In the Netherlands, any business that plays music publicly must hold a licence. This applies to cafés, restaurants, shops, gyms, salons, hotels — anywhere music can be heard by customers or employees. Playing music without the proper authorisation may result in back-payments, fines, or legal action.
Using a personal Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube account to play music in your business is not permitted under those services' terms of use and does not constitute a valid music licence.
Using a personal Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube account to play music in your business is not permitted under those services' terms of use and does not constitute a valid music licence.
the Netherlands
Background music licensing
in
Who needs a music license?
Who needs a music license?
*Understanding performance rights can be complex. Moodby covers all the necessary rights for the music in our catalogue, so you don't have to think about it.
Recording rights
Allows you to stream a specific sound recording of a song. No separate licence needed — Moodby holds the rights to all music in its catalogue.
Сovered by Moodby service
Publishing rights
Allows you to stream original compositions. No separate licence needed — Moodby holds the rights to all music in its catalogue.
Сovered by Moodby service
Public performance rights
Allows you to stream music in a commercial environment. Not required*
Not required*
Moodby's tracks are royalty-free and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, are not subject to statutory remuneration for performers or producers, mechanical reproduction royalties, public performance royalties, or any compulsory collective rights management obligations, except where expressly required by applicable laws.
Understanding music rights
An all-in-one subscription for music and licensing, designed to create the right ambiance.
Royalty-free music by Moodby
How it works
You pay an annual fee based on your business size, type, and how you use music. Licences from BumaStemra and Sena are available together at MijnLicentie.nl. The fee depends on factors including the floor area of the space, the number of people who may hear the music, and whether the music is live or recorded.
One flat fee. No complex forms. You get a compliance certificate instantly
You need this if
You play chart-topping hits, radio, TV, or host live cover bands
You want a fixed-cost, simple solution and believe your venue's atmosphere should be unique, not just a random radio station.
What it is
A license that covers almost all commercial music (songs you hear on the radio).
Compare and choose the best fit for your business
The traditional license
Compare and choose the best fit for your business
The traditional license
You need this if
You play chart-topping hits, radio, TV, or host live cover bands.
How it works
You pay an annual fee based on your business size, type, and how you use music. Licences from BumaStemra and Sena are available together at MijnLicentie.nl. The fee depends on factors including the floor area of the space, the number of people who may hear the music, and whether the music is live or recorded.
What it is
A license that covers almost all commercial music (songs you hear on the radio).
Royalty-free music
by Moodby
How it works
One flat fee. No complex forms. You get a compliance certificate instantly
You need this if
You want a fixed-cost, simple solution and believe your venue's atmosphere should be unique, not just a random radio station.
What it is
An all-in-one subscription for music and licensing, designed to create the right ambiance.
Spotify is only for personal, non-commercial use. This means you can’t broadcast or play Spotify publicly from a business, such as bars, restaurants, schools, stores, salons, dance studios, radio stations, etc.
You may use the Services and Content only for personal, noncommercial purposes (except as set forth in the App Store Content section below or as otherwise specified by Apple).
You may access and use the Service as made available to you, as long as you comply with this Agreement and the law. You may view or listen to Content for your personal, non-commercial use.
Why your personal streaming
services won’t protect your business
3. Download your compliance certificate
Get instant proof of licence from your Moodby account. Keep it on file — and show it if you ever need to.
Your step-by-step plan to legal music
1. Choose your path
There are two legal ways to play music in your business:
→ Popular music (chart hits, radio, live cover bands): apply for licences from BumaStemra and Sena via MijnLicentie.nl
→ Royalty-free music (curated playlists that build the right atmosphere): subscribe to Moodby — no additional paperwork required
2. Set up Moodby
Start a plan for your venue, download the app, and use it during business hours.
Official Resources
The following organisations collectively manage music rights in the Netherlands. Moodby is not affiliated with any of them.
BumaStemra
Sena
MijnLicentie.nl
FAQ
No. Moodby's music is royalty-free: it is not registered in the BumaStemra or Sena catalogues. This means no licence fees are owed to either organisation for music played through Moodby. You receive a compliance certificate after subscribing as proof of this.
If you use only Moodby for your business music, you no longer need licences from BumaStemra or Sena for that music. Check the terms of your existing agreements regarding notice periods before cancelling.
The cost varies based on your business type, floor area, number of potential listeners, and whether music is live or recorded. Licences are calculated and purchased via MijnLicentie.nl. Both BumaStemra and Sena fees apply and are invoiced together.
Yes. Moodby's catalogue is created as royalty-free music for commercial use. The rights are held by Moodby, and the tracks are not registered with BumaStemra or Sena. After subscribing, you receive a certificate confirming the legal status of the music you play.
Under Dutch law, playing music publicly — regardless of volume — requires a licence if customers or employees can hear it. Volume is not a factor that exempts a business from licensing obligations.