Every three months, you will get a 52.50€ bill from Rundfunk ARD, ZDF und Deutschlandradio. This is the TV tax. It's also called the GEZ or Rundfunkbeitrag. Every household in Germany must pay it.

How much do you have to pay?

Each household has to pay 17.50€ per month. If you live with other people, you only have to pay the TV once. It doesn't matter if you live by yourself or if you share a flat with 25 other people; the monthly amount stays the same.

If someone in your household is already paying, you can inform the GEZ by filling this form.

Can I pay less?

Some people can pay less, or do not have to pay anything:

  • Students and trainees (Azubis)
  • Hartz IV recipients
  • Retirees who receive social assistance
  • People with disabilities - the fee is reduced to 5.83€/month for those with RF in their disabled person's pass
  • Residents of nursing homes
  • Asylum seekers

For each group, there are specific conditions to avoid the fee1. For example, students only pay less if they receive BAföG (financial aid) and they do not live with their parents.

To get a Rundfunkbeitrag reduction or exemption, fill this form.

Can I just not pay?

No. Do not ignore GEZ letters! If you don't pay, it will get more expensive. They will not leave you alone. They will send a collection agency. If you don't pay, it can also affect your Schufa score1.

For each group, there are specific conditions to avoid the fee1. For example, if you are a student, it's not enough to study; you must also be a BAföG (financial aid) recipient and must not live with your parents.

You can request a reduction or an exemption from the Rundfunkbeitrag by filling this form.

How to pay the Rundfunkbeitrag?

The GEZ letters include a yellow payment slip with payment information. The easiest way to pay is to make a bank transfer with the information you find on that paper slip. Don't forget to include the reference number (Kunden-Referenznummer). You can also fill the paper slip with your information (name, IBAN, date and signature) and bring it to your bank.

You can also schedule automatic payments, or give them a direct debit authorisation.

GEZ/Rundfunkbeitrag SEPA payment slip
The GEZ letters come with a payment slip

Leaving Germany

If you leave Germany, you need to inform the GEZ. You will not get any more GEZ/Rundfunkbeitrag letters. You can deregister by filling this form.