Rundfunkbeitrag (GEZ): what it is and how to get an exemption

The Rundfunkbeitrag (commonly called “GEZ”) is a mandatory fee for public broadcasting. It is paid per flat (Wohnung), not per person. The rate is €18.36 per month (€220.32 per year).
What is important to know:

• one household per flat pays, regardless of the number of residents or whether there is a TV set;
• after registering your place of residence (Anmeldung), the fee is usually charged automatically;
• concessions are not granted automatically — you have to apply for them.

Who can be exempted or pay less:

• recipients of Bürgergeld / the new Grundsicherung or of social assistance — full exemption upon application;
• people with the “RF” mark in their disability certificate — reduced rate (one third, i.e. €6.12);
• the application is submitted to ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice together with supporting documents.

Conditions and amounts may change — check with the official source.