Applying for a licence to play music

Music can have a positive effect on your customers, guests or employees. It can increase your turnover. If you play music to your customers, guests or employees, you must apply for a licence from a Combined Management Organisation (CMO) via Mijnlicentie.nl. The following organisations are examples of CMOs:

If musical copyrights have been transferred to Buma-Stemra, they can issue licences that give you permission to play the music. If it involves artists and record producers, based on a neighbouring right, Sena will issue the licences. If you apply for rights from more than one CMO, you can opt for a combined invoice.

When do you need a licence to play music?

You need a licence to play music:

in catering establishments, such as cafes, gyms or indoor playgrounds
in public areas
in sales areas, such as shops, shopping centres, passenger transport, exhibitions
in companies, offices and educational institutions
at events
as background to your website

You also need a licence for music in the following productions:

videos
advertising
podcasts
games and apps

Costs of a licence to play music

The cost of licences to play music differ. It also depends on:

whether it is live music, light music and background music
the number of persons hearing the music
the surface area of the space in which the music can be heard
how often the music is played

Rights-included music distribution

You do not need a Buma or Sena license if you play rights-included music (royalty-free music). The music is distributed by internet streaming and played in your company. You can arrange rights-included music with various commercial suppliers.