Must I pay the ORF (broadcasting) fee in Austria?
Usually yes — the ORF fee is a device-independent household charge. Since 1 January 2024 the ORF fee has replaced the old GIS fee; it's owed per main residence, not per device. The federal amount is €15.30 a month (€183.60/year), whether or not you own a TV or radio. Per main residence one registered adult pays; secondary residences are exempt since 2024. Some provinces add a provincial surcharge. On low income or certain benefits (equalisation supplement, social assistance, student grant and others) an exemption is possible, but you must actively apply. In short: yes, unless you're exempt.
📋 The rules
- Since 2024: household charge instead of GIS
- €15.30/month, device-independent
- Per main residence one adult
- Secondary residences are exempt
- Exemption on low income (on application)
🔓 Exceptions
- Hearing/visual disability: exemption on application
- Some provinces: an extra provincial surcharge
- Exemption is never automatic — apply yourself
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Failing to register or giving false household data is an administrative offence, punishable by a fine of up to about €2,180 (in practice fines are usually lower). The 2026 annual invoice was sent in early 2026; by SEPA direct debit you can pay in 2 or 6 instalments. Beware a myth: "no TV means no ORF fee" is false — since 2024 the fee is device-independent and owed simply because an adult is registered at the address. Tip: check with the collection office (OBS) whether your income qualifies you for an exemption, and apply.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
Must I pay the ORF fee without a TV?
Yes. Since 1 January 2024 the ORF fee is a device-independent household charge. It's owed simply because an adult is registered at your main residence, regardless of whether you own a TV or radio.
How high is the ORF fee?
The federal fee is €15.30 a month, that is €183.60 a year. Some provinces add a provincial surcharge of about zero to just under five euros a month. It's paid per main residence; secondary residences are exempt since 2024.
Who has to pay?
Per main residence, one adult registered there pays. What matters is the entry in the central population register. If you only have a secondary residence at an address, it's exempt from the ORF fee since 2024, so you don't pay twice.
Can I be exempted?
Yes. On low income or when drawing certain benefits such as the equalisation supplement, social assistance, unemployment benefit, student grant, child-care benefit or care benefit, an exemption can be granted. An exemption is also possible for a hearing or visual disability. But it must always be applied for at the OBS.
What happens if I don't register?
Failing to register or giving false household data is an administrative offence. It can be punished with a fine of up to about €2,180, though in practice fines are usually much lower. The duty to pay remains regardless.
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