Rundfunkbeitrag in Detail — €18.36/Month, Exemptions and Registration

What is the Rundfunkbeitrag?

The Rundfunkbeitrag (formerly: GEZ fee) finances public broadcasting in Germany — namely ARD, ZDF, Deutschlandradio and regional stations. Every household in Germany must pay this contribution, regardless of whether you watch television or listen to the radio.

Costs

• €18.36 per month (€55.08 per quarter)
• Per household — not per person. In a shared apartment, only one person pays.
• Charged quarterly (every 3 months)

Registration — how does it work?

Automatic registration

When you register at the Bürgeramt (citizen's office), your data is automatically forwarded to the Beitragsservice. You will then receive a letter with your contribution number and payment information.

Self-registration

If you don't receive a letter, register yourself:

• Online: rundfunkbeitrag.de
• Form: Also available as a PDF for printing
• Required: Name, address, date of birth, bank details (for SEPA direct debit)

Payment methods

• SEPA direct debit — recommended, automatic withdrawal
• Bank transfer — quarterly transfer yourself
• Cash payment — only at few locations (not recommended)

Exemptions — who doesn't have to pay?

Certain groups of people can obtain a full exemption:

Full exemption

• Recipients of Bürgergeld (ALG II)
• Recipients of social assistance
• BAföG recipients (with proof)
• Recipients of asylum seeker benefits
• Recipients of basic security in old age

Reduction to €6.12/month

• People with severe disability (RF marking in ID card)
• Deafblind persons

Exemption application

1. Online at rundfunkbeitrag.de → "Befreiung/Ermäßigung beantragen"
2. Attach proof — current document on Bürgergeld, BAföG etc. (copy)
3. Processing time: approx. 4–6 weeks
4. Exemption applies from the month of application, not retroactively!

Tip: Apply for exemption immediately when you receive a benefit document. While your application is being processed, you must continue paying initially.

Frequently asked questions

I don't have a television — do I still have to pay?

Yes. The contribution is device-independent and applies per household. Whether you have a television, radio or just a smartphone — the contribution is the same.

What happens if I don't pay?

• Reminders — first a reminder, then a notice with late payment surcharge (1% of arrears, min. €8)
• Assessment notice — legally binding like a tax decision
• Enforcement — the Beitragsservice can garnish your account without court proceedings
• No credit bureau entry — but enforcement measures are possible

I'm moving — what do I do?

• Report address change on rundfunkbeitrag.de
• When moving together: deregister one contribution number, the other remains
• When leaving Germany: Deregistration with proof (deregistration certificate from Bürgeramt)

I live in a shared apartment — who pays?

Only one person per household must pay. Agree among yourselves how to split the costs. Tip: List housemates in the lease as co-inhabitants and divide costs from the shared budget.

Status: March 2026. All information without warranty.