GEZ re-registration or deregistration when moving? This is how it works!

Moving house can be an exciting but also stressful time. In addition to packing and transporting furniture and personal belongings, there are many organizational things to take care of, including deregistering and re-registering the broadcasting fee with the GEZ. In this article, you will find out how to carry out these steps smoothly and without unnecessary complications.

Content of this blog article:

1. What is the GEZ and why do I actually pay it?
2. Step-by-step instructions: GEZ deregistration and re-registration when moving house
   1. GEZ re-registration when moving within Germany
   2. Deregistration from GEZ when moving within Germany
   3. Other cases: Relocation abroad and deaths
3. Conclusion: Stress-free move with correct GEZ deregistration and re-registration

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What is the GEZ and why do I actually pay it?

GEZ is the abbreviation for the administrative center for broadcasting fees, which in full is called "Gebühreneinzugszentrale der öffentlich-rechtlichen Rundfunkanstalten in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland". Since 2013, however, the ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice has been collecting the broadcasting fee - GEZ is therefore only the colloquial name. 

The contribution is used to finance public service broadcasting and enables the provision of television and radio programs as well as online offerings from public service broadcasters. 

In principle, everyone who has a home in Germany is obliged to pay the broadcasting fee, regardless of whether or not they actually receive broadcasting. This also applies to companies, business premises and other facilities. Only certain groups of people, such as recipients of social benefits, severely disabled persons and second home owners who already pay the fee at their main residence, are exempt from the obligation to pay the fee.

It is important to note that the GEZ fee is charged per home, regardless of the number of people living there or the number of receivers used. It is therefore necessary to deregister and, if necessary, reregister in good time when you move in order to ensure proper processing and avoid legal consequences. The GEZ registration ensures that you only pay for the time and place where you actually receive broadcasting.

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Step-by-step guide: GEZ deregistration and re-registration when moving house

GEZ re-registration when moving within Germany

If you move within Germany and would like to continue receiving broadcasting, you must re-register. To do this, you can simply download the relevant form from the broadcasting fee website or fill it out online, whereby your new address is of course the most important factor here. It is best to do this well in advance of your move so that the transition of your reception is seamless.

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Deregistration from GEZ when moving within Germany

In some cases, you may have paid the license fee before you moved, but are no longer obliged to do so afterwards. The reason for this is that an apartment is given up or someone else is already paying the fee at the new place of relocation. Here are some examples:

• You are moving into a shared flat in which one of the others is already registered for the fee.
• You already had your own apartment, but are now moving back in with your parents.
• You had several apartments and are now giving up one of them.
• You move in with your partner, who pays the fees for his apartment.
• You move into an inpatient care facility.

You can also simply deregister online via the Beitragsservice website and will then receive a confirmation by post or email. There is no deadline to be met, but it is not possible to deregister retroactively.

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Other cases: Relocation abroad and deaths

Other reasons for deregistering from the GEZ may be a death or a move to another country.
In the latter case, of course, you do not have to continue to pay the broadcasting fees of the German state and can also fill in the form from the Beitragsservice, stating your place of residence outside Germany and the date of the move. In addition, proof, e.g. the registration certificate, is required and can be attached when filling out the form. 

In the event of the death of a relative who previously paid the GEZ fees themselves, i.e. who did not live in a residential care facility, and whose home is closed, it is your duty to deregister the person.

The same process applies here as for other reasons for deregistering the fee. Select the death of the fee payer as the reason for deregistration and attach the death certificate at the end of the form.

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Conclusion: Stress-free move with correct GEZ deregistration and re-registration

Moving house can be a challenging time, but with the right planning and preparation, the process can be made smoother. Deregistering and reregistering your license fee with the GEZ is an important step to avoid legal problems and financial burdens. By following the steps above and having all the necessary information ready, you can ensure that your move is stress-free and without unnecessary complications. We wish you all the best for your move and will of course support you as much as possible!