Rundfunkbeitrag (GEZ) — Obligation, Exemption, Costs

What is Rundfunkbeitrag?

Rundfunkbeitrag (colloquially "GEZ") finances public media in Germany (ARD, ZDF, Deutschlandradio). This is a statutory obligation — regardless of whether you own a television, radio, or have Internet.

Amount in 2026

• €18.36 per month (€55.08 per quarter) — amount unchanged in 2026
• A planned increase to €18.94 has been blocked; Bundesverfassungsgericht is reviewing the case (hearing on June 23, 2026), and from 2027 KEF proposes €18.64
• Quarterly billing: bank transfer, direct debit, or standing order
• Per household, not per person — flatmates under one rental contract pay together only once

Registration

After registration (Anmeldung), Beitragsservice will automatically send a notice. Register within a month on rundfunkbeitrag.de. Do not ignore letters — non-payment results in reminders, interest, and enforcement.

Exemption and reduction

Full exemption (Befreiung):

• Bürgergeld (SGB II), social assistance (SGB XII)
• BAföG, benefits for asylum seekers
• Deaf-blindness / blind person allowance

Reduction to €6.12/month:

• Disabled person ID with RF symbol

Note — Wohngeld

Receiving Wohngeld alone does not automatically exempt you. However, you can apply for exemption as a hardship case (Härtefall) if your income is only slightly above the social benefit threshold.

How to apply

1. Online at rundfunkbeitrag.de → "Befreiung/Ermäßigung"
2. Attach a current document (e.g., Bürgergeld decision)
3. Exemption applies from the month of application, not retroactively

Important for foreigners

Rundfunkbeitrag applies to all residents, regardless of citizenship — including students and people in asylum proceedings (unless exempt).