Buma/Stemra — Buma/Stemra

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

Overview

Buma/Stemra (Buma/Stemra) is a performing rights organisation that licenses the public performance of musical compositions (melodies and lyrics). Founded in 1913, it operates in netherlands and manages licensing for businesses that play music publicly.

Founded: 1913
Type: Performing rights (compositions)
Country: Netherlands
Website: https://www.bumastemra.nl

Combined Licence: MijnLicentie.nl

Buma/Stemra and SENA offer the MijnLicentie.nl as a single combined licence. Apply for MijnLicentie.nl.

How Buma/Stemra Fees Are Calculated

Buma/Stemra uses tariff codes to calculate fees by venue type. Examples: Restaurant (Background Music (Horeca)): approximately EUR 160–260/year; Retail Store (Background Music (Retail)): approximately EUR 140–240/year; Gym (Background Music (Fitness)): approximately EUR 240–380/year. Fees are typically calculated on the basis of area.

Venue Type	Tariff Code	Basis	Typical Annual Cost
Restaurant	`Background Music (Horeca)`	area	EUR 160–260/year
Retail Store	`Background Music (Retail)`	area	EUR 140–240/year
Gym	`Background Music (Fitness)`	seats	EUR 240–380/year

Apply for Buma/Stemra licence

How to Avoid Buma/Stemra Fees

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

Start free trial — no Buma/Stemra invoices

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Buma/Stemra (Buma/Stemra)?: Buma/Stemra (Buma/Stemra) is a performing rights organisation based in netherlands. Founded in 1913, it collects fees from businesses that play copyrighted music compositions publicly and distributes them to rights holders.
Does my business need an Buma/Stemra 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 Buma/Stemra licence (and a separate licence from sena). Using Track Studios' included AI catalog exempts you from Buma/Stemra licensing for that music.
How does Buma/Stemra calculate its fees?: Buma/Stemra calculates fees based on factors including venue size, number of seats, or annual turnover depending on the venue type. Contact Buma/Stemra directly for a quote.
Can I avoid Buma/Stemra fees legally?: Businesses can avoid Buma/Stemra fees by using music that is not registered with Buma/Stemra. Track Studios uses an AI-generated catalog that is not registered with Buma/Stemra or sena — venues using the included catalog are not invoiced.
What happens if my business plays music without an Buma/Stemra licence?: Buma/Stemra can issue a civil claim for back-fees covering the period of unlicensed use, plus additional damages. Buma/Stemra employs field inspectors who visit businesses unannounced to verify compliance.