SIAE Obligations for DJs: Updated Guide 2026
In brief:
- A professional DJ in Italy must manage 3 main SIAE obligations: event license, music program (borderò (music program report)), and related rights (SCF/Nuovo IMAIE)
- The music program must be submitted within 20 days of each event
- SIAE costs vary from a few tens to hundreds of EUR per event, based on capacity and type
- Failure to complete the borderò incurs administrative penalties up to EUR 5,164
- EasyBordero automates music program compilation in 3 minutes
Who Needs to Register with SIAE (Italian Society of Authors and Publishers)
Not all DJs must register with SIAE. The distinction is important:
Those who must register with SIAE:
- DJs who are also authors or composers of their own musical tracks
- DJs who wish to protect their original compositions
Those who DO NOT need to register with SIAE:
- DJs who play exclusively tracks by other artists — they are not authors, they are performers
- DJs who create remixes or mashups without formal registration as authors
However, even a DJ who is not registered with SIAE as an author has the obligation to complete the music program (borderò) for every event where they perform copyrighted music.
SIAE vs. Performer Registration
| Situation | SIAE Registration | Borderò Obligation |
|---|---|---|
| DJ playing tracks by others | Not necessary | Yes, mandatory |
| DJ playing their own registered tracks | Yes, as author | Yes, mandatory |
| DJ producer with published tracks | Recommended | Yes, mandatory |
| DJ playing only royalty-free music | Not necessary | No, not necessary |
Types of SIAE Authorizations for Music Events with DJs
To organize a music event, several authorizations are required. Responsibility may fall on the organizer or the venue manager.
1. Public Entertainment License (DIA/SCIA)
Before any event, the organizer must submit a DIA (Dichiarazione di Inizio Attività - Declaration of Commencement of Activity) or SCIA (Segnalazione Certificata di Inizio Attività - Certified Notification of Commencement of Activity) to the competent Municipality. This is not a SIAE authorization but an administrative prerequisite.
2. SIAE Authorization for the Event
For every event with copyrighted music, it is necessary to obtain the SIAE authorization. This can be:
- Authorization for a single event — for occasional events (concerts, festivals, parties)
- Annual subscription — for venues with continuous musical activity (discos, bars with DJs)
The SIAE authorization covers copyrights: the compensation due to authors and publishers for the use of their works.
3. Related Rights (SCF and Nuovo IMAIE)
In addition to copyrights (SIAE), there are related rights that are due to:
- SCF (Consorzio Fonografici - Phonographic Consortium) — rights of record labels (phonographic producers)
- Nuovo IMAIE — rights of performing artists
In Italy, for an event with recorded music (not live), the organizer must pay both SIAE rights and SCF rights. SCF costs are generally lower than SIAE costs.
| Type of Right | Entity | Due to whom | Mandatory for DJ set |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copyrights | SIAE | Authors and publishers | Yes |
| Phonographic rights | SCF | Record labels | Yes |
| Performer rights | Nuovo IMAIE | Performing artists | Depends on the contract |
The Music Program (borderò)
The music program is the most frequent obligation for a professional DJ. After each event, the DJ must communicate the list of tracks played to SIAE.
Deadline: within 20 days from the event date.
Content: for each track, title of the work, author(s), publisher, SIAE work code, duration.
Methods:
- Manual compilation on the SIAE portal (45-90 minutes per set)
- Automated compilation with EasyBordero (3 minutes per set)
For a detailed guide on compilation, see our Complete Guide to the SIAE borderò.
SIAE Costs for DJs: How Much Does It Cost
SIAE costs for a DJ vary significantly based on several factors:
Factors influencing the cost
- Venue capacity — higher capacity = higher cost
- Type of event — disco vs. wedding vs. corporate event
- Ticket price — free events have lower SIAE costs
- Event duration — influences proportional calculation
- Frequency — annual subscription vs. single authorization
Indicative cost range (2026)
| Type of Event | Capacity | Indicative SIAE Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Bar with DJ (evening event) | Up to 100 people | EUR 30-80 |
| Venue/Pub with DJ | 100-300 people | EUR 80-200 |
| Disco | 300-1,000 people | EUR 200-500 |
| Festival/Large event | Over 1,000 people | EUR 500-2,000+ |
| Wedding with DJ | Variable | EUR 50-150 |
| Corporate event | Variable | EUR 100-300 |
Important note: These are indicative costs for SIAE copyrights only. SCF (related rights) costs are additional and are generally equal to 50% of the SIAE cost.
Exact costs are calculated using the tariff simulator available on the SIAE portal or at territorial SIAE offices.
Annual Compliance Calendar
| Month | Obligation |
|---|---|
| January | Renewal of annual SIAE subscription (if applicable) |
| Each event | SIAE authorization (or coverage from subscription) |
| Within 20 days of each event | Music program (borderò) submission |
| Annually | Payment of SCF rights (if not included in the subscription) |
| Annually | Income tax declaration (DJ activity revenues) |
Penalties and Responsibilities
Failure to comply with SIAE obligations entails significant consequences:
- Failure to complete the borderò: administrative penalties up to EUR 5,164 (Art. 174 L. 633/1941 (Article 174 of Italian Law 633/1941 on Copyright))
- Event without SIAE authorization: penalties from EUR 51 to EUR 2,065 (Art. 174 L. 633/1941 (Article 174 of Italian Law 633/1941 on Copyright))
- Joint and several liability: the organizer and the venue manager are jointly responsible
In case of inspection by SIAE inspectors during an event, the absence of the authorization or the music program can lead to the suspension of the event and reporting to the competent authorities.
How to Simplify Obligations
For Freelance DJs
- Register on EasyBordero — free plan with 3 borderò/month
- Export your playlist after each set from your DJ software
- Import into EasyBordero — the system automatically matches the tracks
- Submit with one click — 3 minutes instead of 45-90
For Agencies and Venue Managers
EasyBordero's Agency plan offers:
- Centralized management of multiple DJs
- Delegations with audit log for traceability
- Dashboard with aggregated statistics
- Dedicated support
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the SIAE obligations for a DJ?
The main obligations are three: (1) ensuring the event has the SIAE authorization, (2) compiling and submitting the music program (borderò) within 20 days, (3) verifying that related rights (SCF) have been paid.
How much does SIAE cost for a DJ per evening event?
The SIAE cost for a single evening event varies from EUR 30 for a small bar to over EUR 500 for a large disco. The cost depends on the venue's capacity, ticket price, and type of event. These costs are generally borne by the event organizer or venue manager, not the DJ.
Does the DJ have to pay SIAE out of pocket?
No, in most cases. SIAE costs are borne by the event organizer or venue manager. The DJ is responsible for compiling the music program (borderò), which is a documentary obligation, not a cost.
What happens if I don't complete the SIAE borderò?
Failure to submit the music program can result in administrative penalties up to EUR 5,164 according to Art. 174 of Italian Law 633/1941 on Copyright. Furthermore, the authors of the tracks played do not receive the compensation due to them.
Do I need an Italian VAT number (partita IVA) to be a DJ?
If DJ activity is occasional (less than EUR 5,000/year), it can be carried out as an occasional service. If it is habitual or exceeds EUR 5,000/year, an Italian VAT number (partita IVA) is required. In any case, the obligation to compile the SIAE borderò exists regardless of the tax form.
Does EasyBordero replace the SIAE authorization?
No. EasyBordero only automates the compilation of the music program (borderò). The SIAE authorization for the event must be requested separately by the organizer or venue manager.
What are related rights and who pays them?
Related rights are compensations due to record labels (SCF) and performing artists (Nuovo IMAIE) for the use of recorded music. They are borne by the event organizer, in addition to SIAE copyrights.