Millions Still Liable for Poland TV Licence Fee

25 August 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Poland TV licence fee remains in force; non-registration can trigger a 915 zł penalty. Learn what expats must do.

The Poland TV licence fee remains in force despite years of debate. Millions of Poles still must register radios and televisions within 14 days of acquisition, and pay monthly charges unless they qualify for statutory exemptions.

Table of Contents

What the Poland TV licence fee requires

First, you must register any radio or TV set that can immediately receive broadcasts. Moreover, you must complete registration within 14 days of taking ownership. In addition, the Post Office (Poczta Polska) handles registrations. Therefore, you can do it in person at a post office branch. However, many online guides still cause confusion. Consequently, check the official Post Office site for forms.

Amounts, deadlines and household rules

From 1 January 2026, the monthly rates changed. The radio-only fee stands at 9.50 zł per month. Moreover, a television or TV-plus-radio fee is 30.50 zł per month. In addition, you must normally pay by the 25th day of each month. Consequently, you may pay in advance for several months. Therefore, the Post Office applies a 10% discount for annual prepayment paid by 25 January. However, households pay a single fee. For instance, a family does not pay per TV set at home. In contrast, businesses and institutions usually pay per device. Consequently, companies must audit their equipment carefully.

Penalties and enforcement

If inspectors from the Post Office find an unregistered device, authorities can impose a penalty. Specifically, they may charge thirty times the monthly rate. Therefore, for a TV that equals 915 zł in 2026. Moreover, the radio penalty equals 285 zł. However, that extra fee can become only part of the problem. Consequently, officials can pursue any outstanding arrears separately. In addition, tax authorities may join enforcement. Therefore, the head of the tax office can start administrative debt collection. In practice, collectors may seize assets or garnish receivables under Polish enforcement rules. Finally, do not ignore letters demanding payment.

Who is exempt and special cases

The law lists several exemptions. For example, persons aged 75 and over enjoy automatic relief by statute. Moreover, some disability recipients and certain social benefit claimants can qualify. However, some exemptions require paperwork. For example, proving an income threshold may require a pension statement from ZUS (the Social Insurance Institution). In addition, remember that in-car radios count as devices. Nevertheless, for private households, an owned car radio does not automatically trigger a second household fee. By contrast, entrepreneurs face stricter rules.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you live in Poland as an expat, register any TV or radio shortly after purchase. Visit a local Poczta Polska branch for forms. Keep documents like your PESEL or passport ready. (PESEL is the national ID number.) Also, understand references to ZUS (social security), NFZ (public health fund) and mandat (fine) when you deal with authorities. Finally, if you receive a payment notice, respond promptly to avoid enforcement by the tax office.

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