GEMA has adjusted its tariffs again on 1 January 2026 and simplified several tariff structures. This guide shows you the current costs for pubs, bars, restaurants and cafés – and how you can save up to 100 % on GEMA costs with GEMA-free music.
The most important facts at a glance
- Tariff adjustment 2026: GEMA has adjusted its tariffs as of 01/01/2026. Percentage levies on entrance fees remain unchanged; several tariffs have been merged.
- Three packages for the catering industry Package S (audio only), Package M (audio + TV) and Package L (audio + TV + video streaming) – billed per square metre.
- Cost example pub 100 sq m: From approx. €69 net per month for the basic package S (GEMA + GVL). GEMU members automatically receive a 20% % discount on their tariff.
- Don't forget GVL: In addition to GEMA, a separate GVL contract is required for background music – the GVL fee is 20–26 % of the GEMA license.
- Save up to 100 %: Royalty-free music from sonicsense eliminates GEMA and GVL fees entirely – with professional quality and full legal certainty.
GEMA fees in the catering industry are incurred when music is played publicly. This includes background music in restaurants, cafés, bars, and beer gardens, as well as music played at events like parties or concerts held on the premises.
The rule is simple: as soon as your guests can hear music, the playback is considered „public“ for the purposes of copyright law – and therefore subject to GEMA fees. This applies regardless of the source: radio, streaming, CD, USB stick, PC, television, or live music.
Even seemingly harmless scenarios trigger the fee obligation: the television in the bar for sports broadcasts, the bartender's smartphone connected to a Bluetooth speaker, or the radio in the kitchen that can be heard in the guest area. GEMA does not differentiate between active sound systems and background noise.
New from 2026: GVL as a separate contract
For background music in the catering industry, you need two separate contracts: one with GEMA (for copyright) and one with GVL (for ancillary copyrights). The GVL fee of 20 %is added to the GEMA amount. For music played via radio/TV, the GVL surcharge is even 26 %. Both amounts are collected via the GEMA invoice.
GEMA Gastronomy Packages 2026 in Detail
GEMA offers three standardised packages for catering establishments. All packages include the right to publicly play almost the entire global repertoire of over 70 million tracks.
Gastronomy Package S - Music only
If you only play music – via radio, audio streaming, or physical media (CD, USB) – Package S is the right choice. It includes tariff items M-U III and R II and covers daily background music 365 days a year.
Gastronomy Package M – Music + TV
Once a television is in use in the guest area – whether for sports, news, or entertainment – you will require Package M. This additionally includes tariff FS for televisions up to 65 inches (165 cm diagonal). Larger screens are included at a reduced rate, provided music carriers are already licensed.
Gastronomy Package L – The Complete Package
If you also play video streaming services (YouTube, Netflix) for your guests or use large screens over 65 inches, you need Package L. It also includes the BT tariff for audiovisual media playback.
Current cost examples 2026
Example 1: Small corner stamp (50 sqm)
A small pub with 50 sqm of guest space and purely background music (Package S) pays approximately €20–€40 net per month (GEMA + GVL). This equates to about €240–€480 annually. With the GEMA discount, the amount is reduced by 20 %.
Example 2: Medium-sized bar (100 sq m) with TV
A bar with 100 sq m of space, background music, and a TV for sports broadcasts (Package M) pays approx. €69–85 net per month. Annually, this amounts to around €830–1,020. The TV licence fee (tariff FS) for a screen up to 65 inches costs approx. €285.50 net/year plus €26 % GVL surcharge.
Example 3: Pub (150 sq m) with TV and monthly live evening
A pub measuring 150 square metres, with Package M and monthly acoustic evenings, will need to register live events separately in addition to background music fees of approximately €590 net per year (GEMA + GVL). Each event will incur a minimum charge of approximately €55 according to Tariff M-V – at 12 events annually, this amounts to a further €660. Total costs: around €1,250 net per year.
| Type of operation | Area | Package | Approx. Costs/Year (net) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small corner post | 50 square metres | S (Music only) | 240–480 € |
| Coffee with radio | 75 sq m | S (Music only) | 300–450 € |
| Bar with TV | 100 sq m | M (Music + TV) | 830–1,020 € |
| Restaurant with TV | 150 sq m | M (Music + TV) | 950–1,200 € |
| Scene bar with big screen + streaming | 200 sq m | L (Full Programme) | €1,200–€1,600 |
All amounts net plus 7 %VAT (reduced rate for cultural services from 01.01.2026). Information based on GEMA tariff sheets 2026 and includes GVL surcharges. GEMU discount (20 %) not taken into account.
Save up to 100 % GEMA costs
With sonicsense's royalty-free premium channels, you won't pay GEMA or GVL fees. Professional music for pubs, bars and restaurants – at a fraction of the previous costs.
Get non-binding advice nowWhat's new in 2026: What's changed
Tariff consolidations
As of 1 January 2026, GEMA has merged several tariffs to simplify the licensing structure. Particularly relevant for the catering industry: the T-R (regular film screenings), T-R-E, and WR-S-E tariffs will now be licensed under the new collective tariff T. Furthermore, the V-BT-E and V-BT-G tariffs now fall under the consolidated tariff V-BT. For caterers with existing contracts, this means: please check your invoices for the new tariff designations.
Reduced rate of VAT
Ab dem 01.01.2026 gilt für Speisen in der Gastronomie dauerhaft der ermäßigte Mehrwertsteuersatz von 7 %. Dieser ermäßigte Satz gilt auch für kulturelle Leistungen – und damit für die GEMA-Gebühren. Auf alle GEMA-Nettobeträge werden somit 7 % (statt 19 %) Umsatzsteuer erhoben.
GEMU discount remains.
Members of the Association of Commercial Users of Higher-Quality Music (GEMU) continue to benefit from a 20% % overall contract discount on all GEMA fees. You must state this discount when registering and prove your GEMU membership. Check your invoices to ensure the discount is applied correctly. For enquiries, contact GEMU at kontakt@gemu-ev.de.
The five most expensive mistakes made by restaurateurs
Error 1: Use private streaming services
The most common and expensive mistake. Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and similar services are licensed exclusively for private, non-commercial use. Anyone using them commercially violates the service's terms of use, copyright law, and GEMA obligations. The combination of GEMA back payments and potential damages can quickly run into five figures.
Error 2: Live events must not be registered separately
Your background music contract does not cover events with live music or DJs. Every event must be registered separately with GEMA at least three days in advance. Failure to do so may incur a control cost surcharge on the tariff of up to 100 % – meaning you’ll pay double.
Error 3: Incorrect area specified
GEMA bases its fees on square metres. Measure your guest area accurately – only the actual area where music is played counts. Kitchens, storage areas, and non-public adjacent rooms are not relevant. But be careful: terraces and outdoor areas where music can be heard do count.
Error 4: GVL contract forgotten
Many restaurateurs are unaware that, in addition to GEMA, GVL (Gesellschaft zur Verwertung von Leistungsschutzrechten – Society for the Administration of Neighbouring Rights) also levies fees. GVL represents the rights of performing artists and phonogram producers. Without a GVL contract, you are missing an essential licensing component – which can lead to back payments during an inspection.
Error 5: Ride out the GEMA dispute
GEMA conducts systematic checks. If you are found to be without a valid license during a check, you will face back payments for up to three years, plus a 100 %inspection cost surcharge. Those who have played music for three years without registering will, in the worst-case scenario, have to pay double the usual fees retrospectively.
The clever alternative: GEMA-free music for your catering business
Royalty-free music has evolved from a niche alternative to the professional standard. Especially for pubs, bars, and restaurants, curated royalty-free programmes offer a decisive advantage: no GEMA fees, no GVL fees, no bureaucracy.
Was sonicsense Your restaurant offers
- Over 30 curated premium channels: From lounge and chill to rock and alternative, and on to pop and classical – the right sound for every time of day and mood.
- Massive cost savings: No GEMA fees, no GVL fees. The savings, depending on the size of the operation, are between 70–100 % compared to traditional licensing.
- Full legal certainty: Automatic licence certificates for each utilised title. All proof is immediately available during checks.
- Professional Quality Music from real international artists of chart-level quality – no difference for your guests.
- Technical flexibility Timed programs, multi-zone control, and offline operation in case of internet failure.
Money-saving tips for savvy restaurateurs
- Check GEMU membership: 20% % off all GEMA fees. Membership pays off quickly, even with small amounts.
- Annual contract instead of monthly payment Save up to 180 Euros annually with GEMA.
- Measure the area precisely: Only the sound-treated guest area counts. Do not include adjacent rooms and the kitchen.
- Report seasonal operation: Businesses that do not open all year round can be exempted for closure months.
- Check royalty-free alternative The biggest lever. A solution by sonicsense for bars often costs only a fraction of the GEMA fees.
Ready for the perfect sound in your catering business?
From legally compliant background music to a complete GEMA full service – sonicsense is your partner for music, technology and licence management in the hospitality industry. Save time, money and hassle.
Get non-binding advice nowFrequently asked questions (FAQ)
How much does GEMA cost in 2026 for a small pub?
For a small pub with up to 50 square metres of space and pure background music (Package S), the costs are approximately €20–40 net per month (GEMA + GVL). With a GEMA discount, the amount is reduced by 20 %. If a television is added (Package M), the costs increase by approximately €20–30 %.
Can I use Spotify, Amazon, or Apple Music in my pub?
No. Private streaming services are licensed exclusively for non-commercial use. Commercial playback in a pub infringes the terms of use and constitutes copyright infringement. Additionally, most titles are subject to GEMA [German music copyright collection society] fees, so you would have to pay those anyway. Professional providers like sonicsense provide legally sound music for commercial use.
What changed in GEMA tariffs in 2026?
As of 1 January 2026, the GEMA has simplified several tariff structures: Tariffs T-R, T-R-E, and WR-S-E have been merged under the new tariff T, and V-BT-E and V-BT-G under V-BT. Percentage levies on entrance fees remain unchanged. Furthermore, the reduced VAT rate of 7 % applies to GEMA fees. GEMA members continue to benefit from a 20 % discount.
What happens during a GEMA inspection without a licence?
GEMA controllers are permitted to enter your business during opening hours to check music usage. Without a valid licence, you risk back payments for up to three years retroactively, plus a verification cost surcharge of up to 100 %. For a pub that has played music for three years without registration, the back payments can quickly add up to several thousand euros.
Do I need a GEMA license for playing music in a pub?
Yes. Radio is free for private individuals, but not for commercial businesses. In your pub, playing the radio is public and commercial, making it subject to GEMA fees. The fact that the radio station itself already pays GEMA fees does not change this. You pay for playing it publicly in your establishment.
How much can I save with GEMA-free music?
The savings depend on your current GEMA charges. For a medium-sized bar of 100 sq m, with a TV and occasional live events, the total GEMA costs could be over 1,000 Euros annually. With a GEMA-free solution from sonicsense Both GEMA and GVL fees are completely waived. The savings are typically between 70–100 %.
Do I have to register live music separately with GEMA?
Yes, live events, DJ nights, and special musical performances are not covered by the background music contract. Each event must be registered separately at least three days in advance. Costs depend on room size and any entrance fees. For late or missed registrations, GEMA imposes surcharges of up to 100 %.
