GEZ Fees in Germany: Everything You Need to Know

What is the GEZ?

The GEZ (Gebühreneinzugszentrale or Broadcasting Contribution Collecting Agency) is a public institution in Germany that collects broadcasting fees from all households and businesses. These fees are used to fund public broadcasting services, such as ARD, ZDF, and Deutschlandfunk.

How Much is the GEZ Fee?

The GEZ fee is currently €18.36 per month. This fee is automatically deducted from your bank account or added to your rent or utility bill.

The following table shows a breakdown of the GEZ fee:

| **Description** | **Amount** | |---|---| | Public broadcasting | €17.50 | | Funding for local and regional public media | €0.57 | | Administrative costs | €0.29 |

Who is Exempt from the GEZ Fee?

The following people are exempt from paying the GEZ fee:

* People who receive welfare benefits * Students * People with disabilities * People who are over 70 years old * People who live in households with a registered disabled person * People who do not have a television or radio

If you believe you are exempt from the GEZ fee, you can apply for an exemption on the GEZ website.

How to Pay the GEZ Fee

You can pay the GEZ fee in the following ways:

* Automatic deduction from your bank account * Bank transfer * Standing order * Payment at a post office * Payment at a GEZ office

If you do not pay the GEZ fee on time, you may be subject to a fine.

Conclusion

The GEZ fee is an important source of funding for public broadcasting services in Germany. It is important to be aware of the fee and to make sure that you are paying it on time.