How Much Does a Music Licence Cost in Europe?

In Europe, a traditional music licence typically costs €500 to €5,000 or more per year, depending on your business type, size and how you use music. Fees are set by your national collecting society, such as GEMA in Germany, SACEM in France, SIAE in Italy, Buma/Stemra and Sena in the Netherlands, SGAE in Spain or SABAM in Belgium. And that figure is just the licence: the music itself is a separate cost on top. Here is the full breakdown, and how to cut the total to €6.99 per month.

Licence costs by business type

Country	Collecting society	Typical annual licence cost
Germany	GEMA	€500 to €5,000+
Netherlands	Buma/Stemra + Sena	€500 to €3,000+
Other EU countries	SACEM, SIAE, SGAE, SABAM and others	typically €400 to €5,000+

Fees vary by country, business type, size and music use, and do not include a music source.

The cost they do not mention

The licence only covers the legal right to play music. It does not include the music itself, so you still pay separately for a streaming source. And Spotify or Apple Music will not do: their terms prohibit commercial use, so even with a paid consumer subscription you would still need the licence on top.

The €6.99 per month alternative

Melodial includes both the music and the licence in one subscription. Every track is owned or directly licensed by Melodial, and none of the catalogue is registered with your national collecting society or any other collecting society, which means there are no royalties to collect and no licence fees to pay.

Country	Collecting society	Typical annual licence cost	Melodial (per year)
Germany	GEMA	€500 to €5,000+	€69.99
Netherlands	Buma/Stemra + Sena	€500 to €3,000+	€69.99
Other EU countries	SACEM, SIAE, SGAE, SABAM and others	typically €400 to €5,000+	€69.99

Collecting society fees vary by country, business type, size and music use, and do not include a music source.

Your Melodial subscription is your licence. No middlemen, no tariff schedules, no annual audits, and a Certificate of Compliance you can download instantly.

What happens if you skip the licence?

Your national collecting society licenses public performance and pursues unlicensed businesses for back fees and damages under your national copyright law. Inspectors visit in person and document unlicensed playback, and persistent cases end up in court. See the full breakdown of fines and penalties in Europe.

Switching takes three minutes: subscribe, play Melodial exclusively, and download your Certificate of Compliance.

Frequently asked questions

Can I negotiate my collecting society fees?

Not usually. Fees are based on published tariff schedules, tiered by business type and size. Payment plans may exist, but the total is not typically negotiable for small businesses.

Do licence fees increase every year?

Tariffs are reviewed and often increase annually. Melodial’s price stays flat at €6.99 per month, with no increases based on venue size or business type.

Is Melodial really just €6.99 per month?

Yes. One flat price per stream. No per-zone charges, no per-class surcharges, no hidden fees. Music and licence included.

What is the catch?

You can only play Melodial music. If you also play mainstream radio, Spotify or CDs, you still need a licence from your national collecting society for that music. Play Melodial exclusively and no other licence is required.