Rundfunkbeitrag
The mandatory German broadcasting fee. Everyone with a home in Germany pays it — €18.36 per month. Register within a few weeks of moving in or you'll receive a bill with back-payments.
Last verified: May 2026
What it is
The Rundfunkbeitrag (sometimes called GEZ, after the old collection agency) is a household fee that funds Germany’s public broadcasters — ARD, ZDF, Deutschlandradio. It’s not a TV licence — it applies to every household regardless of whether you own a TV, radio, or anything else.
Every household pays once. If you live alone, you pay. If you have a flatshare (WG), only one person in the household pays — coordinate with your flatmates.
The current rate is €18.36 per month, billed quarterly.
Do I have to pay?
Yes, unless you receive certain social benefits (e.g. Wohngeld, BAföG, certain disability benefits). If you’re a student receiving BAföG, you may be exempt.
What you need
- Your address (must match your Anmeldung)
- IBAN for direct debit
- Email address
Step by step
- Go to rundfunkbeitrag.de — the site is German only; use browser translate
- Click “Jetzt anmelden” (Register now)
- Enter your address and personal details
- Set up the direct debit with your German IBAN
- You’ll receive a confirmation and your Beitragsnummer (account number) by post
Common mistakes
- Ignoring letters from ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice. They will find your address via the Einwohnermeldeamt (residents’ registration office). Don’t ignore post from them — the back-payments add up.
- Paying twice in a shared flat. Only one person per household pays. If your flatmate already pays, you don’t need to register.
- Not deregistering when you leave Germany. If you move out, deregister your address or you’ll keep getting billed.