The Serafe fee
Since 2019, the Serafe fee has replaced the old Billag. It is mandatory for all households residing in Switzerland, regardless of whether you own or use a TV/radio.
Tariff
- CHF 335/yr per household (2026)
- Billed by Serafe AG (mandated by the Confederation)
- Paid annually (discount if paid in full) or quarterly
- 1 fee per common household (flatmates share one fee)
Exemptions
- Recipients of AVS/AI supplementary benefits
- People in EMS or collective structures
- Households with annual income below social-aid thresholds
The fee mainly funds the SSR/SRG (RTS, SRF, RSI, RTR) and 35 regional private stations.
Included channels
The fee gives free access (via terrestrial/IP) to:
- RTS (French-speaking): RTS Un, Deux, Info
- SRF (German-speaking): SRF 1, SRF zwei, SRF info
- RSI (Italian): LA1, LA2
- RTR (Romansh): specific programmes
- SSR radios (Couleur 3, Espace 2, Option Musique, etc.)
Operator TV boxes
Internet operators offer their own TV bundles:
- Swisscom blue TV: 250+ channels, 7-day replay, included in blue Home (CHF 99–150/month for TV + internet)
- Sunrise TV: 230+ channels, 7-day replay, included in Internet Box
- Salt Home: TV via Apple TV 4K included, 250+ channels
- Zattoo, Wilmaa: standalone TV streaming, from CHF 9.95/month (Swiss channels) or CHF 19.95+ (international)
- Teleboy: Swiss streaming TV + 30-day replay, from CHF 9.90/month
- Quickline, Yallo TV: alternatives
International streaming
- Netflix: CHF 12.90–32.90/month (Basic to 4K Premium)
- Disney+: CHF 12.90–15.90/month
- Prime Video: included with Amazon Prime CHF 5.90/month or CHF 60/yr
- Apple TV+: CHF 9.99/month
- Paramount+: CHF 7.99/month
- HBO Max / Max: CHF 10.99–13.99/month
- Mubi: art-house films, CHF 11.99/month
- Spotify: music, CHF 13.95–17.95 family
- Apple Music: CHF 11.95–17.95
Sports streaming
- blue Sport (Swisscom): Premier League, Swiss Cup, NHL, NBA — CHF 30–50/month
- Sky Sport Schweiz: Bundesliga
- DAZN: MotoGP, boxing, MMA, NFL
- Sportdigital: international football
- Eurosport: tennis (Roland Garros, US Open), cycling, skiing
Monthly TV cost comparison
- Free TV (SSR + ISP box): already included in fee + box
- Classic international streaming (Netflix + Disney+ + Prime): CHF 30–50/month
- Maximum pack (TV + streaming + sport): CHF 100–200/month
Tips
- Prefer bundles (TV + Internet) at your ISP, often cheaper than separate TV
- Share subscriptions Netflix/Disney+: families or flatmates (family plans accepted)
- Cancel periodically little-used subscriptions, resubscribe when needed
- SSR replay and podcasts are free on play.rts.ch, play.srf.ch, play.rsi.ch
- Cross-border workers: the fee doesn't apply in your country of residence, but doesn't entitle you to Swiss channels abroad (except via direct subscription)
