Germany has a mandatory broadcasting fee known as the Rundfunkbeitrag, often referred to as the radio tax. For international students and professionals, this can be confusing at first but understanding it early will save stress later. This article guides you through what the radio tax is, why you have to pay it, how much the fee is and how to go about the payment.
What is the Rundfunkbeitrag?
The Rundfunkbeitrag is a broadcasting fee, which finances Germany’s national broadcasting channels like ARD, ZDF and Deutschlandradio. The fee is mandatory for everyone living in Germany, above 18 years of age, companies and institutions as well as public interest bodies in Germany – regardless of their actual media use.
This allows everyone to benefit from the variety and quality of the freely available public broadcasting services. The objective is to ensure the highest possible level of fairness in the financing of these channels and their independent reporting.
What Media Content Do I Have Access To?
You can enjoy content on all public broadcast channels, including ARD (with 9 channels), ZDF, ARTE, Phoenix, 3sat, KiKA, ONE. The content broadcasted on these TV channels is also available online via their respective portals – ARD Mediathek and ZDF online. Here you can watch on-demand news, documentaries, series and movies, as well as sporting events or other international competitions (e.g. Olympics, Eurovision, etc.).
The broadcast channels also have active social media accounts (e.g. on Instagram and Twitter) where you can get the latest news or other interesting information. In addition, you also have access to the German public nationwide radio station – Deutschlandfunk, as well as multiple local radio stations.
Radio Tax for International Students
International students in Germany also need to pay the radio tax. Unfortunately, there are no special rules, not even for scholarship holders or students in exchange programs (e.g., Erasmus). If you reside in Germany, even temporarily – you still have to pay this fee.
However, those who receive BAföG and do not live with their parents can apply for an exemption from the broadcasting fee. Disabled persons who are deaf, blind and/or are permanently unable to participate in public events due to their condition and who have been granted the characteristic sign “RF” can also be exempted from the broadcasting fee.
Radio Tax Cost
Luckily, the radio tax is charged per household (e.g. house, apartment, dorm room) and not per person. The Rundfunkbeitrag is €18.36 per month per household, regardless of the number of people living in it. You can choose to pay the fee monthly, quarterly, bi-annually or annually.
How to Pay the Rundfunkbeitrag
You can either wait for the broadcasting service (Beitragsservice) to contact you by mail (shortly after you register your address at the city hall) or you can contact their offices at “ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice” directly.
The registration form you need is available here. Please note that the fee is due starting from the first month you are registered in Germany. It does not matter if you report to them yourself or wait for a letter from their office.
Radio Tax in Shared Accommodation
We have some great news if you live in a shared apartment (WG) – you can share the Rundfunkbeitrag with your roommates. This means that one person can be registered as the main tenant of the apartment (you can decide who that person is) and can transfer the fee.
However, everyone who lives there should be contributing equally every month (e.g. if you and 2 other people share one apartment – each of you would be paying only €6,12 per month).
In case you live in a student dormitory and have a private room, you still need to pay the Rundfunkbeitrag, even if you do not have a fully functional apartment with a private bathroom or kitchen.
If you live together with a host family, you do not need to pay the broadcasting fee, as your host family is already doing that. Finally, if you are registered at multiple addresses, you do not have to pay the fee several times and can request an exemption.
Consequences of Not Paying Radio Tax
We strongly advise you against ignoring the letters you would receive from the Beitragsservice. German authorities take this obligation seriously. If you don’t pay, it will only get more expensive for you. They will not leave you alone.
It is very likely that they will send a collection agency to request the amount from you. In addition, if you don’t pay, it can also negatively affect your Schufa score, which is your credit score in Germany.
How Does the Broadcasting Service Know Who to Contact?
The broadcasting service (Beitragsservice) receives information about all tenants through the city registration authorities, who provide a list of all registered residents above 18 years of age.
The data includes names, date of birth, marital status, current and last address, and the day you move into the apartment. In addition, the apartment owners (landlords) have the access and duty to notify the relevant national broadcasters.
What to Do When Leaving Germany
If you decide to leave Germany, you need to inform the Beitragsservice so you do not have to make any payments in future. You can de-register by filling this form.
FAQs
Find answers to common questions about living in Germany.
How to stop paying radio tax in Germany?
You can only stop paying once you move out of Germany or if you deregister your residence at the Bürgeramt. Another option is if you move into a household where someone else is already paying, in which case you should inform the Beitragsservice to avoid duplicate payments.
How much is the radio tax in Germany 2025?
In 2025, the radio tax is €18.36 per month. It covers television, radio, and digital media access for the entire household. You have the option to pay for it monthly, quarterly, bi-annually or annually.
Do I have to pay radio tax in Germany?
Yes, almost every household must pay the radio tax in Germany, including internationals. The only exceptions are people who qualify for exemptions, such as those receiving certain social benefits.
Get Your Visa-Ready Package
Start your journey to Germany with our all-in-one visa solution tailored for your needs.
More About Living in Germany
From seasonal weather patterns to festive traditions - everything you need to know about life in Germany
