Serafe explained: Swiss TV and radio fee

You have just moved to Switzerland, settled into your new place, set up utilities, and received a bill from Serafe. If you are wondering what this charge is and whether you actually need to pay it, you are not alone. The system is not always intuitive, especially if you are unfamiliar with how public broadcasting is funded in Switzerland.

What is Serafe

If you live in Switzerland, every household must pay a mandatory fee for public radio and television. This fee is collected by Serafe, a private company mandated by the Swiss Confederation to handle billing and collection on its behalf.

Serafe replaced the former system managed by Billag. You may still hear people refer to the fee as “Billag,” even though the system has changed.

Understanding how it works can help you avoid confusion, especially if you are new to the country.

What is the Serafe fee

The Serafe fee is a flat annual charge that funds public broadcasting services in Switzerland. It supports radio and television content produced by the Swiss public broadcaster SRG SSR, including its French-speaking unit RTS (formerly “TSR”).

• Television channels in multiple national languages
• Radio stations across the country
• Online news and media content

The fee is set at a fixed amount per household and is adjusted periodically by the authorities. In the past few years, the fee has ranged between 300 and 400 CHF.

Who has to pay

The fee applies to almost all private households in Switzerland.

• You live in Switzerland, whether as a tenant or homeowner
• You are registered as a resident
• Your household is not exempt under specific conditions

The key point is that the fee applies regardless of whether you actually watch TV or listen to the radio.

In the past, it was possible to declare that your household did not have any devices capable of receiving radio or television signals and request an exemption. This system changed with the revision of the law. A short transition period allowed some households without reception devices to opt out, but this is no longer possible. Today, the fee is tied to the household itself rather than to device ownership, which means that almost all households must pay.

How billing works

Serafe sends invoices directly to households, usually once a year or in installments.

• You receive a bill by post after registering your residence
• The invoice is issued per household, not per individual
• Payment can be made in one amount or split into installments

If multiple people live together, only one invoice is issued for the entire household.

Are there any exemptions

Some households may qualify for an exemption from the Serafe fee.

• People receiving certain types of social assistance
• Individuals with specific disabilities under defined conditions
• Diplomatic staff with special status

Exemptions are not automatic and must be requested with supporting documentation.

What happens if you do not pay

The Serafe fee is a legal obligation. Ignoring invoices can lead to additional charges and enforcement measures.

• Reminder fees and late charges
• Debt collection procedures
• Legal enforcement if the debt remains unpaid

It is therefore important to address any invoice promptly or contact Serafe if you believe there is an error.

Key things to remember

• The Serafe fee is mandatory for most households in Switzerland
• It funds public radio, television, and online media
• You must pay even if you do not use these services
• Exemptions exist but must be formally requested

Understanding this system early on can help you manage your administrative obligations more smoothly when settling in Switzerland.