# Broadcasting Fee (Rundfunkbeitrag): Register, Exempt or Deregister

Sort out the German broadcasting fee for your home: check whether someone already pays, register or link to the payer, apply for exemption if you receive certain benefits, pay or set up direct debit, and update or deregister when you move.

- Germany · Government
- 6 steps · ~21 days · 3 documents
- Last reviewed: 2026-10
- Web page: https://raaya.cloud/p/bundled_RUNDFUNKBEITRAG_DE

## Steps

### 1. Check whether someone already pays for your home (1 day)

Every home (Wohnung) in Germany pays one broadcasting fee, whether or not you own a TV or radio. One adult per home registers and pays; flatmates and partners share it. If someone in your home already pays, you only need to tell the Beitragsservice their contribution number (Beitragsnummer).

After you register your address, the Beitragsservice often writes to ask whether you already pay. Answer that letter by the date it gives.

Documents: Contribution Number of the Payer (Beitragsnummer)

### 2. Register or link to the payer online (1 day)

Register online at rundfunkbeitrag.de with your address and the date you moved in, or tell them who already pays for your home. You receive your own contribution number by post. Keep it; you need it for every change.

Tip: Use only the official website; there are paid look-alike services.

Online: https://www.rundfunkbeitrag.de/

Documents: Registration Certificate (Meldebescheinigung), Contribution Number of the Payer (Beitragsnummer)

### 3. Check whether you can get an exemption (3 days)

People receiving certain benefits can be exempted, for example Grundsicherungsgeld (formerly Bürgergeld), social assistance, or BAföG when not living with their parents. Some people with disabilities pay a reduced fee. The exemption is never automatic: apply with a copy of the benefit decision. It can cover up to three years back from the application, and it ends with the period of the decision, so apply again each time you get a new one.

The exemption also covers a spouse or partner and children under 25 living with you, but not other flatmates.

- [ ] Check whether your benefit is on the official list
- [ ] Get a readable copy of the benefit decision or certificate
- [ ] Fill in the exemption form online or on paper
- [ ] Note the end date of the exemption
- [ ] Apply again with each new benefit decision

Documents: Benefit Decision for Exemption (Leistungsbescheid)

### 4. Pay the fee or set up direct debit (1 day)

The fee is usually billed quarterly in advance. Setting up a direct debit (SEPA) on the website avoids missed payments and reminders. The amount is fixed by the federal states; check the current amount on rundfunkbeitrag.de, as changes are possible.

Tip: Put your contribution number in the payment reference if you pay by transfer.

Fee: €18 (Monthly broadcasting fee per home as of October 2026, usually billed quarterly; check rundfunkbeitrag.de for the curren…)

### 5. Deal with reminders and fee decisions (7 days)

If payments are missing, the Beitragsservice first sends payment reminders and then a formal fee decision (Festsetzungsbescheid), usually with a late fee. You can object to that decision within the deadline stated in it, usually one month; an objection does not stop the amount from being due. If the fee is correct, paying the open amount stops further costs. If you were already exempt or someone else paid, send the proof.

This is general information, not legal advice.

### 6. Update or deregister when you move (1 day)

When you move within Germany, change your address online so you keep one account. Deregister (Abmeldung) when you move abroad, when two households merge into one where someone already pays, or when you move in with a person who pays. Give the reason and, if asked, proof such as the deregistration certificate or the other payer’s contribution number.

Tip: Do it in the same week you register or deregister your address.

## Documents you'll need

- **Registration Certificate (Meldebescheinigung)**: Shows your address and move-in date. The Beitragsservice receives registration data and writes to new residents.
- **Contribution Number of the Payer (Beitragsnummer)**: In a shared flat, the number of the person who already pays. Give it to the Beitragsservice so you are not charged twice.
- **Benefit Decision for Exemption (Leistungsbescheid)**: For an exemption, a readable copy of the benefit decision or the authority’s certificate for the Beitragsservice. Never send originals.

## Official sources

- [ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice: Rundfunkbeitrag](https://www.rundfunkbeitrag.de/)
- [Beitragsservice: Recipients of social benefits](https://www.rundfunkbeitrag.de/buergerinnen-und-buerger/informationen/empfaenger-von-sozialleistungen)
- [Beitragsservice: FAQ on exemption and reduction](https://www.rundfunkbeitrag.de/ausnahmen-von-der-rundfunkbeitragspflicht/haeufige-fragen-zum-thema-befreiung-und-ermaessigung)
- [Beitragsservice: Important notices for 2026](https://www.rundfunkbeitrag.de/presse-und-aktuelles/presse/zum-jahresbeginn-daran-muessen-rundfunkbeitragszahlende-auch-im-jahr-2026-eigenverantwortlich-denken)

General guidance, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Confirm with the official source before you act.

Use this template free in Raaya: https://raaya.cloud/p/bundled_RUNDFUNKBEITRAG_DE