“Music without ZAiKS” is convenient shorthand, but it does not mean music without authors or copyright. It means using a catalogue whose necessary business public-performance rights have been cleared outside the repertoire for which Polish collecting societies would otherwise collect fees.
What are ZAiKS, STOART and ZPAV?
A recording contains several layers of rights. In Poland they are often represented by different organisations:
| Organisation | Whom it represents |
|---|---|
| ZAiKS | composers and lyricists |
| STOART | performing artists, including singers and musicians |
| ZPAV | record producers and labels |
Paying one organisation does not automatically settle the other layers. That is why mainstream background music may require several contracts.
When do you actually have to pay ZAiKS?
When protected repertoire is played publicly in a Polish business—rather than listened to privately—the business generally needs an appropriate legal basis. Typical examples include music audible to clients in a salon, spa, gym, restaurant, café, shop, hotel or reception area.
The source device does not remove the issue. Radio, Spotify, YouTube, a television or an employee’s phone can all deliver protected music. What matters is the repertoire, the licence and how it is used.
How much does ZAiKS cost a business?
There is no single rate. Tariffs can depend on business type, floor area, number of seats, location and the role of music. For the source article’s example of a 60 m² beauty salon, the estimated combined annual cost of ZAiKS, STOART and ZPAV is PLN 960–1,560. Verify current official rates; see our detailed cost guide.
Are Spotify, YouTube and radio legal in a business?
They are not business public-performance licences by default. Consumer streaming plans are normally limited to personal, non-commercial use. A radio station pays to broadcast, but a venue’s communication of that broadcast to customers is a separate act. Additional collective-management agreements do not necessarily cure a breach of the platform’s consumer terms.
What exactly does “music without ZAiKS” mean?
It is music offered under a direct or otherwise appropriate licence for business public performance. A reliable provider should:
- have authority from the authors, performers and producers,
- expressly permit public playback at the business,
- identify the covered catalogue, venue and licence period,
- issue a certificate or agreement that can be shown during an inspection.
“Royalty-free” does not necessarily mean free of charge. It usually means that use is licensed through a subscription or one-off agreement rather than a royalty being negotiated each time. It also never authorises unrelated mainstream tracks.
Music without separate ZAiKS fees for your industry
The musical programme should fit the customer journey. A spa needs controlled dynamics and no disruptive ads; a restaurant needs daypart changes; a gym needs distinct intensity across workout and recovery zones; a hotel needs consistent sound across shared spaces.
Explore music for beauty salons, spas and wellness, restaurants and cafés, hotels and fitness clubs.
How to start legally in five minutes
- Stop using private streaming accounts for customer-facing playback.
- Choose the venue and musical profile in a licensed business service.
- Confirm that the agreement covers public performance and all relevant rights.
- Keep the certificate available at the venue.
- Ensure staff play only the covered catalogue.
Questions and answers
Q: Is “music without ZAiKS” completely legal?
A: Yes, if the provider genuinely controls or has licensed every required right and grants your venue public-performance permission.
Q: Can an inspector still impose a charge?
A: An organisation may ask questions, but a valid certificate and agreement are evidence that the music actually played is licensed. A dispute should be assessed on its facts.
Q: Does it cover ZAiKS, STOART and ZPAV?
A: It should cover the corresponding author, performer and producer rights at source. Confirm this expressly in the agreement.
Q: Can I use it at several locations?
A: Only if the plan and certificate cover each location or player. Do not assume one venue licence automatically extends to another.
Q: Can I test it before paying?
A: SoundYou offers a 7-day trial; check the current offer and licence conditions.
This guide concerns the Polish licensing system and is general information, not legal advice. Rules and tariffs can change.
