How to Register a Publishing Company with SAMRO – Step-by-Step Guide

Anga Hackula
Mar 9, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Apr 20, 2025

If you're a music creator looking to set up your own publishing company and register with SAMRO, you've come to the right place! This guide will walk you through the exact steps to ensure your company is properly registered, allowing you to administer, protect, and collect royalties for your music rights.

Why Register a Publishing Company with SAMRO?

Registering a publishing company gives you greater control over your music rights and allows you to collect a share of performance royalties for your compositions. This means you can earn more money when your music is played on the radio, TV, streaming platforms, or live performances.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDD_N5beoYM

What You Need Before Registering with SAMRO

Before you start the online application process, make sure you have the following:

1. Register Your Company with CIPC

You must first register your business with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) in South Africa. Once registered, you'll receive CK documents, which prove your business is legally recognized.

2. ID Documents for Shareholders

SAMRO requires ID copies (front and back) of all company shareholders or directors involved in your publishing entity.

3. R500 Membership Application Fee

To register a publishing company with SAMRO, you must pay a non-refundable membership application fee of R500.

4. List of Composers & Rights Holders

You need to provide the full names of the composers and songwriters whose music will be managed by your publishing company.

5. Publishing Agreement

You must have a signed publishing agreement between your company and the songwriters whose music will be published. If you don’t have one, I provide customized templates for music publishing agreements.

📌 Get Your Publishing Agreement Template Here:

Mzantsi Publisher Agreement Templates (Alpha Edition)

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Step-by-Step: How to Register a Publishing Company with SAMRO

Follow these easy steps to complete your SAMRO registration:

Step 1: Visit the SAMRO Website

Go to samro.org.za
Click on "Music Creator"
Select "Online Application"

Step 2: Choose Your Application Type

You'll see two options:

✅ Author Applications (for songwriters & composers)

✅ Publisher Applications (for publishing companies)
Select "Publisher Applicant" to proceed.

Step 3: Enter Your Business Details

Provide your company registration number (found on your CK document).
Use your company name exactly as it appears in your CIPC registration.

Step 4: Provide Director & Contact Information

Enter the email address and passport or ID number of the company's directors.
Assign roles (e.g., "Director," "Owner," or "Administrator").

Step 5: Confirm Rights Holders & Assign Copyright Shares

Add the composer(s) and songwriters associated with your company.
Assign copyright percentages (Publishers can only claim up to 50% of the copyright).

Step 6: Add a Music Work (Track Details)

Enter at least one song or track that will be published.
Provide the track name, duration, and music genre.
Assign percentage splits between the publisher and the songwriter.

Step 7: Upload Required Documents

You will need to attach the following before submitting your application:✔️ Company Registration Certificate (CK Document)✔️ Director’s ID copies✔️ Publishing Agreement (Between the company and songwriters)

Step 8: Pay the Registration Fee

Choose your payment method:

✅ Electronic Payment (Card or EFT)

✅ Manual Payment
SAMRO uses PayFast for secure online payments.

Step 9: Final Submission & Confirmation

Once your payment is processed, your application will be submitted for review. SAMRO will notify you once your publishing company is registered! 🎉

Bonus: Get a Ready-Made Publishing Agreement

If you don’t have a publishing agreement, I’ve got you covered! You can get a pre-made template that ensures your rights holders are legally bound to your publishing company.

🔗 Get Your Publishing Agreement Here: