In Belgium Unisono is the single platform for both parts of a music licence: authors' rights for Sabam and the equitable remuneration for performers and producers.
| Who | What for | |
|---|---|---|
| Unisono | Unisono | Single licensing platform for Sabam and equitable remuneration |
| Sabam | Sabam | Authors, composers and publishers |
| PlayRight | PlayRight | Performers' share of the equitable remuneration |
| SIMIM | SIMIM | Producers' share of the equitable remuneration |
A Belgian shop or café playing recorded music needs authors' rights (Sabam) and the equitable remuneration (for PlayRight and SIMIM). Unisono handles both. It publishes separate 2026 guides for retail and for hospitality (horeca).
Authors' rights are priced by area band (up to 100 m2, 101 to 200 m2 and so on) and by audio or audiovisual use. The equitable remuneration is priced by area (indoor or outdoor) or number of speakers; its rates are set by royal decree and indexed yearly. Prices exclude 6% VAT.
2026 example from the official retail guide: a shop up to 100 m2 with audio background music, annual payment, pays EUR 202.69 for authors' rights plus EUR 81.64 equitable remuneration (indoor, up to 200 m2), EUR 284.33 in total excluding 6% VAT.
Discounts exist for applying at least 5 days in advance, online application and payment, and federation membership; areas up to 10 m2 get 50% off.
Consumer plans of Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube are licensed for personal, noncommercial use under their own terms, so a private account is not a license to play music to customers. Unisono asks for the music source when it configures a licence; no Unisono statement on consumer streaming apps was found.
The equitable remuneration is a statutory right in Book XI of the Code of Economic Law, with rates fixed by royal decree. As far as this research goes it is collected only through the designated collective body, now via Unisono, which would mean it can be claimed even where the authors' side is licensed directly. This point was not verified from the legal text, so it is unclear.
No Unisono statement on royalty free music was found. Penalties were not documented in the sources retrieved.
Dr.DIO Studio makes its own electronic and ambient music, no Dr.DIO track is registered with any collecting society, and the Business plan ($14.99 a month per venue, 14 days free) gives the venue a direct public playback license and a certificate for Dr.DIO music.
Dr.DIO works are not in Sabam's repertoire, but whether the Belgian equitable remuneration can still be claimed for Dr.DIO recordings is unclear, because it may be collectable only through the designated body. Ask Unisono in writing, with the Dr.DIO certificate, before you decide.
Any other music in the venue, such as radio, TV, live music or other playlists, still needs the usual licences.
This page explains the general rules as published by the societies and laws listed above, checked in October 2026. It is not legal advice; fees and rules change, so confirm with the society before you decide.
In 2026 a shop up to 100 m2 with audio background music pays EUR 202.69 for authors' rights plus EUR 81.64 equitable remuneration, EUR 284.33 a year excluding 6% VAT.
Unisono publishes a separate 2026 horeca guide with authors' rights and equitable remuneration tariffs for cafés and restaurants.
A statutory payment for performers (PlayRight) and producers (SIMIM) when recorded music is played in public, with rates set by royal decree.
Yes, authors' rights for background music are licensed for Sabam through Unisono.
No. Personal Spotify plans are for personal, noncommercial use only.
It may avoid the authors' part, but whether the equitable remuneration is still due is unclear. Ask Unisono in writing.
