The compulsory pre-primary year at a state kindergarten is free. Younger groups are admitted if places are available, for €70–130 a month. Private nurseries take children from 3 months for €300–600.
State kindergartens
- The compulsory pre-primary age is being lowered: for the 2026/27 school year it is 4 years and 4 months as of 1 September, and by 2031/32 it will be 4 years.
- Separately from the pre-primary age there is a compulsory pre-primary class from age 5 — Council of Ministers decision 84.078.
- The compulsory year is free. Younger groups (ages 3–4) are admitted if places allow, at €70–130 a month depending on the hours.
- Every child living in Cyprus permanently or temporarily has the right to enrol, whatever their country or nationality. Priority goes to children aged 3 and over with special educational needs, as approved by the district special education committee.
- On top: meals around €60 a month, registration €10–20, insurance €15–20 a year.
- Opening hours are 7:45–13:05, with after-care until around 16:00.
- Enrolment is in January, based on your home address.
- Spare places in the younger groups go to children who turn 3 before 1 September. Registration follows a ministry circular, usually in January.
Private kindergartens and nurseries
- They take children from 3 months and cost €300–600 a month.
- In Limassol the annual cost works out at €4,800–7,000; kindergartens attached to international schools run €7,000–7,800 a year.
- Private kindergartens with classes in foreign languages are plentiful in Limassol and Paphos.
- Check the kindergarten's licence — it is issued by the Ministry of Education or the social services.