Key takeaway
Who needs a TV licence, how much it costs, where to pay, and what counts as a 'television' under Irish law.
What is the TV licence?
The TV licence is an annual fee charged to anyone in Ireland who has a television set in their home or premises. The fee funds RTÉ, Ireland's national public broadcaster, as well as other Irish-language and independent broadcasting initiatives.
Who needs one?
You need a TV licence if you have a television set at your home — regardless of whether you use it to watch live television, stream Netflix, or use it only as a gaming monitor. The law defines a "television set" broadly, so even a monitor capable of receiving broadcast signals may technically require a licence.
You do not need a licence if your home has no television set whatsoever. If you're living in a house share where the landlord has a licence, you may be covered — check with your landlord.
How much does it cost?
The TV licence costs €160 per year (2024). It covers one premises — not per television set. You only need one licence per household, regardless of how many TVs you have.
How to pay
- Online at tvlicence.ie by debit/credit card
- Post Office — pay in cash, by card, or set up a monthly payment plan (€15/month)
- Direct debit — set up through tvlicence.ie
Exemptions
You may be exempt from paying the TV licence if you are over 70 and receiving certain social welfare payments, or if you receive the Household Benefits Package from the Department of Social Protection. Apply for the exemption through An Post.
General guidance only. Always verify with official sources — gov.ie, citizensinformation.ie, hse.ie.