Lebanon Proposes Higher Taxes on Concerts and Nightlife
Lebanon’s 2026 budget has officially been approved, introducing a major crackdown on taxes for concerts, nightclubs, and entertainment events featuring foreign artists. The Finance Ministry, led by Minister Yassine Jaber, is now reportedly monitoring all activities bringing international performers to Lebanon. This includes DJs, singers, comedians, and other performers, ensuring every ticket, contract, and payment is fully taxed.
This crackdown comes as part of a wider wave of new taxes in Lebanon, including a proposed VAT hike to 12% and fuel tax increases, which you can read more about here.
The budget doubles the traditional “entertainment tax” (ضريبة الملاهي) from 5% to 10%, while enforcing stricter VAT, income tax, and other levies on organizers and foreign performers.
The Ministry’s instructions clearly mandate that authorities must:
– Verify that organizers are registered and paying all applicable taxes, including VAT, income tax, and the amusement tax.
– Ensure proper collection from tickets, contracts, and payments to foreign artists, including 17% tax on 50% of amounts paid to non-resident performers.
– Collect additional contributions for the Lebanon Solidarity Fund: 10% on contracts of foreign artists and 2% on ticket sales.
According to officials, these measures aim to seal tax loopholes and secure steady revenue for the state amid economic challenges. Yet they also tighten the financial squeeze on Lebanon’s lively entertainment industry, particularly events with global stars.
What was once a more lenient policy targeting only luxury or high-profit events while sparing everyday fun has shifted decisively. Venues hosting foreign concerts or international shows will now face higher costs and rigorous audits.
