Preschool places: Lublin opens recruitment for 10,600 spots

2 March 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

The City of Lublin has opened online recruitment for municipal preschools, offering nearly 10,600 preschool places for children aged 3–6 until 13 March. This matters for expat families planning childcare and school transition in Poland.

preschool places in City of Lublin are now available for application: the municipal recruitment process runs from 2 March until 13 March and covers children aged 3 to 6, with the city offering nearly 10,600 spots. For expat families, securing a municipal place can affect work plans, childcare costs and language support for young children.

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What is happening and who it affects

The recruitment window opened on 2 March and will close on 13 March. Parents and legal guardians should submit applications for children who will be aged between 3 and 6 in the coming school year. The number of places offered is roughly on par with last year, meaning the city has maintained its capacity across public preschools.

How the process usually works

In practice, applications to municipal preschools in Poland are handled by local education authorities, normally via an online portal run by the city. Admissions are often based on a points system that rewards local residency, sibling attendance in the same institution, and parental work or study status. If the demand exceeds supply, waiting lists are used. Municipal places are typically subsidised; parents may still pay for meals and some extracurricular activities, while private preschools operate on a commercial fee basis.

Why this matters for expat families

Access to a municipal preschool affects day-to-day life for foreign residents: it determines childcare costs, the feasibility of returning to full-time work, and early exposure to Polish language and integration for children. For families without a PESEL (the Polish national ID number), applications are still possible but require alternate documents and sometimes additional steps. If a municipal spot is not secured, private preschools or bilingual nurseries are alternatives, though generally more expensive.

Practical steps and tips

Parents should check the City of Lublin website or the municipal education portal for the official application form, required documents and the exact schedule. Typical documents include the child’s birth certificate or passport, proof of address, and the parent or guardian’s ID. Apply early, verify priority rules (for example sibling or residency points), and prepare to accept a place promptly if offered to avoid losing the spot.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: In Poland “przedszkole” means preschool or kindergarten for children aged about 3–6. The last pre-school year (often called “zerówka”) for six-year-olds is part of compulsory preparation for primary school. Municipal preschools are funded by the city and usually free of tuition, but parents commonly pay for meals and some activities. PESEL is Poland’s national ID number; it simplifies administrative procedures, but if you or your child do not yet have PESEL, you can still apply — check the municipal education office guidance on alternative documents. For expats: register online, have your child’s passport and proof of address ready, and be aware that private preschools are an available but costlier option.

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