How to earn money as a childminder in the Netherlands today

If you are already good at looking after children and want to earn on the side or build a small business in the Netherlands, this guide walks through where real customers come from, how to set and discuss a first price, what your first customers often look like, which authorities to check with about tax and permits, common early problems, and how a Websta profile can help you be found and take bookings.

Updated October 21, 2026

Where paying customers come from

Most paying customers for small childminding services in the Netherlands arrive through very practical, local routes rather than big advertising campaigns. Expect referrals from neighbours and parents of your own network first. Local schools and sports clubs can be a steady indirect source when parents need short-term cover or after-school care.

Online channels matter too. Parents search for local options on marketplaces, social media groups and profile pages with clear services and photos. Workplaces can also refer employees who need occasional care, and some parents look for nearby childminders specifically because of commute or school locations.

  • Neighbours and friends - often the earliest bookings
  • Schools, clubs and after-school settings - for recurring needs
  • Workplaces and colleagues - for short-notice cover
  • Local online searches and parenting groups
  • Task and service marketplaces where parents post specific needs

Setting a first price and talking about money

Set a starting price based on your costs and the local market. Include direct costs - transport, snacks, materials - plus a sensible hourly rate for your time and any taxes or insurance you will need to pay. Look at other local providers to get a sense of what families in your area expect to pay.

Be clear and simple when discussing money. Tell parents what your price covers, your payment methods, and your cancellation policy. Ask whether they want regular bookings or ad hoc sessions and agree terms before the first job. Clear written confirmation avoids many disagreements later.

  • Calculate your cost per hour including indirect costs
  • Compare local providers for market reference
  • State what is included and your cancellation terms
  • Offer clear payment instructions and invoicing

What the first ten customers usually look like

Your first ten paying customers are usually a mix rather than a single steady source. Expect a handful of repeat families from your neighbourhood, some parents connected to your existing social circles, and several one-off or trial bookings from online search or local postings.

Many new childminders find the first customers are short bookings - a morning here, an afternoon there - rather than full-time placements. That gives you a chance to learn how to manage schedules and paperwork before taking on stable, long-term arrangements.

  • Several neighbours or friends-of-friends
  • One or two recurring after-school or weekend families
  • Several one-off or trial bookings from online listings
  • Occasional work referred by schools or workplaces

What to sort out when taking money as an independent provider

As an independent provider you will handle payments and money reporting yourself. Registering a business name at the Kamer van Koophandel (KvK) is common - check the KvK website or contact them to ask when registration is required for your activity and turnover. For tax questions - income tax, possible VAT obligations, and how to declare earnings - contact the Belastingdienst and ask which filings apply to a sole trader offering childcare.

Decide your payment methods and keep records. Use clear invoices or receipts for every job and keep copies for tax purposes. If you accept card payments through a platform, those funds typically get paid out to your own bank account - check the platform's payment flow and payouts so you know when money arrives.

  • Ask KvK whether you must register your business
  • Ask Belastingdienst how to report income and whether VAT applies
  • Provide invoices or receipts for every booking
  • Confirm how any platform handles card payments and payouts

Paperwork and checks to ask the authorities about

Requirements vary by municipality and by the type of childcare you offer. Contact your local municipality (gemeente) to ask about any local rules for childcare in a home environment and whether you need a permit. The GGD inspects and advises on childcare quality and safety in many cases - ask the GGD what inspections or registrations might apply to you.

Many parents ask for a VOG - the certificate of conduct - so check how to request one and how long it takes. For clear answers on tax, benefits and administrative obligations, ask the Belastingdienst specific questions about reporting income from childminding and whether parents using your service might claim childcare allowance or have requirements for registered childcare.

  • Ask your gemeente about local permits and zoning for home childcare
  • Ask GGD whether your setup needs registration or inspection
  • Ask where and how to apply for a VOG certificate
  • Ask Belastingdienst about income reporting and implications for parents

What tends to go wrong in the first months

Common early problems are scheduling conflicts, unclear payment expectations, and underestimating time for administrative tasks. New providers sometimes accept bookings that overlap with other commitments or forget to block travel time between jobs. Another frequent issue is late or missing payments when terms were not agreed in writing.

Operational risks include not having appropriate insurance or not verifying emergency contacts and medical information for children. These mistakes are fixable but can damage trust quickly, so set processes for contracts, invoices, safety checks and backups before you scale up.

  • Taking overlapping bookings or underestimating travel time
  • No written agreement about payment and cancellation
  • Insufficient insurance or missing child-specific information
  • Burnout from accepting too many early requests

How a Websta profile fits into this

A Websta provider profile acts as a simple web page that lists your services, prices, photos, contact form and online booking. You can send the profile link to parents and be found through the marketplace when people search by service and place. Card payments made by customers on the platform are paid out to your own bank account through Stripe - you set the prices.

Use your profile as a single source of truth: keep services, availability and payment terms up to date. That clarity helps avoid scheduling and payment problems, and it makes it easier for parents to find you and book without repeated messages.

  • A page you can send to parents or share on social media
  • Lists your services, photos, booking and payment details
  • Payments from customers are paid out to your bank account through Stripe
  • You control your prices and availability

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to register with KvK to childmind on the side?
Many people who provide services regularly register with the Kamer van Koophandel. Contact KvK and ask when registration is required for occasional versus regular childcare activity and about the registration process.
How should I ask parents to pay me?
Be explicit: state your price, accepted methods, invoicing details and a cancellation policy. Keep a written confirmation or invoice for every booking. If you use a platform with card payments, verify how and when payouts reach your bank account.
What checks do parents usually expect?
Parents commonly ask for emergency contacts, medical and allergy information, and a VOG certificate. Ask your local GGD or municipality what checks are advised or required in your area.
Will I have to charge VAT on my childminding?
VAT rules can depend on the exact services you provide. Ask the Belastingdienst whether VAT applies to your activity and how to handle invoicing and declarations.
Can I use a Websta profile to accept bookings and payments?
A Websta profile lists your services, prices and online booking. Card payments from customers are paid out to your bank account through Stripe. You set your prices and manage availability.

About the numbers

Counts in this guide were read from the Websta catalogue when the text was written and are refreshed above from the live catalogue. Part of the catalogue was built from the public business register and is marked as such on each profile.

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