What Is the Rundfunkbeitrag?
The Rundfunkbeitrag is a mandatory public broadcasting fee in Germany. It finances public TV and radio services like:
ARD (regional TV)
ZDF (national TV)
Deutschlandradio (public radio)
You must pay it even if you don’t use these services — it supports independent media for everyone.
How Much Do I Have to Pay?
As of 2025:
€18.36/month per household
Billed quarterly: €55.08 every 3 months
The fee is per address, not per person
Who Must Pay?
Every residential unit (flat, house, shared apartment) must pay — but only once per household.
💡 If you live alone → You pay
👥 If you share a flat → One person registers, others contribute
👫 If you move in with someone → Check if it’s already paid
How to Register
Visit www.rundfunkbeitrag.de
Choose "Anmelden einer Wohnung"
Fill in your:
Name and address
Move-in date
Bank account (for auto-pay)
Submit online or by mail
Payment Options
€55.08 every 3 months
Can also pay:
Semi-annually: €110.16
Yearly: €220.32
✅ Payment methods:
Direct debit (recommended)
Bank transfer
Standing order
What If I Don’t Pay?
Not paying can result in:
🟠 Reminders and late fees
🔴 Debt collection
🔒 Bank account seizure (in worst case)
It’s best to register and pay early.
Exemptions & Discounts
You can apply for exemption or reduction if you:
Get Bürgergeld (social benefit)
Are a student with BAföG and live alone
Have a disability and meet conditions
🔗 Apply online: www.rundfunkbeitrag.de → “Befreiung oder Ermäßigung”
Common Scenarios
Situation Do You Pay?
You live alone ✅ Yes
You join a shared flat ❌ No (if one pays)
You move in with your partner ❌ No (if already paid)
You receive social benefits ✅ Apply for exemption
Understanding the Letter
You will receive a letter from Beitragsservice soon after your Anmeldung (city registration).
It's not a scam
Open it and respond!
It includes a form or link for registration
Contact & Help
ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice
📍 50656 Köln, Germany
☎️ +49 221 50610
🌐 www.rundfunkbeitrag.de
