New rules for subscription fee in Poland: who doesn't gotta pay anymore?

In Poland, the subject of the RTV licence fee has been controversial for years. Mandatory registration of receivers, regular checks and penalties for not paying the fee make many Poles feel lost in the thick of regulations. However, there are groups of people who are exempt from this obligation and can save even over PLN 300 per year. See if you belong to 1 of them.

Who's exempt from RTV?

One of the most many groups that do not gotta pay RTV subscriptions are seniors above 75 years old. Importantly, this exemption is granted automatically, without any requests or visits to post offices. This means that it is adequate for a individual to scope a certain age and registry the receiver to halt paying.

Younger pensioners can besides apply for a waiver. This applies to those who have completed 60 years and receive a benefit lower than 50% of average salary. However, in specified a case, you should visit the Polish Post Office, make a declaration and supply the required papers confirming the income, e.g. from ZUS or KRUS.

Other groups eligible for exemption

In addition to seniors, the law provides for exemptions for respective another categories of persons. Among them are:

• patients with And the disabled group,
• persons with a decision on total incapacity for work,
• disabled war veterans,
• registered unemployed,
• persons with a decision on moderate disability, especially due to hearing, sight or speech dysfunction.

The full list of exempted groups can be found on the Polish Post Office website.

Formalities step by step

In order to benefit from the exemption, persons not subject to an automatic exemption must:

1. Visit the Polish Post Office – is the only place where you can submit the required documents.
2. Provide supporting documents – for example a decision from the Social safety Office, a disability decision or a certificate from the office of employment.
3. Make a statement – by filling in the appropriate form available at the post office.

The exemption starts with the first day of the period following the period of submission of documents and is of an indefinite nature, provided that the position of the beneficiary of the relief does not change.

How much is RTV subscription in 2025?

According to the National Broadcasting Council, in 2025 the applicable fees are:

• 8.70 PLN per month for radio receiver (PLN 104.40 per year),
• 27.30 PLN per month for a tv set or radio and tv set (327.60 PLN per year).

The tv charge besides includes the cost of radio, but for car receivers, which should be recorded separately.

Seniors among the largest contributors

Despite many redundancies, seniors are 1 of the largest groups regularly paying RTV subscriptions. This is mainly due to their attachment to conventional media and the habit of timely settling receivables. In turn, younger generations are increasingly giving up tv for the benefit of streaming platformsLike Netflix or HBO Max. However, it should be remembered that any receiver capable of receiving a radio or tv signal is subject to registration.

What about the RTV subscription in the future?

The discussion on the change of the public media backing strategy has been ongoing for years. There are presently 2 main projects on the table:

1. Audiovisual fee – to be added to taxation settlements (PIT) and to be around 8-9 PLN per month. It would exempt older people, students and unemployed people.
2. State budget funding – full abolition of RTV subscription and public media costs.

So far, no of these ideas have been implemented, and the changes are improbable to happen before the presidential election.

Seniors, people with disabilities and any another groups may legally avoid paying the RTV subscription, saving up to respective 100 PLN per year. In order to benefit from the exemption, it is worth making certain that the appropriate criteria are met, and complete the essential formalities in post offices. In the face of possible legislative changes, it is worth to keep track of information about the RTV subscription to benefit full from the benefits.

Ignacy Michałowski

Expert in economics, finance and OSINT with more than 20 years of experience. Author of publications in leading global media, active in global journalism projects.