Shortly after you complete your Anmeldung, you will receive a very official-looking letter from the "ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice". Do not throw it away! This is the infamous German TV and Radio tax, known as the Rundfunkbeitrag.
What is it?
It is a mandatory fee of €18.36 per month that funds Germany's independent public broadcasting network. You must pay it even if you do not own a TV or a radio, and even if you do not speak a single word of German.
The "One Household, One Fee" Rule
The fee is charged per apartment, not per person. If you live in a WG (shared flat) with three other people, only one person needs to pay the fee for the entire apartment. The others can use that person's "Beitragsnummer" (contribution number) to register and exempt themselves.
Can You Be Exempted?
There are very few ways to legally avoid paying this tax. You can be exempted if:
- You receive BAföG (state student funding). Note: Regular international students who don't get BAföG must pay.
- You receive unemployment benefits (Bürgergeld).
- You have a severe disability (you might get a reduction or full exemption).
What Happens If You Ignore It?
Ignoring the letters will lead to late fees, which will escalate to collection agencies, and eventually, they can freeze your bank account. The Rundfunkbeitrag is merciless. Set up a SEPA direct debit and split the cost with your flatmates.