Do I have to pay the broadcasting fee (GEZ)?
Yes, per dwelling. The broadcasting fee ('GEZ') is mandatory for every dwelling — in 2026 it's €18.36 a month (€55.08 a quarter, €220.32 a year). It's charged per dwelling, not per person: in a flat-share or family only one pays. Whether you actually use a TV, radio or the internet makes no difference. An exemption or reduction exists only on application — mainly for recipients of certain benefits (e.g. citizen's income, basic security, student grant/BAföG) and in hardship cases. It doesn't apply automatically; you must apply and provide proof.
📋 The rules
- Fee 2026: €18.36/month (€220.32/year)
- Charged per dwelling, not per person
- Applies regardless of whether you own/use devices
- In a flat-share/family only one person pays
- Exemption/reduction only on application (benefits, hardship)
🔓 Exceptions
- Exemption e.g. for citizen's income, social assistance, basic security in old age, BAföG, asylum-seeker benefits, blind assistance
- Reduction (1/3) for certain severely disabled people (RF mark)
- Second home: exempt on application if the main home is paid for
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Anyone who doesn't pay first gets reminders, then an assessment notice with a late-payment surcharge (at least €8). If payment still fails, the fee can be collected by enforcement (garnishment). Deregistration is only possible if the dwelling is given up or someone else already pays for it. Beware of scam emails threatening alleged GEZ arrears.
📎 Official sources
- Rundfunkbeitrag.de · Amount and payment →
- Finanztip · Broadcasting fee 2026 — amount & exemption →
- Rundfunkbeitrag.de · Apply for exemption & reduction →
❓ Frequently asked
Do I have to pay the fee if I have no TV?
Yes. The fee is charged per dwelling, regardless of whether you own or use a receiving device. Simply having a dwelling triggers the duty.
How high is the broadcasting fee in 2026?
€18.36 a month, i.e. €55.08 a quarter or €220.32 a year. It's payable per dwelling, not per person — in a flat-share or family only one person pays.
Does everyone in a flat-share pay separately?
No. The fee is due only once per dwelling. You can split it among yourselves, but towards the fee service one person registers and pays for the dwelling.
Who can be exempted?
Mainly recipients of certain benefits like citizen's income, basic security or BAföG, plus people in hardship cases and residents of care facilities. Some severely disabled people pay a reduced fee. You must apply for the exemption and provide proof.
What happens if I don't pay?
You get reminders and finally an assessment notice with a late-payment surcharge. If you still don't pay, the fee can be collected by enforcement. You can only deregister if the dwelling falls away or someone else pays for it.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “broadcasting fee 2026 amount”
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