RTV subscription control – what is worth knowing?

The Polish Post regularly recalls the work to pay RTV subscription and details related to its control. In fresh years, this subject has generated quite a few excitement, especially among people with tv or radio, but seldom utilizing public media. It is worth looking at the control process and the regulations in force in Poland.

Who does RTV subscription checks?

According to information published by the Polish Post Office, RTV subscription checks carry out specially designated staff with the appropriate powers. However, the number of controllers is limited – they are only presently operating several twelve throughout the country.

Their task is to verify that individuals and companies that have RTV receivers comply with the work to pay the subscription. In practice, most controls are carried out in companies and in households only small number of checks, which the Polish Post clearly indicates in its communications.

What rules govern RTV subscriptions?

The legal basis for subscription fees is 2005 licence fee bill, which clearly defines the work to pay the subscription by each radio or tv receiver holder. The rules are so-called. presumption of use – this means that the specified fact of having a good tv or radio obliges the owner to pay charges.

The ultimate Administrative Court judgement of 12 March 2015 further confirmed that Poczta Polska has the right to carry out control activities in this area.

The most common myths of RTV subscription

Many myths have been raised around the RTV subscription, which frequently mislead users of RTV equipment. 1 of the most repeated beliefs is that not utilizing a tv or radio relieves the work to pay a subscription. However, the Polish Post Office explains that this approach is wrong.

"The purchased tv receiver allows the reception of television. The Act defines the presumption of usage – it is presumed that a individual who has a radio or tv receiver in a condition that allows immediate reception of the program uses this receiver" – says the authoritative statement.

This means that even if the tv is not utilized in the apartment, and technically it is possible to activate and receive the signal, the user is required to pay for the RTV subscription.

What are the RTV subscription rates in 2025?

According to information provided by the National Broadcasting Council, RTV subscription rates in Poland in 2025 are:

• 8.70 PLN per month for radio receiver,
• 27.30 PLN per month for a tv set or radio-television set.

Those who pay a subscription in advance for a longer period can number on discounts. For example, with a one-off payment for the full year you can save about 10%.

Who is exempt from the subscription fee?

Polish law provides for respective categories of persons who are exempted from the work to pay RTV subscriptions. These include:

• persons above 75 years old,
• persons with a pronounced I disabled group,
• persons completely incapable to work,
• deaf people,
• visually impaired subjects little than 15%.

In order to benefit from the exemption, appropriate papers should be submitted to the Polish Post Office and confirmed.

The easiest way to avoid problems related to the control of RTV subscription is to pay regularly. However, if you do not usage a tv or radio and do not want to pay a subscription, you can apply to de-register the receiver. This process requires a written message from the Polish Post Office.

However, it is worth remembering that in the case of having a receiver that is efficient and ready to receive the signal, the deregistration may be contested during the check.