Understanding the broadcasting fee (GEZ): mandatory, amount and exemption (2026)
The broadcasting fee is mandatory per household — whether or not you watch TV. How much it is, who pays and when an exemption is possible.
What the broadcasting fee is
The broadcasting fee (colloquially "GEZ") funds public television and radio in Germany. It is payable per household — not per person and regardless of whether or how much you actually watch or listen.
That means: in a shared flat or family only one fee is due per household, not per individual. It is not an optional contract service but a statutory charge.
Amount and registration
The fee is currently €18.36 per month per household (as of 2026) and is usually collected quarterly. The amount may change — verify the current figure at the Beitragsservice; budget it as a fixed monthly cost.
After registering at the Bürgeramt you are often contacted automatically. Respond to the letter: confirm the registration or prove that the household already pays (for example through a flatmate).
When an exemption or reduction is possible
Certain groups can be exempted or pay a reduced fee — for example recipients of certain social benefits or people with certain disabilities. You must actively apply for the exemption and provide proof.
Important: as long as no exemption is granted, the fee remains due. Ignoring it leads to reminders and ultimately enforcement. Clarify your case early rather than letting it sit.
Practical tips
- Budget about €18.36 per month (as of 2026) — verify the current amount at the Beitragsservice; per household, not per person.
- In a shared flat/family register only once — avoid double payment.
- Respond to letters from the Beitragsservice, do not ignore them.
- Entitled to an exemption? Apply actively and attach proof.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Thinking no TV means no obligation — the fee applies per household.
- Each flatmate registering separately — then several pay the same fee.
- Ignoring letters from the Beitragsservice — reminders and enforcement follow.
- Being entitled to an exemption but not applying — the full amount remains due.
- Not clarifying whether a flatmate already pays — avoid double payment.
Checklist before you compare
- Budget about €18.36 per month per household (as of 2026) — verify at the Beitragsservice.
- Clarify: does someone in the flat already pay?
- Respond to mail from the Beitragsservice.
- If entitled: apply for exemption actively and attach proof.
- Split costs fairly in a shared flat.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay if I have no TV?
Yes. The fee applies per household regardless of devices — whether you watch TV or not makes no difference.
In a shared flat, does everyone pay separately?
No. Only one fee is due per household. Flatmates usually split it among themselves.
What happens if I do not pay?
Reminders follow and ultimately enforcement. An exemption is only granted on application and with proof.
Next steps: compare & save
Basics sorted? Put them to use — compare in the categories that matter most.
Back to the essentials overviewMore articles
Essentials: setting up your first contracts in Germany (2026)
Registration, mobile, internet and electricity — the order to follow, common traps and what you can actually save in your first weeks.
Registering at the Bürgeramt: step by step (2026)
Registration is the foundation for bank account, contracts and authorities. Which documents you need, how the appointment works and the deadlines that apply.