The Rundfunkbeitrag (GEZ) explained: €18.36 a month per home
Why every household pays it, how shared flats split it, how to register, and who can be exempt.
Short answer
€18.36a month per household in 2026
The Rundfunkbeitrag, still often called GEZ, is a compulsory broadcasting fee of €18.36 a month per home, whether or not you own a TV. A shared flat pays it once, not once per person. It is usually paid quarterly (€55.08). You must register when you move into your own home, and people on certain social benefits can apply for an exemption.
Sooner or later every new arrival gets a letter from the "ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice". It is not a scam: the Rundfunkbeitrag funds Germany's public broadcasters and is compulsory for every household.
How much it costs
| Payment interval | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly equivalent | €18.36 |
| Quarterly (standard) | €55.08, due 15 February, 15 May, 15 August, 15 November |
| Every six months | €110.16 |
| Yearly | €220.32 |
The fee is charged per home, not per person, and does not depend on owning a TV or radio. The fee commission (KEF) has recommended €18.64 from January 2027. That only takes effect if all 16 federal states approve it.
Shared flats (WG)
A WG pays once, however many people live there. One flatmate registers and pays, and the others usually transfer their share. Everyone living in the flat is jointly liable, so if nobody pays, the Beitragsservice can ask any of you for the full amount.
In a four-person WG, that is about €4.59 each per month. See house rules in a shared flat for how to split bills.
How to register
- Register at rundfunkbeitrag.de as soon as you move into your own home. There is no grace period.
- If someone in your flat already pays, register with their contribution number instead, so you are not charged twice.
- Set up a direct debit (SEPA mandate) so you do not miss payments.
If you never register, the obligation still exists. The Beitragsservice can get your details from the registration office after your Anmeldung and charge back fees, with surcharges.
Who can be exempt
Exemptions exist for people receiving certain social benefits, for example citizen's income or student support (BAföG) while not living with their parents, and some people with disabilities. You must apply with proof.
Most international students do not receive BAföG, so they usually pay their share like everyone else.
Questions people ask
Do I have to pay the Rundfunkbeitrag if I do not have a TV?
Yes. The fee is charged per home, regardless of which devices you own.
How much does each person pay in a WG?
The flat pays €18.36 a month once, and flatmates split it. In a three-person flat that is €6.12 each.
Is the GEZ letter a scam?
Real letters come from the ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice and ask you to register or pay at rundfunkbeitrag.de. Be careful with emails or texts that ask for payment through other links.
Sources
- Rundfunkbeitrag anmelden 2026 (amtsdeutschland.de): amount, per-household rule, payment dates, KEF recommendation
- Official Rundfunkbeitrag website
Information only. Not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules change, so check the official source linked above before you act.
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