The most important facts in brief
- The GEMA remunerated music authors. It becomes due as soon as you publicly play GEMA-liable music.
- The Broadcasting licence fee (formerly GEZ) funds public broadcasting. It is levied per business premises, regardless of whether you play music.
- Savings can only be made at GEMA: Anyone switching to GEMA-free music saves up to 100 percent of their GEMA costs. The broadcasting contribution remains unaffected by this.
- sonicsense offers 30 royalty-free premium channels including a certificate and, if desired, the complete GEMA full service, possibly with up to 40 percent discount on GEMA tariffs.
GEMA or Broadcasting Contribution? The difference at a glance
The quickest way to distinguish between the two levies is a direct comparison. The table shows the fundamental differences between GEMA and the broadcasting contribution:
| Aspect | GEMA | Broadcasting contribution (formerly GEZ) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Remuneration of Music Copyright Holders | Funding of public service broadcasters |
| Legal form | Collection agency | Broadcasting Contribution Services |
| Basis | Public use of music in the workplace | Existence of a permanent establishment |
| Calculation | After use, area and revenue | Lump sum, tiered according to the number of employees |
| Height (orientation) | From a two-digit monthly amount to several thousand euros per event | From €6.12 per month per business location, increasing with the number of employees |
| Avoidable? | Yes, through GEMA-free music | No, regardless of the music usage |
What is GEMA, and what do companies pay for?
GEMA is the collecting society for music copyright holders in Germany. It represents the rights of composers and lyricists, collects remuneration for the public use of their works, and distributes it to the rights holders. For businesses, this means that as soon as music subject to GEMA fees is played publicly and for commercial purposes, a GEMA fee becomes payable.
The clean separation of terms is important: The GEMA fee is not a music licence, but remuneration for public performance. Typical situations subject to GEMA fees include background music in commercial premises, radio playback in businesses, live music, and music on telephone hold systems. Our overview shows what common mistakes in thinking can be costly in this regard. Most common GEMA mistakes for businesses.
What is the broadcasting contribution (formerly GEZ)?
The broadcasting contribution, which many still call GEZ, finances the public service broadcasters. It is collected by the ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Contribution Service and must be paid regardless of whether and how much music or media you actually use. The sole determining factor is the existence of a business premises.
For companies, the amount is based on the number of employees subject to social security contributions per business location:
- Up to 8 employees: a one-third contribution, so 6.12 Euros per month.
- 9 to 19 employees: a full contribution, 18.36 Euros per month.
- From 20 employees: progressively higher, significantly higher for large businesses.
In addition: one commercially used vehicle per business location is exempt from the fee, each additional one costs €6.12 per month. The key point remains: unlike with GEMA, the broadcasting fee cannot be reduced by the choice of music.
Where you really save: only with GEMA
Because the broadcasting contribution is a flat-rate charge, there is no flexibility there. All potential savings lie with GEMA, specifically through the choice of music. Anyone who exclusively uses GEMA-free music in their business pays no GEMA fees and saves up to 100 percent of their previous GEMA costs, with no change in quality.
sonicsense is your expert for everything to do with music in the workplace, providing 30 GEMA-free premium channels featuring tracks by international artists, including certification. If you consciously want to use well-known, GEMA-liable music, you won't be left on your own either: sonicsense will take over the complete GEMA administration upon request and can potentially secure up to 40 percent discount on GEMA tariffs. Our guide provides concrete approaches to Save on GEMA fees, you will find the current sentences in the overview of GEMA fees 2026.
Reduce GEMA costs, keep broadcasting contributions under control
Sonicsense shows you how much you can save with GEMA-free music and, if desired, takes over the complete GEMA full service. Have your savings potential calculated without obligation.
Request a consultation nowWatch out for GEMA-liable streaming and AI music
Two errors repeatedly cost businesses money. Firstly: Services like Spotify or Apple Music are licensed exclusively for private use; they are not permitted for commercial playback in a business and can lead to back payments. Secondly: AI-generated music has legal ambiguities. If copyrighted works were used in the AI's training, a GEMA obligation could subsequently arise for the output. You can avoid both risks with certified GEMA-free music for businesses.
Frequently asked questions about GEMA and broadcast contributions
Can I also save the licence fee by listening to GEMA-free music?
No. The broadcasting contribution must be paid regardless of music usage and is due for each business premises. GEMA-free music only reduces your GEMA costs, not the broadcasting contribution.
Are Spotify and Apple Music allowed for businesses?
No, these services are strictly licensed for private use. Commercial use is not permitted and may lead to substantial claims. There are separate, legally compliant solutions available for businesses.
What are typical GEMA fees?
This varies greatly by industry and usage. A small café pays a low double-digit amount per month as a rough estimate for background music, while larger gyms with classes can come to several hundred euros monthly. The fee is capped at 3.75 percent of revenue.
How much is the broadcast contribution for businesses?
The contribution is tiered according to the number of employees per site. Companies with up to 8 employees pay a third contribution of €6.12 per month, with 9 to 19 employees it is €18.36 per month, and above that the contribution increases further. One commercial vehicle per site is exempt from contributions.
What happens during GEMA inspections?
GEMA field service employees can inspect businesses. If GEMA-liable music is detected without proper registration, back payments plus a surcharge are threatened. With a certified GEMA-free solution from sonicsense, you have legally secure proof for all content used.
Is it worth switching to GEMA-free music?
In most cases, yes. Companies can save up to 100 percent of their previous GEMA costs with GEMA-free music, while maintaining the same music quality. For those who specifically need well-known tracks, they can combine GEMA-liable and GEMA-free music through sonicsense's full service.
