GEMA in German Hospitality: Music Licensing, Tariffs & Saving Tips
Anyone playing music publicly in a German restaurant, bar or hotel — from radio to playlists to live bands — needs a licence from GEMA, the collecting society for music authors' rights. Fees depend mainly on the type of music use, the sound-covered area and whether admission/events are involved. On top comes the GVL remuneration for performing artists and labels, collected together with GEMA.
Interactive: which tariff affects you?
GEMA tariff finder
Choose your music use — the tariff classification and cost factors appear instantly.
Tariff family U-K (background music) — annual flat fee by area, for up to 100 m² in the low-to-mid three-figure range per year (plus GVL). Important: consumer streaming services (Spotify etc.) are NOT licensed for commercial use — use business streaming or royalty-free providers.
Orientation only, as of mid-2026 — binding are the current GEMA tariffs (gema.de) or your licence agreement. DEHOGA members receive a 20% framework-agreement discount.
The key rules
Register beforehand: the licence must exist BEFORE music is used. Playing without one means paying double the tariff as a control surcharge when caught.
Consumer streaming is off-limits: private Spotify, Apple Music or YouTube accounts do not cover commercial playback — regardless of the GEMA licence, the platforms themselves can claim. Solutions: business streaming services or royalty-free catalogues.
Report events individually: live music, DJ nights and parties are not covered by the background-music flat fee — report each event (area, admission, set lists if requested).
Hotel rooms: TV/radio in guest rooms is a separate licence item — plan for it when founding or extending a hotel.
Use discounts: DEHOGA/association membership (20% framework discount), annual instead of individual reporting, correct area declaration (only the sound-covered area counts).
Royalty-free music — the alternative?
Providers of GEMA-free music license repertoire from artists who are not GEMA members. That saves the GEMA fee but costs subscription fees and narrows the music selection — workable for upscale concepts with a curated sound, no solution for sports bars with TV or party formats. Note the presumption rule: with public music use, GEMA presumes its repertoire is playing — you must prove GEMA-free status if challenged (keep the provider's certificate).
Frequently asked questions
What does background music cost in a restaurant?
Depending on area and use, typically a few hundred euros per year (plus the GVL share); less with the DEHOGA discount. The exact figure comes from the tariff calculator on gema.de — worth checking the quote before signing.
Do I really have to pay for radio?
Yes — public playback is licensable, including via radio or TV. The German broadcasting fee (Rundfunkbeitrag) is separate and covers no authors' rights.
Does my licence cover the Christmas party or a DJ night?
No — events with live music, DJ or dancing are separate tariff items and must be reported individually in advance. Closed private events can be exempt — the criteria are narrow.
What happens at a GEMA inspection without a licence?
Back payment plus a 100% control surcharge (double tariff), retroactively for the period of use. Registration is practically always cheaper than the risk.
