The Forgotten RTV Subscription: Understanding the Consequences of Being Late in Poland

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August 20, 2025

Poland’s RTV Subscription Fees Increasing: What You Need to Know

Warsaw, Poland – Polish citizens who own television or radio sets are bracing for an increase in the mandatory Radio and Television (RTV) subscription fee, scheduled to take effect in 2026. This adjustment, announced by the National Broadcasting Council (KRRiT), has reignited scrutiny over the fee’s enforcement and potential penalties for non-payment.

Current RTV Fee Structure and Compliance

Currently, the monthly subscription rate stands at PLN 8.70 for radio and PLN 27.30 for television. Households possessing both a radio and a television are only required to pay the higher television rate. Annual subscriptions are available for PLN 94 for radio and PLN 294.90 for television. Despite the legal obligation, compliance rates remain a challenge.

Recent data indicates that a notable number of Polish residents do not pay the RTV fee. In 2024 alone, Poczta Polska (the Polish Post) issued approximately 118,000 payment requests, with only 32,000 resulting in payments. This has led to increased efforts to identify and fine non-payers.

Penalties for Non-Payment

Failure to pay the RTV subscription can result in considerable fines. Currently, the penalty is 30 times the monthly rate, equating to PLN 261 for radio and PLN 819 for television. These fines are typically imposed onc, but unpaid penalties can escalate, leading to involvement from bailiffs or tax enforcement agencies. Officials emphasize that inspectors from the Polish Financial Service Center Poczta polska are authorized to conduct compliance checks, presenting official identification upon request.

Receiver Type	Current Monthly Fee (PLN)	Current Annual Fee (PLN)	Projected monthly Fee (2026 – PLN)	Projected Annual Fee (2026 – PLN)
radio	8.70	94	9.50	102.60
Television	27.30	294.90	30.50	329.40

Upcoming Fee Increases in 2026

The KRRiT has announced that subscription fees will be adjusted in 2026, citing legal requirements for valorization. The new monthly rates will be PLN 9.50 for radio and PLN 30.50 for households with both radio and television. Paying the annual fee in advance, with a 10% discount, will cost PLN 102.60 for radio and PLN 329.40 for a combined setup.

Did You know? The obligation to pay the RTV fee exists irrespective of whether the receiver is actively used. Simply owning a device capable of receiving radio or television signals triggers the requirement.

pro Tip: Keep records of your payments to avoid potential disputes with Poczta Polska. Consider setting up automatic payments to ensure timely remittance of the fee.

The History of the RTV Fee in Poland

The RTV fee in Poland has a long and frequently enough controversial history. Initially introduced to fund public broadcasting, it has faced criticism and attempts at reform over the years. Discussions around its fairness and effectiveness continue to shape the ongoing debate about its future. The system, and notably enforcement, has been a recurring political issue in Poland for decades, frequently enough sparking public debate regarding funding for public media.

Frequently asked Questions About the RTV Fee

• What is the RTV fee? The RTV fee is a monthly subscription required for owning a radio or television receiver in Poland, used to fund public broadcasting.
• What happens if I don’t pay the RTV fee? Non-payment can result in fines, and ultimately, debt collection efforts.
• How can I verify if I have already paid my RTV fee? You can check your payment history with Poczta Polska.
• Will the RTV fee increase in the near future? yes, the fees are scheduled to increase in 2026.
• Does the RTV fee apply to smart TVs? Yes, the fee applies to any device capable of receiving television signals, including smart TVs.

Are you prepared for the upcoming changes to the RTV fee? Do you believe the current system is a fair way to fund public broadcasting?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and let us know how these changes will affect you.

What are teh potential legal repercussions of not paying the RTV subscription in Poland?

What is the RTV Subscription and Why Does it Matter?

In Poland,owning any device capable of receiving radio or television broadcasts – even if you only use streaming services – legally requires a subscription to the opłata abonamentowa,commonly known as the RTV subscription. This applies to TVs, radios, computers, smartphones, and tablets. The fee is collected by the National broadcasting Corporation (Krajowa Rada Radiofonii i Telewizji – KRRiT) and funds public broadcasters TVP (Telewizja Polska) and Polish Radio. Ignoring this obligation can lead to significant financial penalties and legal complications. Understanding the RTV opłata rules is crucial for residents and expats alike.

Who Needs to Pay the RTV Subscription?

Determining if you need to pay the RTV subscription isn’t always straightforward. Here’s a breakdown:

Household Requirement: Each household is generally required to pay one RTV fee, regardless of the number of devices.

Device Ownership: If you own a device capable of receiving broadcasts (even if unused), you are potentially liable. This includes smart TVs, set-top boxes, and even devices with radio functionality.

Exemptions: Certain groups are exempt, including:

Individuals over 75 who receive a social pension.

Disabled individuals receiving specific benefits.

Farmers with a limited land holding.

Diplomats and foreign missions.

Non-Residents: The rules for non-residents can be complex and depend on their residency status and length of stay.

Consequences of Late Payment: A Detailed Look

Failing to pay the RTV subscription on time, or failing to register a device, can trigger a cascade of negative consequences. These aren’t just minor inconveniences; they can escalate quickly.

1. Initial Penalties: The first step is usually a formal notification (wezwanie do zapłaty) demanding payment of the outstanding fee.
2. Increased Debt: Unpaid fees accumulate, and late payment penalties are applied. These penalties can significantly increase the total amount owed. As of late 2024, the monthly fee is 8.70 PLN for a TV and 5.80 PLN for a radio.
3. Enforcement Proceedings: If the debt remains unpaid, KRRiT can initiate enforcement proceedings (windykacja). This can involve:

Bailiffs (Komornik Sądowy): A bailiff will be instructed to collect the debt.

Garnishment of Wages: The bailiff can legally deduct the debt directly from your salary or pension.

Bank Account levy: Funds can be seized directly from your bank account.

Asset Seizure: In more severe cases, the bailiff can seize and sell your assets to cover the debt.

1. Court Action: KRRiT can pursue legal action in court to recover the debt.This will result in additional court costs.
2. Credit Rating Impact: While not always immediate, unpaid RTV debts can potentially negatively impact your credit rating in Poland.

How to Register and Pay the RTV Subscription

Fortunately, registering and paying the RTV subscription is relatively straightforward.

Online Registration: The easiest method is through the KRRiT website: https://abonament.tvp.pl/

Postal Registration: You can download a registration form from the KRRiT website and mail it in.

Payment Methods:

Bank Transfer

Post Office

Online Payment Gateways (available through the KRRiT website)

* Reporting Changes: It’s crucial to inform KRRiT of any changes to your situation, such as moving to a new address, selling a device, or