Participation costs 1 October 2026 - 31 December 2027

COSTS FOR PARTICIPATING IN THE GREEN KEY PROGRAMME

With the changes in Green Key’s criteria and certification processes taking effect 1 October 2026, the participation costs are changing accordingly.  

The Green Key management will charge the Green Key levy (annual charge), see point 1 and 2 below. There are special rates for larger international hotel chains and tour operators having an agreement with Green Key, see point 3 below.

The Certification Body will charge the Certification Body fee (annual charge), see point 4 below. The Certification Body will also charge for the auditor costs (charge every second year), see point 5 below.

The certified establishment can choose to purchase additional material, see point 6 below.

1. Green Key levy for establishments in countries with a Green Key National Operator

In the countries with a Green Key National Operator, the national offices decide on the Green Key levy (costs for participating in the Green Key programme) at the national level. For additional questions regarding national participation costs, please contact your Green Key National Operator for more information.  

We will later post an overview of the 2026-2027 participation costs in countries with Green Key National Operators.

2. Green Key levy for establishments in countries without a Green Key National Operator

Green Key International is in charge of the initial management of applications from establishments in countries without a Green Key National Operator. This is the annual Green Key levy valid for the period 1 October 2026 - 31 December 2027 for establishments in countries without a National Operator:

  • Hotels (301- bedrooms): €1,300

  • Hotels (101-300 bedrooms): €1,050

  • Hotels (21-100 bedrooms): €775

  • Small Accommodations (1-20 bedrooms): €550

  • Hostels: €1,050

  • Campsites, Holiday Parks and Conference Centres: €1,025

  • Attractions: €775

  • Restaurants: €550

The invoice covering the Green Key levy is in general sent to the establishment after first submission of the application form and supplementary documents (including certification agreement). The Green Key levy must be paid before the further handing of the application documents. During the certification period, the Green Key levy must be paid in connection with the surveillance activities.

Please note that the Green Key levy is non-refundable, including in cases of certification not achieved, and in cases of suspension, withdrawal, or termination of certification. 

For more information, please contact Green Key International.

3. Green Key levy special rates for establishments from large international hotel chains and tour operators

In most countries, Green Key offers a 10% discount on the Green Key levy for large international hotel chains and tour operators having a cooperation agreement with Green Key. To know if your hotel chain/tour operator has an agreement and a discount is offered in your country, please contact your Green Key National Operator or Green Key International.  

4. Certification Body fee

The Certification Body (in charge of the certification review and decisions) will charge the establishments directly an annual Certification Body fee. The Certification Body fee must be paid for the establishments ahead of the certification decision. During the certification period, the Certification Body fee must be paid in connection with the surveillance activities.

Please note that the annual Certification Body fee is non-refundable, including in cases of certification not achieved, and in cases of suspension, withdrawal, or termination of certification. 

The annual Certification Body fee for 1 October 2026 to 31 December 2027 will be announced shortly.

5. Auditor costs

In connection with the Certification Body fee charge ahead of certification, this invoice will also include the auditor costs. The auditor costs are therefore charged every second year and will depend on the hourly cost of the assigned auditor and the audit duration.

The hourly cost of the auditors vary from country to country. The audit duration depends on the type of establishment and number of full-time staff at the establishment:

  • Small Accommodations (1-20 bedrooms), Restaurants, Attractions (museums, visitor/interpretation centres), 1-5 full-time employees: Total audit duration: 5h

  • Conference centres, Attractions (theme parks), Small-size hotels (21-50 bedrooms), Small-medium size hostels (<100 beds), 6-25 full-time employees: Total audit duration: 7h

  • Medium-size hotels (51-250 bedrooms), Large-size hostels (100+ beds), Campsites, Holiday Parks, 26-100 full-time employees: Total audit duration: 8h

  • Large-size hotels (251-450 bedrooms), 101-250 full-time employees: Total audit duration: 9h

  • Very large-size hotels (>450 rooms), >250 full-time employees: Total audit duration: 10h.

The total audit duration includes on-site audit time, preparation ahead of the on-site audit, reporting after the on-site audit and follow-up in case of non-conformities.

The travel costs in connection with on-site audits include travel (economy class ticket) and visa (if applicable). If accommodation is needed, the auditor will book a nearby budget accommodation and the expense for accommodation will be included in the travel costs. If the total travel costs exceed €300, the Certification Body will first seek approval from the applicant establishment before confirming the expenses. Please note that meal costs and any other additional expenses are not included within the €300 travel cost limit.

Please note that if the establishment cancels or postpones an agreed date for an audit less than 30 days before the scheduled audit date, the auditor is entitled to a full compensation of the audit fee and travel costs and a potential penalty fee to cover reasonable losses. Should the auditor cancel the audit less than a month before the scheduled audit date, the establishment is entitled to a full refund of the already paid audit costs by the auditor.  

6. Purchase of Green Key material

After certification, the establishment can purchase a Green Key plaque, a Green Key flag and other material that can be display during the certification period. Please contact your Green Key contact person (Green Key National Operator or Green Key International) for more information.