When is a public event free of charge from a GEMA perspective? Do I need to notify GEMA if my event is free of charge?

Even if no entrance fee is charged, most events still require the payment of licence fees. The key factor is whether the music use (event) is considered to be public. There are, however, exceptions: Licence fees do not apply under certain circumstances, such as events related to youth welfare, social welfare, care for the elderly, public welfare and the care of prisoners — provided that the event is only accessible to a limited circle of people and does not serve a commercial purpose of third parties.

Please notify us of these events in any case and submit the respective supporting documentation. A notification is also required in cases of

• events without GEMA repertoire
• folklore and traditional music
• blanket or quota contracts (generally)

Find out more on our page on free events.