Participation Costs from October 2026

Green Key Participation Costs

COSTS FOR PARTICIPATING IN THE GREEN KEY PROGRAMME 

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

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

The Certification Body will charge the Certification Body fee (annual charge), see point 3 below. The Certification Body will also charge for the auditor costs (charge every second year), see point 4 below.

The certified establishment can choose to purchase additional material, see point 5 below.

  • This is the annual Green Key application fee in England valid from 1st October 2026 - 31st December 2026:

    Hotels & Hostels: £990+VAT

    Holiday Parks & Campsites: £990+VAT

    Conference Centres: £990+VAT

    Attractions: £700

    Restaurants: £500

    Small Accommodations: £500

  • 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 us.

  • 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 amount to:

    • €130.90 for establishments in the categories hotels, hostels, campsites, holiday parks and conference centres.

    • €75.00 for establishments in the categories small accommodations, restaurants and attractions.

  • 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 minimum audit duration depends on the type of establishment and number of full-time staff at the establishment:

    • 5-Hour Total Audit Duration:

      Small Accommodations: 1-20 bedrooms

      Restaurants

      Attractions: museums, visitor/interpretation centres

      1-5 full-time employees

    • 7-Hour Total Audit Duration:

      Conference centres

      Attractions: theme parks

      Small-size hotels: 21-50 bedrooms

      Small-size hostels: <100 beds

      Small-size campsites: <50 pitches

      Small-size holiday parks: <100 bed places

      6-25 full-time employees

    • 8-Hour Total Audit Duration:

      Medium-size hotels: 51-250 bedrooms

      Large-large-size hostels: 100+ beds

      Medium-size campsites: 51-150 pitches

      Medium-size holiday parks: 101-300 bed places

      26-100 full-time employees

    • 9-Hour Total Audit Duration:

      Large-size hotels: 251-450 bedrooms

      Large-size campsites: >150 pitches

      Medium-size holiday parks: >300 bed places

      101-250 full-time employees

    • 10-Hour Total Audit Duration:

      Very large-size hotels (>450 rooms)

      >250 full-time employees

    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.  

    (Please refer to the Certification Agreement for further details)

  • After certification, the establishment can request a Green Key plaque. There is also the option to purchase additional materials that can be displayed during the certification period including; Green Key flags and pin badges.

    Please contact our team for more information.