Will Poland abolish the TV licence? Warsaw decides

21 June 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

The government plans to abolish TV licence but the draft stalls in Warsaw; the presidency now holds the key. Understand what this means for expats.

The government promises to abolish TV licence, but the law still hasn’t arrived on the president’s desk. Consequently, Poles pay the same fees in 2026 as before. Moreover, higher rates apply in practice, and uncertainty remains.

Table of Contents

What’s in the draft law?

The culture minister presented a media bill in November 2025. It ties public broadcasters to a state budget grant of 2.5 billion PLN annually. In addition, the draft indexes that amount by inflation each year. However, the bill does not create the widely discussed monthly audiovisual charge collected via tax returns. Instead, the project removes the current RTV subscription model and funds public media from state coffers. Furthermore, it would dissolve the existing media oversight body, the National Media Council (Rada Mediów Narodowych). As a result, a nine-member regulatory body would replace it, and the president would appoint part of that panel.

Why the government wants to abolish TV licence

The government argues the change secures steady funding for public broadcasters. Moreover, they say it streamlines collection and reduces evasion. However, critics warn this budget model concentrates control in political hands. Consequently, the composition of the new regulator matters. Therefore, the president’s stance becomes crucial. Meanwhile, the draft faced over 270 public comments in consultations. In addition, KRRiT itself supplied critical feedback. As a result, ministers must refine the proposal before cabinet review.

Warsaw’s role and the local angle

Warsaw matters here in two ways. First, the capital shows among the lowest RTV payment rates nationwide. For example, big cities like Warsaw, Krakow, and Wroclaw report weaker collection. Consequently, state revenue from the current TV licence remains far below potential. Second, Warsaw houses the institutions that decide the reform. The Ministry of Culture sits in the city. Likewise, the KRRiT subscription office (Wydział Abonamentu RTV) operates there. Therefore, the Sejm debates and the presidential decision will happen in Warsaw. Moreover, insiders tell the press the president, Karol Nawrocki, has often used veto power over laws he dislikes. Consequently, political strategy could stall the reform until after 2027 elections.

No new levy applies yet. For now, citizens must follow current rules. Specifically, 2026 rates remain: 9.50 PLN per month for radio and 30.50 PLN for a TV or TV+radio set. In addition, exempt statuses still hold. For instance, seniors, disabled people, and others keep their documented exemptions. Keep proof handy, such as pension papers, health certificates, or official IDs like PESEL (national ID number). Remember that institutions such as ZUS (social insurance) and NFZ (national health fund) differ from this process. Also, a tax office charge or a fine (mandat) would follow separate rules.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you live in Poland, continue paying the existing RTV subscription rules until the law changes. Keep any exemption documents. Moreover, track parliamentary steps before you change household budgets. Finally, if authorities propose a tax-collected audiovisual fee, it would likely appear with clear administrative rules. For help, contact your local municipality office or an English-speaking tax advisor.

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