Free Childcare in Malta: Do You Qualify?
If you’re a parent living in Malta, you’ve probably heard about Free Childcare.
But who actually qualifies?
Does it apply if you’re a foreigner?
What if you’re self-employed?
And what documents do you need?
I went through the latest information from the Maltese Government and Jobsplus and put together the basics in simple language.
And if you’re looking for ways to get out of the house and meet other mums, you can also check out our Baby Wearers classes and events.
Does your nationality matter?
The Free Childcare Scheme is available to eligible parents who are working and/or pursuing education, whether they are Maltese, EU citizens or third-country nationals.
There can be some additional requirements for foreign parents.
If you’re a foreigner working in Malta, you need to be registered with Jobsplus and provide your Residence Card as part of the application.
So whether you’re Maltese or from somewhere else, don’t automatically assume you don’t qualify because you’re not Maltese.
Check your specific situation.
👩💻 If you’re an employee
If you’re employed and eligible for the scheme, you’ll generally need:
Your three most recent payslips
A declaration from your employer confirming your working schedule
The declaration needs to include your working hours and number of working days. The information required can be slightly different depending on whether you have a fixed or flexible schedule.
💻 If you’re self-employed
Being self-employed doesn’t mean you miss out.
You’ll generally need your most recent tax return and acknowledgement from the Inland Revenue Department, or relevant evidence of your National Insurance contributions.
You’ll also need a declaration stating your working days and hours.
If you’ve only recently started being self-employed, different documentation may be required to show when your self-employment began.
Working, looking after a baby and trying to organise childcare is a lot.
And sometimes, once you finally have the childcare sorted, you realise you also need to find a way to take care of you.
That’s where Baby Wearers comes in. ❤️
👉 Meet other mums
👶 How old does my child need to be?
The scheme covers children from three months old until they become eligible for Kindergarten.
You can apply before your baby reaches three months, but approval into the scheme only happens once the child reaches the required age.
🎓 What if you’re studying?
Parents pursuing recognised education can also qualify, although there are additional requirements and documents.
I’m keeping this part short because student eligibility can be more complicated, especially for third-country nationals.
📝 So, how do you apply?
The process is fairly simple:
1. Find a childcare centre participating in the Free Childcare Scheme.
2. Complete the application form.
3. Gather your documents.
4. Submit everything to your chosen childcare centre.
The childcare centre then submits the application to the Free Childcare Scheme Office, which determines your eligibility.
And don’t leave it until the last minute check the current deadlines before applying, as they can change.
And while you’re figuring out childcare…
Motherhood can sometimes feel like a never ending list of things to organise.
Childcare. Work. Paperwork. Appointments. Meals. Sleep.
And somewhere in between all of that, you’re still trying to have a life.
At Baby Wearers, you don’t have to leave your baby behind to get out, move and meet other mums.
Come join us
Not ready to book?
Come as you are. Bring your baby. Meet your people.
Official information
For the latest requirements and application details, check the official Servizz.gov.mt Free Childcare Scheme and Jobsplus Free Childcare Scheme pages.
If you’re unsure about your particular situation, Jobsplus can also be contacted on 153, extension 18.
Information in this article is based on the official information available in September 2026. Government schemes and requirements can change, so always check the latest official information before applying.
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