SADAIC (Sociedad Argentina de Autores y Compositores de Musica) is Argentina's primary performing rights organization, founded on June 9, 1936, in Buenos Aires. It is a private, civil, cultural, mutual society without profit motive that collects and distributes royalties for the public performance, broadcasting, streaming, reproduction, and synchronization of musical works on behalf of Argentine authors and composers and 131 foreign sister societies.
How SADAIC Works
SADAIC issues licenses to radio stations, television networks, streaming services, live concert venues, restaurants, retail stores, cinemas, and any business that uses music publicly in Argentina. It also manages collection agreements with major digital platforms and publishers including Spotify, Facebook, Netflix, TikTok, Instagram, Universal, Sony, Warner, and Kobalt.
SADAIC distributes royalties every four months (three distribution cycles per year). The April 2025 distribution covered the third four-month period of 2024. Royalties are allocated based on usage data from broadcast logs, streaming reports, concert set lists, and venue reports.
The organization operates under Argentina's Law 17.648, which recognized SADAIC as the representative body for music creators. In February 2025, the Argentine government issued Executive Order 150/2025, which reformed SADAIC's regulatory framework. The decree introduced several changes:
- A government-appointed auditor under the Ministry of Justice now oversees collection and distribution procedures, with a four-year mandate.
- If SADAIC's administrative deductions exceed 30% of revenue, it must inform the Ministry and propose corrective measures.
- Competition among collecting societies is now permitted, allowing multiple organizations to represent similar authorial interests.
- SADAIC has 180 days to adapt its bylaws to the new provisions.
- Current tariff rates remain in effect: 20% of revenue for ticketed events, 15% for other events, and 10% for broadcasting, phonographic products, and publications.
SADAIC is a member of CISAC (since 1946) and BIEM (since 1971). It maintains representation agreements with 131 foreign societies and operates a US office, SADAIC Latin Copyrights Inc., which also administers catalogs from SCD (Chile), SACVEN (Venezuela), AGADU (Uruguay), and APDAYC (Peru) in the United States.
The organization is governed by an 11-member Board of Directors. President is Atilio Stampone and CEO is Carlos Guillermo Ocampo.
Real-World Example
An Argentine songwriter registers 30 songs with SADAIC. A Buenos Aires radio station plays 15 of those songs in regular rotation, Spotify Argentina reports 1.5 million streams, and a live concert at Luna Park features 8 of the songs in its set list.
SADAIC collects royalties from all three sources. The radio royalties are allocated based on airplay logs submitted by the station. The streaming royalties are allocated based on usage reports from Spotify. The live concert royalties are allocated based on the set list submitted by the concert organizer.
If the same songs are played on streaming platforms in Spain, SADAIC's reciprocal agreement with SGAE means SGAE collects those royalties and remits them to SADAIC, which distributes them to the songwriter in the next four-month distribution cycle.
With the current tariff structure, if a ticketed concert generates 10 million Argentine pesos in box office revenue, SADAIC collects 20% (2 million pesos) as the licensing fee. After deducting administrative costs (capped at 30% under the 2025 decree), the remainder is distributed to rights holders based on the works performed.
Why It Matters for Independent Artists
If you are an Argentine songwriter, composer, or publisher, SADAIC is the primary organization for collecting performance royalties in Argentina. Register every composition with SADAIC before commercial release. Unregistered works earn zero royalties, even if they receive millions of streams or extensive radio airplay.
Submit accurate metadata including ISRC codes, ISWC numbers, and split sheets. SADAIC's matching system processes usage data across radio, television, streaming, live concerts, and public venues, so correct metadata directly impacts how quickly and completely you get paid.
The 2025 regulatory reforms mean SADAIC operates under tighter government oversight. The 30% cap on administrative deductions ensures more of the collected revenue reaches creators. The introduction of competition also means you may have alternative collecting societies to consider in the future.
SADAIC's 131 reciprocal agreements with foreign societies mean your music earns royalties internationally. Argentine music, including tango, folklore, and contemporary pop, has global audiences. Ensure your works are registered so international performances are tracked and royalties flow back to you.
SADAIC also provides health insurance for musicians and organizes cultural events and music courses. Membership is open to songwriters, composers, arrangers, and music publishers.
PRO Comparison Table
| Feature | SADAIC | SCD | SAYCO | SACM | SGAE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Territory | Argentina | Chile | Colombia | Mexico | Spain |
| Join fee | Entrance and examination fee (amount varies) | Varies by category | Free (registration) | Varies by category | 100 EUR (approx) |
| Overhead rate | Capped at 30% by decree | ~15 to 20% | ~15 to 20% | ~15 to 20% | ~12 to 15% |
| Distribution frequency | Every 4 months (3 per year) | Quarterly | Quarterly | Quarterly | 4 distributions per year |
| Reciprocal agreements | 131 foreign societies | CISAC member with worldwide network | CISAC member with worldwide network | CISAC member with worldwide network | CISAC member with worldwide network |
| Members | Not prominently published | ~7,000+ | ~12,000+ | ~40,000+ | 100,000+ |
Territory Covered
SADAIC collects performing rights royalties exclusively within Argentina. The organization licenses music users operating inside Argentine borders, including radio and television broadcasters, streaming services, live concert venues, restaurants, retail stores, cinemas, and any business that uses music publicly in Argentina. SADAIC also operates a US office, SADAIC Latin Copyrights Inc., which administers catalogs from SADAIC (Argentina), SCD (Chile), SACVEN (Venezuela), AGADU (Uruguay), and APDAYC (Peru) in the United States.
For royalties generated outside Argentina, SADAIC relies on its 131 reciprocal agreements with foreign sister societies. Major partners include SGAE (Spain), SACM (Mexico), SCD (Chile), SAYCO (Colombia), ASCAP and BMI (United States), PRS for Music (United Kingdom), GEMA (Germany), SACEM (France), and SIAE (Italy). Through these agreements, SADAIC represents Argentine and foreign musical repertoire within Argentina, and foreign societies collect royalties for Argentine works performed abroad.
How to Join SADAIC
Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Requirements
- You must be a person of legal age (or an emancipated minor), an Argentine citizen or resident.
- You must have earned royalties as a represented party averaging at least 50% of the minimum wage (salario minimo, vital y movil) over the last 2 settled fiscal years, at constant values. Of that amount, at least 20% must come from one or more of these categories: phonomechanics, radio, television, or foreign sources.
- You must have at least 5 distinct works recorded by phonomechanical companies recognized by SADAIC, or works that appeared as recorded in a foreign phonomechanical distribution from a CISAC or BIEM member society. Alternatively, you must have composed background music for 5 television programs, or included 7 songs in TV programs, or composed 10 advertising works accredited by SADAIC. Symphonic and chamber music composers need 3 compositions, of which at least 1 must have been recorded or premiered in recognized concert halls or theaters.
Step 2: Submit Application
- Visit the SADAIC website and navigate to the "Asociarse" (Become a Member) section.
- Present your identity documents (DNI for Argentine citizens, or equivalent for residents).
- Submit the membership application form, duly signed and conformada.
- Pay the entrance and examination fee (derecho de ingreso y de examen).
Step 3: Pass the Examination
- Pass a competency examination that accredits you as an author and/or composer.
- Demonstrate knowledge of copyright legislation, rights administration, and SADAIC's bylaws.
- The Board of Directors reviews your application and admits you as a socio adherente (adherent member).
Step 4: Register Your Works
- After admission, register each composition using the work declaration form (formulario de declaracion de obra).
- Provide song titles, co-author information, publisher shares, and ISRC/ISWC codes.
- SADAIC uses this data to match usage reports from broadcasters, streaming platforms, and venues to your compositions.
Required Documents
- Identity documents (DNI or equivalent)
- Membership application form
- Proof of recorded works (discographies, TV program credits, or advertising accreditation)
- Work declaration forms for each composition
- Co-author and publisher split information
Membership Fees and Overhead Rate
Fees
- Joining fee: Entrance and examination fee (derecho de ingreso y de examen). The exact amount is set by SADAIC and varies.
- Annual membership fee: Not prominently published. SADAIC operates as a private, civil, cultural, mutual society without profit motive.
- Work registration fee: Not prominently published.
Overhead Rate
SADAIC's administrative deductions are capped at 30% of revenue under Argentine law (Decree 150/2025, amending Decree 5146/69). If SADAIC's administrative cost deductions exceed 30% of its collection, the appointed auditors must inform the Ministry of Justice and propose corrective measures to reduce the overhead.
The current tariff rates that SADAIC charges music users remain in effect:
- Ticketed events: 20% of revenue
- Other events: 15% of revenue
- Broadcasting, phonographic products, and publications: 10% of revenue, fees, or global or partial amounts
A government-appointed auditor under the Ministry of Justice now oversees collection and distribution procedures, with a 4-year mandate. SADAIC has 180 days to adapt its bylaws to the new provisions under the 2025 decree.
Royalty Distribution Schedule
SADAIC distributes royalties every 4 months, resulting in 3 distribution cycles per year. The April 2025 distribution covered the third 4-month period of 2024.
Royalties are allocated based on usage data from broadcast logs, streaming reports, concert set lists, and venue reports. The 4-month distribution cycle means that royalties for performances in a given period are typically paid 4 to 8 months after the actual usage, depending on when the data is processed and the distribution cycle aligns.
SADAIC also distributes royalties from its 131 reciprocal agreements with foreign societies. International royalties typically arrive 12 to 24 months after the actual usage, depending on the reporting schedule of the foreign society.
Reciprocal Agreements with Foreign Societies
SADAIC maintains 131 reciprocal representation agreements with foreign sister societies worldwide. SADAIC is a member of CISAC (since 1946) and BIEM (since 1971).
Major reciprocal partners include:
- SGAE (Spain): Major Spanish-language partner
- SACM (Mexico): Major Latin American partner
- SCD (Chile): Neighboring partner
- SAYCO (Colombia): Latin American partner
- AGADU (Uruguay): Neighboring partner
- APDAYC (Peru): Latin American partner
- ASCAP and BMI (United States): Major international partners
- PRS for Music (United Kingdom): European partner
- SACEM (France): European partner
- GEMA (Germany): European partner
- SIAE (Italy): European partner
SADAIC also operates SADAIC Latin Copyrights Inc. in the United States, which administers catalogs from SADAIC, SCD (Chile), SACVEN (Venezuela), AGADU (Uruguay), and APDAYC (Peru) in the US market. SADAIC has direct collection agreements with major digital platforms and publishers including Spotify, Facebook, Netflix, TikTok, Instagram, Universal, Sony, Warner, and Kobalt.
Notable Members
SADAIC's membership includes some of the most influential figures in Argentine music, particularly in tango and folklore. Notable members and historical figures include:
- Francisco Canaro (1888 to 1964): Tango violinist and orchestra leader. Instrumental in the establishment of SADAIC in 1935. Purchased the downtown Buenos Aires lot where SADAIC headquarters were built. One of the most recorded tango orchestra leaders. (Wikipedia)
- Astor Piazzolla (1921 to 1992): Tango composer, bandoneon player, and arranger. Revolutionized traditional tango into "nuevo tango," incorporating elements from jazz and classical music. His works are administered through SADAIC Latin Copyrights. (Wikipedia)
- Homero Exposito (1918 to 1987): Tango lyricist and poet. Served as SADAIC treasurer for many years. Wrote "Percal," "Naranjo en flor," "Flor de lino," and "Que me van a hablar de amor" with composers including Anibal Troilo and Domingo Federico. (Wikipedia)
- Catulo Castillo (1906 to 1975): Tango poet and composer. Served as both secretary and president of SADAIC. Wrote "Maria," "La ultima curda," and "El ultimo cafe" with Anibal Troilo and Hector Stamponi. (Wikipedia)
- Francisco Lomuto (1893 to 1950): Tango pianist and orchestra leader. Appointed as the first president of SADAIC in 1936. Known for "La revoltosa," "Fumando Espero," and "Muchachita del campo." (Wikipedia)
- Agustin Bardi (1884 to 1941): Tango composer. Among the founders of SADAIC. Composed approximately 70 pieces including "Gallo ciego," "Que noche!," and "Independiente Club." (Wikipedia)
- Carlos Gardel (1890 to 1935): The most famous tango singer in history. Though Gardel died before SADAIC's formal establishment, his works are administered by SADAIC. Known for "Volver," "Por una Cabeza," and "Mi Buenos Aires querido." (Wikipedia)
- Atilio Stampone (born 1926): Tango pianist and composer. Current president of SADAIC. Known for "Afiches" and "Desconsuelo." Has represented Argentine tango at international festivals and concerts.
Video Guides
Similar PROs
- SCD - Chile's performing rights organization
- SAYCO - Colombia's performing rights organization
- SACM - Mexico's performing rights organization
- SGAE - Spain's performing rights organization
- AGADU - Uruguay's performing rights organization
- APDAYC - Peru's performing rights organization
- Full PRO Directory - Browse all performing rights organizations
Related Resources
- Performing Rights Organizations (PRO) - What a PRO is and how it functions
- Performance Royalties - How performance royalties are generated and collected
- Mechanical Royalties - How mechanical royalties differ from performance royalties
- Blanket License - The licensing model used by SADAIC
- Collective Management Organization (CMO) - How CMOs operate globally
- SADAIC Official Website - Visit SADAIC for membership and licensing information
- Use our Streaming Royalty Calculator to estimate your digital earnings
