How Much Does a Music Licence Cost in Ireland?

In Ireland, a traditional music licence typically costs hundreds of euros or more per year, depending on your business type, size and how you use music. Fees are set by IMRO (the Irish Music Rights Organisation) and PPI, who together sell the IMRO Dual Music Licence. 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

IMRO and PPI licence fees vary by venue type, seating and floor area, and this can run to hundreds of euros or more per year before you have paid for a music source. Get an exact quote from the IMRO portal for your premises.

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 IMRO or any other collecting society, which means there are no royalties to collect and no licence fees to pay.

IMRO and PPI licence fees vary by venue type, seating and floor area, and can run to hundreds of euros or more per year before you have paid separately for a music source. Melodial includes both the music and the licence for €69.99 per year. Get an exact quote from the IMRO portal to see what the traditional route would cost for your premises.

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?

IMRO can bring copyright infringement proceedings under the Copyright and Related Rights Act 2000. Courts can award back licence fees, damages and legal costs that go well beyond what the Dual Music Licence would ever have cost, along with orders that stop you playing music altogether. See the full breakdown of fines and penalties in Ireland.

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

Frequently asked questions

Can I negotiate my IMRO 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 an IMRO licence for that music. Play Melodial exclusively and no other licence is required.