The Rundfunkbeitrag (GEZ): Germany's TV and Radio Tax

1. What is the GEZ / Rundfunkbeitrag?

The Rundfunkbeitrag (broadcasting contribution), historically known as the GEZ, is a mandatory fee funding Germany's public broadcasting networks (ARD, ZDF, Deutschlandradio).

The system ensures public media remains independent from political interference and corporate advertising. It operates on a solidarity model. The German Federal Constitutional Court (Bundesverfassungsgericht) repeatedly upholds the absolute legality of this fee, regardless of your personal media consumption.

The "Residence-Based" Rule (The Big Misunderstanding)

Before 2013, you only paid if you owned a capable device (TV, radio, PC). Inspectors walked neighborhoods searching for antennas.

The government abolished this system in 2013.

Today, the fee is strictly residence-based. The fee applies to the physical apartment itself, completely regardless of whether you own a TV or understand German television. If an apartment exists, someone pays.

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2. How much is the fee and who pays?

The broadcasting fee costs EUR 18.36 per month. By default, they bill it quarterly. You pay EUR 55.08 every three months.

The Golden Rule: One Apartment = One Fee

Because the fee ties to the physical dwelling, you pay it once per household, regardless of the number of occupants. A single person in a studio and a family of six in a house both owe exactly EUR 18.36 per month.

Deep Dive: Handling the GEZ in a Shared Flat (WG)

The "one fee per apartment" rule confuses expats in shared flats (Wohngemeinschaft). If four people share a flat, you do not pay four times.

1. One person takes responsibility, registers their name, and pays the full EUR 18.36/month. They receive a 9-digit account number (Beitragsnummer).
2. The city registration office (Bürgeramt) reports everyone's address to the GEZ. The other three roommates receive demand letters in their own names.
3. The three roommates must use the online portal to declare: "I live here, but my roommate [Name] already pays under this Beitragsnummer."
4. Once linked to the main payer's Beitragsnummer, the demand letters stop.
5. You split the cost privately (e.g., set up a standing order to send the main payer EUR 4.59 per month).

Common Expat Mistake: The WG Payer Moves Out

If the main GEZ payer leaves the flat and deregisters, their GEZ account closes. The remaining roommates suddenly receive demand letters again. You must immediately register a new main payer and link the others to the new Beitragsnummer. The GEZ will not figure this out automatically; they simply bill everyone individually until someone takes responsibility.

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3. The Registration Process: How They Find You

When you register your address (Anmeldung), the German Registration Act (Bundesmeldegesetz) legally mandates the Bürgeramt to forward your data (name, date of birth, move-in date, address) directly to the Beitragsservice. You cannot hide.

What Happens When You Move Within Germany? (Ummeldung)

If you move, perform an Ummeldung (address change). The Bürgeramt informs the GEZ. However, you hold an active duty to log into the GEZ portal and update your address. If you and your partner (both paying GEZ) move in together, you must merge accounts. One officially deregisters the old flat and links to the other's Beitragsnummer. Otherwise, you both pay EUR 18.36 a month. They do not refund you retroactively if you wait years to fix this.

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4. Exemptions: Who doesn't have to pay?

Strict, legally defined exceptions allow for a full exemption (Befreiung) or reduction (Ermäßigung). You must actively apply online and upload proof; exemptions are never automatic.

• Social Welfare Recipients: If you receive Bürgergeld (unemployment benefits), Grundsicherung (basic income support), or specific social assistance, you are exempt. Submit your welfare approval letter.
• Students on BAföG: Students receiving state financial aid (BAföG) can apply for exemption.
  • (Crucial Note: International students who are self-funded or on scholarships but lack German BAföG MUST pay the full fee. Student status grants no automatic exemption.)
• Severe Disabilities: Individuals with a severe disability pass (Schwerbehindertenausweis) containing the "RF" mark pay a reduced EUR 6.12/month. Deaf-blind individuals are completely exempt.
• Asylum Seekers: Asylum seekers in shared accommodation centers (Gemeinschaftsunterkünfte) are exempt.

If your exemption application delays, you must pay the fee. If granted retroactively, the GEZ refunds the overpayment.

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5. Canceling the GEZ When Leaving Germany (Abmeldung)

Expats frequently move back home and forget to cancel their GEZ account.

The GEZ does not magically know you left. Even if you deregister at the Bürgeramt (Abmeldung), the GEZ account often remains open. Fees accrue monthly. Expats return years later to face EUR 1,500 debt collection notices at the airport or when opening a new bank account.

How to cancel correctly:

1. Get your official deregistration certificate (Abmeldebescheinigung) from the Bürgeramt.
2. Visit rundfunkbeitrag.de.
3. Select "Wohnung abmelden" (Deregister apartment).
4. Select "Ich ziehe dauerhaft ins Ausland" (I am moving abroad permanently).
5. Upload a clear PDF scan of your Abmeldebescheinigung.
6. Save the confirmation email. Do not close your German bank account until the final, prorated payment clears.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)