Quick Facts
- Phones, laptops and tablets don't need a TV licence, but any TV set does, even a smart TV used only for streaming
- A TV set counts even if no aerial or dish is connected
- The fee is €160 a year, one licence per premises (checked with An Post and Citizens Information, 23 October 2026)
If you’ve cut the cord entirely and only stream over the internet, this is one of the most common questions we get — and the answer surprises a lot of people: if there’s a TV set in the house, you almost certainly need a licence.
The short version
Under Ireland’s Broadcasting Act 2009, a TV licence is required for any premises with a television, or equipment capable of receiving a broadcast television signal — that’s the key phrase. Computers, phones, tablets and other devices that can’t receive a TV signal by aerial, satellite or cable are not covered. A TV set always is — Citizens Information says “You need a TV licence if you have a Smart TV, even if you only use the TV for streaming.”
What actually triggers the requirement
- You need a licence if: you have any TV set — including a smart TV used only for apps, a TV with no aerial connected, or even a broken TV — or any other equipment capable of picking up a broadcast TV signal, regardless of whether you actually watch RTÉ
- You don’t need one if: you have no TV set and watch only on a phone, laptop or tablet, using apps like Netflix, RTÉ Player or Prime Video
The licence applies per address, not per person — one licence covers a whole house, however many TVs are in it, while each separate flat or apartment needs its own. If you rent and there’s a TV, you need a licence whether you or the landlord owns it.
Where to buy or check a licence
An Post collects the fee. Buy or renew online at tvlicence.ie, An Post’s official TV licence site, or at any post office. An Post’s TV licence page has the current fee and the ways to pay.
Why this trips people up
Streaming apps like RTÉ Player don’t ask you to prove you have a licence, and a smart TV can receive a broadcast signal if you plug an aerial into it — which is why it counts, whether or not you ever connect one. The practical takeaway: if there’s a TV set in the home, smart or not, you need a licence. Only homes with no TV set, watching on phones, laptops and tablets, are exempt.
If you’re at all unsure about your specific setup, An Post’s TV licence page and Citizens Information are the authoritative sources to confirm — this guide is a starting point, not a legal ruling on your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a TV licence if I only use streaming apps like Netflix or RTÉ Player?
What if my smart TV has an aerial socket but I don't use it?
Does the licence apply per person or per household?
Who enforces the TV licence in Ireland?
Related guides: What Is Saorview and Do You Need It If You Stream? · Sky Stream vs NOW: Which Is Right for You in Ireland?
Related: see our guide to legal streaming services in Ireland.
This is a sensitive/legal topic — always confirm current rules directly with An Post’s TV Licence service rather than relying solely on this post, since fees and enforcement details can change.
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