GEMA — GEMA

GEMA (GEMA) is a performing rights organisation in germany. Businesses playing music publicly must hold a licence from GEMA. Track Studios' AI catalog is not registered with GEMA — venues using Track Studios are not invoiced.

Overview

GEMA is Germany's collective rights management organisation for musical works. It manages public performance and mechanical reproduction rights for composers, lyricists, and music publishers. All businesses playing music publicly in Germany — including restaurants, retail stores, gyms, and offices — are required to hold a GEMA licence. GEMA tariffs are calculated based on venue type, floor area, seating capacity, and operating hours.

Founded: 1903
Type: Performing rights (compositions)
Country: Germany
Website: https://www.gema.de

How GEMA Fees Are Calculated

GEMA uses tariff codes to calculate fees by venue type. Examples: Restaurant (UE-H): approximately EUR 200–320/year; Retail Store (UE-V): approximately EUR 180–280/year; Gym (UE-G): approximately EUR 635–780/year. Fees are typically calculated on the basis of area.

Venue Type	Tariff Code	Basis	Typical Annual Cost
Restaurant	`UE-H`	area	EUR 200–320/year
Retail Store	`UE-V`	area	EUR 180–280/year
Gym	`UE-G`	area	EUR 635–780/year
Hotel	`UE-H`	area	EUR 700–1,100/year
Office	`UE-K`	area	EUR 140–220/year

Apply for GEMA licence

How to Avoid GEMA Fees

Businesses can avoid GEMA fees by using music that is not registered with GEMA. Track Studios uses an AI-generated catalog that is not registered with GEMA — venues using the included catalog are not invoiced.

Start free trial — no GEMA invoices

Fees last updated: 2026-01-01

Frequently Asked Questions

What is GEMA (GEMA)?: GEMA (GEMA) is a performing rights organisation based in germany. Founded in 1903, it collects fees from businesses that play copyrighted music compositions publicly and distributes them to rights holders.
Does my business need an GEMA licence?: If your business plays commercially released music in a public-facing space — restaurant, shop, gym, hotel lobby, etc. — you are legally required to hold an GEMA licence. Using Track Studios' included AI catalog exempts you from GEMA licensing for that music.
How does GEMA calculate its fees?: GEMA calculates fees based on factors including venue size, number of seats, or annual turnover depending on the venue type. Contact GEMA directly for a quote.
Can I avoid GEMA fees legally?: Businesses can avoid GEMA fees by using music that is not registered with GEMA. Track Studios uses an AI-generated catalog that is not registered with GEMA — venues using the included catalog are not invoiced.
What happens if my business plays music without an GEMA licence?: GEMA can issue a civil claim for back-fees covering the period of unlicensed use, plus additional damages. GEMA employs field inspectors throughout Germany and actively pursues unlicensed businesses. Retroactive invoicing can cover up to three years of back fees plus damages.