Who licenses what
| Who | What for | |
|---|---|---|
| SOZA | Slovenský ochranný zväz autorský pre práva k hudobným dielam | Authors and publishers; device tariff |
| SLOVGRAM | SLOVGRAM | Performers and audio or audiovisual producers |
Dr.DIO · Music license in Slovakia
Music licence for a café, shop or hotel in Slovakia
Slovak businesses playing music through devices pay SOZA for authors under its 2026 device tariff, and SLOVGRAM for performers and producers under a separate tariff.
Which license a café, shop or hotel needs
SOZA's 2026 tariff covers public transmission and technical performance of music via radio, CD, TV, PC, smartphone and other devices in hospitality, accommodation, shops and services, under a collective or extended collective licence contract. SLOVGRAM collects for performers and producers under its own tariff, which was not checked for this guide.
How the fee is worked out
SOZA uses flat annual rates by venue category, type of space, device type, number of devices and floor area; accommodation by stars and occupancy; with seasonal and pro rata adjustment; excluding VAT. Discounts of 15% or 50% apply in some cases.
2026 examples (authors only): an audio receiver or player in a restaurant, café or bar of 1 to 100 m2, EUR 35.00 a year; a shop of 1 to 50 m2, EUR 12.50 a year; both excluding VAT.
Can I play Spotify or YouTube in my business?
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. SOZA's tariff covers playback via PC, tablet and smartphone, so the type of device does not exempt public use.
Music outside the collecting societies
Playback in premises via devices is under extended collective licensing, not mandatory collective management. Under § 79(1) the extended licence covers rightholders the society does not represent unless they opted out, and § 79(2) lets them exclude all or some works by written notice to the society, which informs the licensee.
Performers have a remuneration right for technical performance and public transmission of recorded performances (§ 99(2)). A venue using directly licensed music should hold written licences and, where relevant, proof of the rightholders' opt out notice.
Official penalties were not documented; SOZA's tariff says incorrect user data counts as false data and SOZA may audit.
Dr.DIO in Slovakia
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.
In Slovakia venue playback is extended collective, not mandatory, but the extended licence reaches non members unless they send an opt out notice to the society. A Slovak venue should keep the Dr.DIO certificate and ask SOZA and SLOVGRAM in writing whether they claim anything for Dr.DIO music.
Any other music in the venue, such as radio, TV, live music or other playlists, still needs the usual licences.
Official sources
- SOZA: https://www.soza.sk/
- SLOVGRAM: https://www.slovgram.sk/
- SOZA licence page: https://moja.soza.sk/cms/content/files/Sadzobnik_autorskych_odmien_technika_2026_novy.pdf
- SLOVGRAM: http://slovgram.sk/down/Autorský_zákon.pdf
About this guide
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.
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Questions
What is the SOZA fee for a radio in a premises?
In 2026, an audio player in a restaurant, café or bar of 1 to 100 m2 costs EUR 35 a year excluding VAT, authors' share only.
How much does SOZA cost for a café?
EUR 35 a year for one audio device in a café of 1 to 100 m2 in 2026, plus the separate SLOVGRAM fee.
What is the SOZA device tariff for 2026?
The Sadzobník for technical devices, with flat annual rates by venue type, device, number of devices and area.
Does SLOVGRAM charge a shop?
SLOVGRAM collects for performers and producers under its own tariff, separate from SOZA.
Can I play music in a shop without SOZA?
Only if the authors are outside the extended licence, for example by an opt out notice, and you hold written licences.
Is Spotify legal in a café in Slovakia?
No. Personal plans are for personal, noncommercial use.