Theatrical performances
NB! The tariffs applicable in 2026 are listed below.
Music is an essential part of the artistic whole of theater performances, creating atmosphere and supporting the production. When music is used in straight plays (including stand-up and solo performances) and musical productions, a public performance license for the music is required.
After the event (whether it is a with entrance fee event or without entrance fee event), a financial report and a repertoire report must be submitted by the 20th day of the following month. Based on the received reports, a license fee invoice will be issued.
Tariffs for the use of music in straight plays
In the case of paid admission, the licence fee payable depends on the income from the sale of tickets for the performance and the duration of the musical works used.
| Duration of a musical work used | Licence fee rate |
|---|---|
| up to 2 minutes | 0.5% of the admission fee (excluding VAT), but not less than €3.20 per performance. From 01.01.2026 0.5% of the admission fee (excluding VAT), but not less than €5 per performance. |
| 2 minutes and 1 second to 4 minutes | 1% |
| 4 minutes and 1 second to 6 minutes | 1,5% |
| at least 6 minutes and 1 second | 2% |
If admission is free, the licence fee is €3.20 per performance.
Starting from 01 January 2026, in the case of free admission, the license fee is €5 per performance.
Tariffs for the use of music in musical productions (these tariffs apply if existing musical works are used).
- In the case of paid admission, the licence fee is 5% of the admission fee (excluding VAT), but not less than €30 per performance.
- If admission is free of charge, the licence fee is €20 per performance.
License fee rates effective from 01 January 2026
- In the case of paid admission, the licence fee is 5% of the admission fee (excluding VAT), but not less than €30 per performance.
- For events with free entrance, the license fee is based on the number of attendees:
- 1–100 attendees: €25 per day of the event
- 101–300 attendees: €35 per day of the event
- 301–600 attendees: €50 per day of the event
- 601–1000 attendees: €80 per day of the event
- For each additional 1000 attendees: an additional €60 per day of the event
NB! The licence fee rates shown here do not include the amount of VAT to be added by the EAÜ under the Value-Added Tax Act, which is calculated on the EAÜ’s commission and shown as a separate line on the invoice submitted by the EAÜ.
Contact persons for the EAÜ public performance licensing department
Siim Jõgioja
Public performance of musical works; live performance, concerts (Tallinn), licensing
Mart Jööts
Public performance of musical works (outside of Tallinn), licensing