Buma/Stemra Music License: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn if your cafe needs a music license and how the licensing process works for playing copyrighted music in your business.
This license gives businesses the legal permission to play copyrighted music within their physical premises.
Who it's for
This scheme is designed for business owners who use music to enhance their environment. Specifically, it is for any cafe that plays background music for its customers. If you play music in your establishment to create a certain atmosphere, you fall under these requirements.
What you get
By obtaining this license, you receive the legal right to play copyrighted music in your business. This ensures that the creators of the music are compensated when their works are played in a commercial setting, protecting you from legal issues regarding music rights (muziekrechten).
What it costs you
Using music in a commercial space is not free. You will be required to pay an annual subscription fee to maintain your legal right to play music. The specific amount of this fee is not a flat rate for everyone; instead, it is calculated based on the size of your cafe.
The catch to know
A common mistake for business owners is assuming that a single license covers all musical rights. In reality, you often need to manage separate licenses to be fully compliant. For example, you may need one license for the composers (Buma) and a separate license for the performers (Sena). Ensuring you have the correct coverage for both is essential.
How to apply
- Assess the physical size of your cafe to prepare for the fee calculation.
- Visit the official portal to start your application.
- Complete the necessary registration steps to secure your music rights.
- Manage your annual subscription to ensure your license remains valid.