Rundfunkbeitrag in Germany: TV & Radio License Fee Guide
Learn how the mandatory broadcasting fee works, who must pay, and how to apply for an exemption.
The broadcasting fee (Rundfunkbeitrag, formerly known as GEZ) is a mandatory public contribution in Germany used to finance public television, radio, and online broadcasting channels (such as ARD, ZDF, and Deutschlandradio). Under German law, the fee is calculated on a 'per apartment' basis (pro Wohnung) rather than per person or per device. This means that every household must pay the fee, regardless of whether they actually own a TV, listen to the radio, or use the internet.
Once you complete your address registration (Anmeldung) at the Bürgeramt, your details are automatically forwarded to the contribution service (Beitragsservice von ARD, ZDF und Deutschlandradio). Shortly after, you will receive an official letter asking you to register your apartment or provide the contribution number (Beitragsnummer) of a flatmate who is already paying for the household. In shared apartments (WGs) or family homes, only one person needs to pay, and the costs can be split internally among residents.
Certain residents are eligible for a complete exemption (Befreiung) from the broadcasting fee or a reduction (Ermäßigung) of the amount. This exemption applies to recipients of social benefits (such as Bürgergeld, BAföG student loans, or basic security in old age), as well as individuals with specific severe disabilities. To receive the exemption, you must submit an official application along with certified proof of your social benefit status to the contribution service.
📋 Steps to Register or Request Exemption
- 1
Complete Address Registration
Complete your Anmeldung at the local Bürgeramt. The registry office will automatically inform the Beitragsservice of your move.
- 2
Await the Official Letter
Wait for the official letter from the Beitragsservice to arrive by post at your new address. It usually arrives within 4 to 8 weeks.
- 3
Check Flatmate Status
If you live in a shared flat (WG) or with family, find out if someone is already paying the fee. Note down their 9-digit Beitragsnummer.
- 4
Submit Online Response
Log into the Rundfunkbeitrag portal using the access code from your letter. Confirm you are paying, register as a new payer, or link to an existing account.
- 5
Apply for Fee Exemption
If you receive Bürgergeld or BAföG, fill out the online exemption form (Befreiung beantragen) on the official website.
- 6
Mail Your Proof of Benefit
Print the completed exemption application and mail it to the Beitragsservice in Cologne along with your official social benefit notice.
✅ Required Information & Documents
- ▸Valid bank account details (IBAN) for quarterly direct debit payments
- ▸9-digit contribution number (Beitragsnummer) of the payer
- ▸Official letter from the contribution service containing your web pin
- ▸Proof of social benefits (BAföG / Bürgergeld Bescheid) for exemption
- ▸Proof of address registration (Meldebescheinigung)
- ▸Severe disability pass (Schwerbehindertenausweis) for fee reduction
⚠️ Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- ✕Ignoring the letters from the Beitragsservice (this does not stop the registration; they will automatically register you and accumulate debt)
- ✕Paying the fee twice in a shared apartment (WG) because residents did not link their accounts to a single Beitragsnummer
- ✕Failing to renew your exemption application after your social benefit approval period expires (exemptions must be renewed yearly)
- ✕Forgetting to deregister your apartment (Abmeldung) when leaving Germany permanently, which leads to ongoing fee collections
💶 Fees, Payment Cycle & Deadlines
The mandatory broadcasting fee is €18.36 per month, totaling €55.08 per quarter (approx. on 2026). Payments are processed quarterly, semi-annually, or annually via direct debit (Lastschrift) or bank transfer. Failing to pay leads to late fees, administrative warnings, and eventual court enforcement.
📖 Useful Fee Terms
- der Rundfunkbeitrag
- Broadcasting license fee (TV/Radio tax)
- die Beitragsnummer
- Contribution / account number
- der Beitragsservice
- Broadcasting fee collection agency
- die Befreiung
- Exemption from payment
- die Ermäßigung
- Fee reduction
- die Lastschrift
- Direct debit authorization
- die Mahnung
- Administrative warning / reminder
- die Wohnung
- Apartment / household unit
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Rundfunkbeitrag mandatory if I don't own a TV?+
Yes. The fee is legally bound to the apartment itself, not to the devices you own or use. Every household must pay the contribution.
How many people in a shared flat (WG) must pay?+
Only one person per apartment is required to pay. The residents can register under a single Beitragsnummer and share the cost internally.
Who is exempt from paying the TV tax in Germany?+
Recipients of Bürgergeld, BAföG, social assistance, and individuals with severe disabilities (visual/hearing impairments) can apply for exemption.
How do I pay the Rundfunkbeitrag?+
You can set up a direct debit (SEPA-Lastschrift) on their website so the fee is automatically deducted quarterly, or make manual bank transfers.
What happens if I ignore the payment letters?+
The contribution service will issue warnings (Mahnungen) and add late fees. If ignored permanently, they can freeze your bank account or send bailiffs.
Do I need to deregister when I move within Germany?+
Yes. You must update your address on the Rundfunkbeitrag portal, linking your previous Beitragsnummer to your new apartment.
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