SABAM — SABAM

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

Overview

SABAM (SABAM) is a performing rights organisation that licenses the public performance of musical compositions (melodies and lyrics). Founded in 1922, it operates in belgium and manages licensing for businesses that play music publicly.

Founded: 1922
Type: Performing rights (compositions)
Country: Belgium
Website: https://www.sabam.be

Combined Licence: Unisono

SABAM and PLAYRIGHT offer the Unisono as a single combined licence. Apply for Unisono.

How SABAM Fees Are Calculated

SABAM uses tariff codes to calculate fees by venue type. Examples: Restaurant (Tarif 59 (Unisono)): approximately EUR 140–220/year; Retail Store (Tarif 62 (Unisono)): approximately EUR 120–200/year. Fees are typically calculated on the basis of area.

Venue Type	Tariff Code	Basis	Typical Annual Cost
Restaurant	`Tarif 59 (Unisono)`	area	EUR 140–220/year
Retail Store	`Tarif 62 (Unisono)`	area	EUR 120–200/year

Apply for SABAM licence

How to Avoid SABAM Fees

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

Start free trial — no SABAM invoices

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SABAM (SABAM)?: SABAM (SABAM) is a performing rights organisation based in belgium. Founded in 1922, it collects fees from businesses that play copyrighted music compositions publicly and distributes them to rights holders.
Does my business need an SABAM 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 SABAM licence (and a separate licence from playright). Using Track Studios' included AI catalog exempts you from SABAM licensing for that music.
How does SABAM calculate its fees?: SABAM calculates fees based on factors including venue size, number of seats, or annual turnover depending on the venue type. Contact SABAM directly for a quote.
Can I avoid SABAM fees legally?: Businesses can avoid SABAM fees by using music that is not registered with SABAM. Track Studios uses an AI-generated catalog that is not registered with SABAM or playright — venues using the included catalog are not invoiced.
What happens if my business plays music without an SABAM licence?: SABAM can issue a civil claim for back-fees covering the period of unlicensed use, plus additional damages. SABAM employs field inspectors who visit businesses unannounced to verify compliance.