Groeipakket

In Flanders, you can receive a childcare allowance through the Groeipakket. This allowance is income-dependent and can amount to several hundred euros per month per child.

Service vouchers

For household tasks (cleaning, ironing, laundry) you can use service vouchers. A service voucher costs €10 per hour in Flanders, of which you get 20% back through tax reduction (effective cost: €8/hour). Note: service vouchers do not apply to childcare, only household tasks.

Employer contribution

Some employers offer a contribution to childcare costs as an extra-legal benefit. Check with your HR department.

Cost comparison: nanny vs daycare vs childminder

A nanny is more expensive per hour than daycare or a childminder, but offers significantly more flexibility and personal attention. For families with multiple children, a nanny can even be cheaper.

Daycare (nursery)

  • Cost: €5-30/day (income-dependent for subsidized care)
  • Advantage: lowest cost, social interaction for the child
  • Disadvantage: fixed hours, no care when child is sick, waiting lists

Childminder

  • Cost: €5-30/day (income-dependent for registered childminders)
  • Advantage: home-like atmosphere, smaller group
  • Disadvantage: limited flexibility, fixed days, no care when sick

Nanny at home

  • Cost: €15-25/hour gross (effectively €10-17/hour after tax benefits)
  • Advantage: maximum flexibility, care when sick, personal attention, no commute
  • Disadvantage: higher cost per hour for one child

When is a nanny more economical?

  • With 2+ children: the nanny costs the same regardless of number of children
  • With irregular hours: daycares close at 6pm
  • With sick children: a nanny comes anyway, daycare doesn't
  • Combined with household tasks: two birds with one stone

Frequently Asked Questions

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