How to Organize a Music Event: Permits, SIAE, Bureaucracy
In brief:
- Organizing a music event in Italy requires at least 4 obligations: SCIA to the Municipality, SIAE authorization, SCF license, and post-event music program
- Bureaucratic preparation times are at least 30 days before the event
- SIAE costs range from EUR 30 to over EUR 2,000 based on capacity and event type
- The music program (borderò) must be submitted within 20 days of the event
- EasyBordero automates borderò compilation in 3 minutes
Obligations Before the Event
1. SCIA or Communication to the Municipality
Before any music event, it is necessary to submit a SCIA (Certified Notification of Commencement of Activity) to the Municipality where the event will take place. Timings vary:
- Events in an already authorized venue (disco, pub): covered by the venue's license
- Outdoor events or in unauthorized spaces: SCIA must be submitted at least 30 days prior
- Temporary events: communication to the Police Headquarters at least 3 days prior (art. 18 TULPS - article 18 of the Italian Public Security Law)
2. SIAE Authorization (Copyrights)
The SIAE (Italian Society of Authors and Publishers) authorization allows the use of copyrighted music during the event. It is requested:
- Online on the SIAE portal
- At the competent territorial SIAE office
- Timing: at least 5 working days before the event
Costs depend on capacity, ticket price, and event type. For details, see our guide SIAE costs for DJs.
3. SCF License (Related Rights)
For events with recorded music (not live), an SCF license is also required for the rights of record labels. The cost is approximately 50% of the SIAE authorization.
4. Fitness for Use and Safety
For events with a capacity exceeding 200 people:
- Certificate of fitness for use of the structure
- Safety and evacuation plan
- Presence of security personnel (stewards)
- Civil liability insurance
Obligations After the Event
Music Program (borderò)
Within 20 days of the event, the DJ or organizer must submit the music program with the list of all tracks performed to SIAE. Failure to complete it incurs penalties up to EUR 5,164 (Art. 174 L. 633/1941 - article 174 of the Italian Copyright Law).
For a complete guide to compilation, see Guide to the SIAE borderò.
Organizer Checklist
| When | What to do | Who |
|---|---|---|
| 30+ days before | SCIA to the Municipality | Organizer |
| 15+ days before | SIAE authorization | Organizer |
| 15+ days before | SCF license | Organizer |
| Day of the event | Have permits displayed | Organizer |
| Within 20 days after | Submit SIAE borderò | DJ / Organizer |
Frequently Asked Questions
What permits are needed to organize an event with a DJ?
At least: SCIA to the Municipality, SIAE authorization for copyrights, SCF license for related rights. For events with a capacity exceeding 200 people, a certificate of fitness for use and a safety plan are also required.
How long before do I need to request the SIAE authorization?
The SIAE authorization must be requested at least 5 working days before the event. For large-scale events, it is advisable to anticipate 15-30 days.
Who is responsible for the borderò: the DJ or the organizer?
The responsibility is joint and several. In practice, the DJ compiles the music program because they are the only one who knows the tracks played, but the organizer is jointly responsible for its submission within the deadlines.
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