Spotify said on March 7, 2024, that it would raise prices for all French Premium subscribers because of the French music-streaming tax. It also said French subscribers would then pay Spotify’s highest plan fees in the European Union. That EU-wide comparison was Spotify’s claim at the time, not an independently verified current ranking. As of October 8, 2026, Spotify’s France page lists monthly prices from €7.07 for Student to €21.24 for Family.
Why did Spotify raise prices in France?
In a March 7, 2024 announcement, Spotify said additional costs from the French music-streaming tax, known as the “taxe CNM,” were behind its price increase. The company said every French Premium subscriber would see a rise and that French users would then pay the highest Spotify plan fee in the EU.
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That statement records Spotify’s position in 2024; it does not establish that France has the highest Spotify prices across EU countries today. A current ranking would require comparable prices for the same plan types in every country, checked on the same date.
What is the French CNM tax?
Article 1609 sexdecies C of the French General Tax Code imposes a levy on qualifying on-demand services that provide access to music recordings or music videos in France. The law covers qualifying paid and free access services, but excludes a free service whose main purpose is to inform people about and promote musical works. A service is treated as provided in France when it is available to people established, domiciled or habitually resident there; the liable entity is the legal person collecting the relevant revenue, whether based in France or abroad.
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How the tax is calculated
Under the code version effective September 1, 2026, the tax rate is 1.2% on the defined annual tax base above €20 million per service. The base is calculated net of VAT. It includes public payments for covered access and 34% of specified advertising and sponsorship payments. The taxable event occurs at the end of the calendar year, and proceeds are allocated to the CNM subject to an annual ceiling. These terms are set out in the current statutory text.
Where does the tax revenue go?
The Centre national de la musique (CNM) says revenue from the levy complements funding from the tax on live performances and supports its aid program. The program covers recorded music, live music, music publishing, record stores and cross-sector priorities, according to the CNM’s explanation of the streaming tax.
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Spotify’s announcement argued that the tax would not go directly to artists and could ultimately burden listeners. That is the company’s argument, distinct from the CNM’s description of how it uses levy proceeds. Spotify also said it could not absorb the additional tax and reported that its platform generated nearly €225 million for France’s recorded-music sector in 2022, with that figure growing by more than 200% since 2017. Those figures are Spotify’s own reported estimates, not statutory tax data.
How much is Spotify Premium in France?
Spotify’s France Premium page listed these monthly prices on October 8, 2026. They are subject to change, so check the France pricing page before subscribing.
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| Plan | Monthly price | Accounts and eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | €12.14 | One account |
| Duo | €17.20 | Two accounts for people living together |
| Family | €21.24 | Up to six accounts for members at one address |
| Student | €7.07 | Discounted plan for eligible students |
The page also displayed a trial promotion with an expiry date in September 2026. That date has passed, so the promotion should not be treated as a current offer.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is Spotify the most expensive in the EU?
Spotify said in March 2024 that French subscribers would pay its highest plan fee in the EU after the increase. The available evidence does not independently confirm that France remains the most expensive market. Prices can change, and a fair comparison must match plan type, account limits, eligibility and date across countries. The current France prices above answer what Spotify lists for France; they do not establish an EU-wide ranking.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
