Before the official certification process starts, an establishment expresses interest in Green Key certification. 

Application process

• The establishment contacts Green Key Management to express interest. 

  • Establishments located in countries with a Green Key National Operator should contact their Green Key National Operator, to join the programme. 

  • Establishments located in countries without a Green Key National Operator should contact Green Key International.

• Green Key Management reviews the eligibility of the establishment. 

• Eligible establishments receive: 

• information about the criteria and certification process

• details about the required documentation

• access to the online application form

Application requirements

The establishment must: 

• Complete the online application form

• Submit the required supporting documents

• Sign and return the certification agreement

• Pay the Green Key participation fee

Green Key Management reviews the submitted materials to ensure that all required information has been provided and to confirm the scope of certification. 

Note: Some countries have fixed application deadlines, while others accept applications throughout the year. Please contact your Green Key Management for more information.  

Once the application has been reviewed, a third-party auditor is assigned to conduct an on-site certification audit. 

Scheduling the audit

The auditor contacts the establishment to schedule the audit date.

The fee for the Certification Body (including auditor costs) must be paid.  

Before the on-site audit, the auditor receives all application documents from Green Key Management.

Audit process

The on-site certification audit typically includes: 

1. Opening meeting

2. Document verification (may also be conducted in advance) 

3. Visual inspection of the establishment

4. Audit summary and closing discussion

The audit usually takes 2–6 hours, depending on the size and number of employees of the establishment. 

After the audit, the auditor prepares an audit report describing the findings.

Possible outcomes

A - Full conformity

• The audit report is sent to the Certification Body for final review and decision. 

B - 1–5 non-conformities

• The establishment must submit additional evidence addressing the non-conformities. 

• Documentation must be submitted within two months. 

• The auditor reviews the additional evidence and sends the audit report to the Certification Body for final review and decision. 

  C- More than 5 non-conformities

• The establishment must submit additional evidence and undergo a follow-up on-site audit. 

• Documentation must be submitted within two months. 

• The follow-up audit is organised after Green Key confirms that compliance has been achieved. 

• The establishment must cover additional audit and travel costs. 

• The auditor thereafter sends the audit report to the Certification Body for final review and decision.

An independent entity (Certification Body) reviews the final audit report and takes a decision as to whether the establishment fully conforms with the required Green Key criteria. 

The Green Key Management informs the establishment. 

If certification is granted, Green Key Management sends the certificate valid for two years. 

During the certification period, the establishment must continuously conform with Green Key requirements. 

If the establishment cannot maintain conformity, it must inform Green Key immediately so the certification can be temporarily suspended. 

Handling complaints

If complaints are received during the certification period: 

• The establishment must respond to enquiries from the Certification Body. 

• If the complaint is confirmed, the establishment must correct the non-conformities. 

• Certification may remain suspended until conformity is restored. 

Surveillance activities

Between 8–14 months after certification, the establishment must undergo surveillance activities. 

This includes providing updated documentation demonstrating ongoing compliance with selected Green Key criteria identified by Green Key. 

If surveillance activities reveal non-conformities: 

• The establishment must correct the issues. 

• Certification may remain suspended until compliance is restored. 

Certified establishments must also pay the annual Green Key levy to maintain certification. 

Approximately 6–8 months before the certificate expires, the Green Key management contacts the establishment to encourage renewal. 

To renew certification, establishments must again complete: 

• Step 1: Application

• Step 2: Audit

• Step 3: Certification decision

For renewal, establishments must demonstrate increased conformity with Green Key criteria, as outlined on the criteria page. 

You can also see the Green Key certification timeline document for an overview of the process.