CSA Reform: What cross-border workers need to know

The Childcare Service Vouchers (CSA) reform also applies to cross-border workers' children. Here's how much you could save and how to apply.

Are you a cross-border worker with your child in childcare in Luxembourg? The Childcare Service Vouchers (Chèque-Service Accueil, CSA) reform applies to you too. Here's what you need to know.

The CSA has been open to cross-border workers since 2016

Quick reminder: since 2016, the Childcare Service Voucher scheme is no longer reserved for Luxembourg residents. Children of cross-border workers can also benefit.

In 2024, over 3,700 children of French, Belgian and German cross-border workers took advantage of this scheme.

What the reform means for you

Cross-border workers will enjoy the same benefits as residents:

• The State covers two-thirds of childcare costs
• Billing based on actual hours: you only pay for what you use
• No more surcharges from childcare providers
• 20 free hours extended to childminders for children aged 1 to 4

Depending on your situation, this could mean savings of several thousand euros per year.

Eligibility requirements

For your child to benefit from the CSA as a cross-border worker:

• You must be an EU citizen
• You must be employed in Luxembourg
• You must be registered with the Joint Social Security Centre (CCSS)
• Your child must receive Luxembourg family allowances
• The childcare provider must be CSA-approved in Luxembourg

How to apply

Unlike residents (who register at their local town hall), cross-border workers must apply directly to the Zukunftskeess or Children Future Fund (Caisse pour l'avenir des enfants, CAE).

The membership contract is valid for 12 months and must be renewed annually.

The catch: few approved facilities outside Luxembourg

Here's the downside for cross-border workers: very few nurseries or childcare facilities located in France, Belgium or Germany are CSA-approved.

To be approved, a facility must have Luxembourgish-speaking staff and implement a multilingual education programme, requirements that are difficult to meet outside the Grand Duchy.

In practice, the CSA remains primarily available for children in childcare in Luxembourg.

When does it come into effect?

The new reform measures will come into effect from 2027.