Performing Rights Organisation · Mexico

How to register with SACM.

Register with SACM (Sociedad de Autores y Compositores de México), the sole performing rights organization for musical works in Mexico, to collect performance royalties from radio, TV, streaming, and live events across Mexico and Latin America.

⏱ 30–45 minutesPerformance royaltiesMechanical royalties

Understand Mexico's Copyright Framework

Mexico's music rights are governed by the Federal Copyright Law (Ley Federal del Derecho de Autor), which grants strong protection to both authors and performers.

SACM is the sole PRO for musical works in Mexico — there is no competing PRO as in the US market. All composers and lyricists of musical works commercially exploited in Mexico must register through SACM.

SACM also has significant presence in the US and Puerto Rico through administrative partnerships with major publishers, and collects internationally through CISAC reciprocal agreements.

Why this matters

As the sole PRO, SACM holds a legal mandate to collect all performance royalties from radio, TV, streaming, and live events in Mexico. There is no alternative path — SACM is the only route to Mexican performance royalties.

Common mistake

Assuming a US PRO (ASCAP or BMI) automatically handles all Mexican royalties on your behalf. While reciprocal agreements exist, direct SACM registration often results in faster and more complete collection from the Mexican market.

Gather Proof of Work Exploitation

SACM requires proof that your work has been commercially exploited. Acceptable documentation includes:

Streaming platform screenshots showing your releases with Mexican listeners

Radio play logs or certificates from Mexican broadcasters

Physical release documentation

Live performance contracts or booking confirmations

Prepare your full catalog list with ISRC codes before applying.

Why this matters

SACM's application requires demonstrated evidence of commercial use. Preparing documentation before starting prevents delays and strengthens your application.

Common mistake

Applying with only a single track or no documented Mexican-market plays. Having multiple releases on streaming platforms with Mexican listener data strengthens your application considerably.

Submit Your Application

Apply through the SACM website or visit their offices in Mexico City. The application requires:

Government-issued photo ID

Proof of work exploitation (from Step 2)

ISRC codes for your recordings

Bank account details for royalty payments

Apply at SACM →

Why this matters

SACM operates reciprocal agreements with PROs in 50+ countries through CISAC. Mexican registration also ensures your international royalties from the Latin American market are properly tracked and attributed.

Common mistake

Not submitting ISRC codes with your application. Without ISRCs, SACM cannot attribute streaming and digital radio reports to your specific recordings.

Register Your Works and Submit ISRCs

After membership approval, register each composition through the SACM member portal:

Song title

Duration

Co-writer details and split percentages

ISRC codes for all recordings

SACM Member Portal →

Why this matters

Mexico's music market is one of the largest in Latin America. Registered works generate royalties from a broad combination of terrestrial radio, streaming, television, and live performance.

Common mistake

Not registering works immediately after membership approval. SACM only pays on registered works — every month of unregistered catalog is lost Mexican royalty income.

After you register

SACM covers composition rights in Mexico. Also verify whether your US-based PRO (ASCAP or BMI) is collecting international royalties from Mexico through their reciprocal agreements — SACM coordinates with both.

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