Italian legislation states that those who organize a private event, show or other entertainment where copyrighted works are played, live music or recorded, should ask the Società Italiana degli Autori ed Editori (aka SIAE or Italian Society of Authors and Publishers) for a licence to hold this event.
Important: The client that is employing the musicians, not the musicians themselves, is in charge of administering and paying the SIAE licence fee. In Italy, there is a lot of misunderstanding on who is in charge of filling out the SIAE paperwork. The client/booker of the live music must initiate the process and make the necessary payment before your musicians or wedding planner can assist you.
What is the expected price of the SIAE license fee?
Generally speaking, the cost will vary based on the style of music (for example, whether it’s live music performed by a band or recorded music played by a DJ) and the number of attendees.
• The price is €268.88 for live music events with fewer than 200 guests.
• The price is €406.98 for live music when there are more than 200 guests.
• The price is €378.80 for a DJ, karaoke, or Spotify when there are fewer than 200 guests.
• The price is €573.80 for a DJ, karaoke, or Spotify when there are more than 200 guests.
• The price is €378.80 for events with both live and recorded music when there are fewer than 200 guests.
• The price is €573.80 for events with both live and recorded music when there are more than 200 guests.
• There is no charge for liturgical music performed in a church with whatever number of guests.
As an example, if your wedding has a live band and DJ the SIAE license fee would therefore total €378.80 (if you have fewer than 200 guests) or €573.80 (if you have more than 200 guests).
The SIAE licence for live music can be purchased online here: siae.it – Live Music Licence.
If your event features recorded music (such as a DJ set, karaoke, or Spotify), you can obtain the appropriate licence here: siae.it – Recorded Music Licence.
Our Italian wedding bands will also be able to assist you with the SIAE process if needed.
Any wedding party that includes live or recorded music must pay the SIAE license fee. Other private gatherings, like baptisms, garden parties, birthday parties, and business events, are also subject to the rule.
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the SIAE Licence for live wedding music in Italy.
What is the price of the SIAE license for Italian weddings?
The SIAE licence fee in Italy depends on key factors, including the event size and music type. For weddings, live music fees typically range from €268.88 to €406.98, while recorded music costs between €378.80 and €573.80. Events combining live and recorded music (if you have a wedding DJ in Italy playing recorded music and live performers) see fees between €378.80 and €573.80. Rates also vary with venue size and guest numbers. Always confirm costs directly with SIAE to avoid surprises and ensure compliance with copyright law.
Who should pay the SIAE license fee?
Usually, the SIAE fee is owed by the event planner. In weddings, this is usually the couple getting married. For corporate events, it’s most likely to be the company. Therefore, if you’re getting married in Italy and have hired a live band or DJ, make sure you pay the SIAE fee before your wedding day.
Who is responsible for the SIAE licence fee?
The responsibility for paying the SIAE licence fee in Italy typically lies with the wedding planner, often the couple. However, it’s important to communicate with your wedding planner, venue, or musicians, as they might assist with the application process or guide you through fulfilling legal requirements. Ensuring the payment is completed is essential to avoid penalties and guarantee your wedding complies with Italian copyright law.
What happens if I don’t pay the SIAE license fee?
The arrival of the Inspectors could potentially disturb the ceremony or wedding reception, especially if the SIAE costs have not been paid in advance. SIAE inspectors will also impose severe penalties. It is the Event Planner’s duty to cover these costs.
Why is this important?
SIAE inspectors have been known to stop parties and events if the necessary payments are not paid.
When should I pay the SIAE fee?
Prior to the wedding in Italy, the SIAE charge must be paid.
If I have both live music and a DJ at my wedding, will the SIAE cost increase?
Not necessarily. When both live and recorded music are played at the same event, the SIAE licence fee is calculated as a combined rate, not as two separate fees. In most cases, you’ll pay the recorded music rate, which already covers the use of both. This means the total fee will typically range from €378.80 to €573.80, depending on the number of guests.
Where can I go for assistance with the SIAE tax?
You can get advice on how to pay the necessary costs from your wedding planner or venue. Feel free to ask our wedding bands about it when you inquire; they will be pleased to help. They have expertise dealing with this as well. Some of our bands are willing to apply for the SIAE license and handle the necessary paperwork themselves if you don’t have a wedding planner, as long as the client pays them back afterwards. Usually, you may complete this just a few days before your wedding. Even while it is not the band’s obligation to plan or pay for the SIAE permit, most will be willing to provide some assistance.
What happens after the event?
After obtaining the SIAE licence and hosting your event, there is still one final step: completing the Musical Program (formerly known as the “borderò”). This document lists the songs performed during the event and is used by SIAE to correctly distribute royalties.
You, as the organiser, will assign a Director of Execution – usually the DJ or band leader – who is responsible for compiling the song list. Once completed, it is submitted back to SIAE, either through the online portal or the free mioBorderò app (available in English).
This digital process has replaced the traditional paperwork, making it faster and easier to stay compliant.
Are other kinds of events charged the same amount?
No. The cost of the SIAE varies depending on the kind of event. The costs listed above apply to weddings in Italy. For instance, costs for birthday celebrations and other events are cheaper than for weddings.
Does music played in churches, such as during wedding ceremonies, require payment of the SIAE fee?
Since liturgical music is not covered by the SIAE’s copyright protection, the SIAE fee normally does not apply to performances of music in churches.
Visit the official SIAE website for further details.
The online portal allows you to obtain a licence for a private party or wedding involving the performance of music protected by SIAE, and to pay the required fees for copyright and accessories (including administrative fees, any related rights, and VAT).
Private events include weddings, baptisms, birthday parties, graduation parties, and similar celebrations offered by individuals and reserved for invited guests only.
If the music is not live but recorded, an additional fee is required for so-called “related rights,” which are owed to music producers and performers. Recorded music includes music played via CD, DVD, streaming platforms, or performed by a DJ.
To use the online service for obtaining the permit and paying copyright (and any related rights) for private parties or events, the applicant must be an adult (providing their tax code) and must be an occasional organizer of private events.
The payment is made at the time the permit is issued, allowing you to complete the process quickly and easily online.
After obtaining the licence, the organiser must also assign a “Director of Execution” (typically the person responsible for the music, such as the band leader or DJ), who is responsible for completing the Musical Program (formerly known as the borderò). This document lists all the songs performed during the event and ensures proper royalty distribution. It can be filled out and submitted digitally via the free mioBorderò app or through the SIAE online portal.