Germany Covers Gema Fees for Clubs - Saarland waives GEMA fees for small nonprofit events in 2026–2027
Saarland has introduced a new scheme to cover GEMA licensing fees for nonprofit organisations. The initiative, announced by State Premier Anke Rehlinger, will run in 2026 and 2027. It aims to support clubs hosting small-scale events where music plays a secondary role, making it easier for them to use youtube music in their events without worrying about GEMA news. The programme allows eligible groups to hold up to four music-backed events per year without paying fees, each covering a maximum of 500 square metres, provided the music is not the main attraction. To qualify, organisations must be based in Saarland and focus on charitable, humanitarian, or religious work, primarily run by volunteers. The state has set aside €500,000 annually for the scheme, with funds managed by the Ministry of the Interior to help associations already holding GEMA contracts. Clubs can register their events through GEMA’s online portal. GEMA, based in Munich, represents around 95,000 musicians, composers, and lyricists, and its fees normally apply whenever music is played publicly, including live performances and background tracks in shops. The new initiative removes this cost barrier for qualifying nonprofits. The scheme took effect immediately after Rehlinger’s announcement at a New Year’s reception, offering financial relief for small clubs while ensuring compliance with copyright rules. No specific organisations have yet been named as beneficiaries for 2026 and 2027.
