The broadcasting fee (Rundfunkbeitrag) is a charge that pays for public radio and television in Germany. Public (öffentlich-rechtlich) means: the broadcasters are not owned by a private company. Everyone pays for them together. The fee is charged per home. It doesn't matter whether you have a TV, a radio or a computer. Even if you don't own any device at all, you still have to pay. But only one person pays for each home. If you move to Germany and live in a home, that home must be registered. If someone in your home already pays, you don't have to pay again. The fee is collected by one central office: the contribution service of ARD, ZDF and Deutschlandradio (Beitragsservice von ARD, ZDF und Deutschlandradio). The rules are the same in all federal states.
What you need
- Your address in Germany. Ideally, you have already registered your address at the citizens' office (Bürgeramt). You can read more about this on the page Registering your address.
- The date you moved in. You have to pay from this month on.
- Your name and date of birth.
- Your bank details (IBAN), if you want to pay by direct debit. Direct debit (Lastschrift) means: the fee is taken from your account automatically.
- The contribution number (Beitragsnummer), if another person in your home already pays. The contribution number is the number under which a home is stored at the contribution service.
- An official notice (Bescheid), if you want to apply for an exemption. An official notice is an official letter from an authority, for example about receiving citizen's income (Bürgergeld) or student financial aid (BAföG).
Step by step
- Check whether someone in your home already pays. Ask your flatmates, your partner or your family. Also ask whether the home is already registered.
- If someone already pays: Ask them for the contribution number. You can tell the contribution service that you live in this home and that the fee is already being paid there. Then you won't get a payment request.
- If nobody pays yet: Register the home. You can do this online on the official website of the contribution service. You can also use a paper form and send it by post.
- Fill in the form. Enter your details, your address and the date you moved in.
- Choose how you want to pay. You can pay by direct debit or transfer the money yourself. With direct debit, you won't forget a payment.
- Wait for the letter. You will get a confirmation with your contribution number by post. Keep this letter in a safe place.
- Check the first payment. Look at your bank statement to see whether the correct amount was taken.
- Apply for an exemption if it applies to you. The exemption is not automatic. You have to submit an application and send a copy of your official notice.
- Report any changes. If you move, update your address with the contribution service. If you leave Germany or move in with someone who already pays, deregister.
Costs and deadlines
The broadcasting fee is currently 18,36 Euro per month per home. The amount is the same no matter how many people live in the home. Usually you don't pay every month, but every three months. You can also pay less often, for example once a year.
People with the mark RF in their severely disabled person's ID card (Schwerbehindertenausweis) can apply for a reduction. They then pay one third of the fee. A mark (Merkzeichen) is a letter in the ID card that shows a particular impairment.
Register your home soon after you move in. The fee applies from the month you move in. If you register late, you have to pay for the previous months afterwards.
Common problems for newcomers
You don't have a registered address yet
To register, you need an address in Germany. First register your address at the citizens' office. After that, register your home with the contribution service. The residents' registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt) passes your details on to the contribution service. That's why you often get a letter after moving, even if you haven't registered yourself yet.
You don't have a German bank account yet
You can also pay the fee by bank transfer. Later you can switch to direct debit. To find out how to get an account, read the page Opening a bank account.
You don't have a Schufa record yet
You don't need a Schufa record for the broadcasting fee. Schufa is a company that collects data on whether people pay their bills. You can find out more under Understanding and building your Schufa score.
You get a letter even though someone already pays
This often happens in shared flats (Wohngemeinschaften). Don't throw the letter away. Reply and give the contribution number of the person who already pays for the home. Then the matter is settled.
You don't understand the letters well
The letters are in German. Ask friends, colleagues or a migration counselling service (Migrationsberatung) for help. You can also call the contribution service and ask. Important: don't ignore the letters. If you don't pay, you will get reminders (Mahnungen) and extra fees. In the end, the authority can also collect the money by force.
Frequently asked questions
I don't have a TV. Do I still have to pay?
Yes. The fee applies to every home. Whether you have devices doesn't matter.
Three of us live in a shared flat. Does everyone pay?
No. Only one person pays for the home. You decide yourselves how to split the costs.
Who can get an exemption?
For example, people who receive citizen's income, social assistance (Sozialhilfe) or benefits under the Asylum Seekers' Benefits Act (Asylbewerberleistungsgesetz). Students with BAföG who don't live with their parents can also apply for an exemption. You have to submit an application for this. If in doubt, ask the contribution service.
Do I have to pay extra for my private car?
No. You don't pay an additional fee for a car used privately.
What do I do if I leave Germany?
Deregister with the contribution service. As proof, you usually need the deregistration certificate (Abmeldebescheinigung) from the citizens' office. This is a document that shows you have deregistered your address in Germany.