What is it and when to do it?
The Rundfunkbeitrag is the mandatory licence fee for public broadcasting: €18.36 per month per household, regardless of whether you own a TV or radio. Register as soon as you receive your Meldebescheinigung — debt accumulates automatically from your move-in date, and reminder letters go to your registered address.
Where and how much does it cost?
Register online at rundfunkbeitrag.de in 5 minutes. If you’re moving in with someone who already pays for that household, simply provide their Beitragsnummer instead of registering — no double payment. Billing is quarterly (€55.08) by direct debit or bank transfer.
Common mistakes
Didn't register when I moved in, thought I'd get to it later. Two years on, received a letter with €440 in arrears plus late fees. The fee runs from move-in date — not from registration date.
Moved into a shared flat; the previous tenant said 'everything is paid'. He'd left Germany without deregistering — his debt sat with the apartment. Always register yourself and check your status on rundfunkbeitrag.de.