Rundfunkbeitrag (GEZ), energy and internet contracts

Every German household pays the Rundfunkbeitrag broadcast licence fee (~€18.36/month). You also need to set up electricity (Strom) and often a separate gas contract, plus broadband.

Key points to understand

Rundfunkbeitrag: register at rundfunkbeitrag.de within one month of moving in; one fee per household

Rundfunkbeitrag: register at rundfunkbeitrag.de within one month of moving in; one fee per household. In practice, this is one of the details newcomers most often ask about, so take a moment to understand how it applies to your situation before moving on.

Electricity: the incumbent (e.g. Vattenfall, RWE local subsidiary) is your default — comparison sites like Verivox can save money

Electricity: the incumbent (e.g. Vattenfall, RWE local subsidiary) is your default — comparison sites like Verivox can save money. In practice, this is one of the details newcomers most often ask about, so take a moment to understand how it applies to your situation before moving on.

Internet: Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, and 1&1 dominate; check if DSL or fibre is available at your address

Internet: Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, and 1&1 dominate; check if DSL or fibre is available at your address. In practice, this is one of the details newcomers most often ask about, so take a moment to understand how it applies to your situation before moving on.

Practical tips

• Prepare your documents and translations in advance — most delays come from missing paperwork.
• Always note the office name, address, and a contact number before you go.
• Ask the community on MyHAbroad if you’re unsure — chances are someone has already been through it.