Costs

COSTS FOR PARTICIPATING IN THE GREEN KEY PROGRAMME

1. In countries with a Green Key National Operator

The countries with a Green Key National Operator, the national offices decide on the costs for participating in the Green Key programme at the national level.  

Here you can download the overview of the 2025-2026 participation costs in countries with Green Key National Operators. For additional questions regarding national participation costs, please contact your Green Key National Operator for more information. 

2. In countries without a Green Key National Operator

Green Key International is in charge of handling applicant establishments in countries without a Green Key National Operator (we will use local trained auditors, where possible). 

The levy includes a free plaque (sent after the first certification) and a certificate (sent annually). The Green Key plaque must be ordered via our partner’s website, and the delivery costs are to be covered by the applicant. The applicant establishment can choose to purchase a Green Key flag (€25-40 + delivery costs, depending on the size of the flag), an additional Green Key plaque (€25 + delivery costs) or other material offered on the partner’s website. 

The travel costs in connection with onsite audits include travel (economy class ticket) and visa (if applicable). If accommodation is needed, the applicant establishment can offer complimentary accommodation or alternatively the auditor will book a nearby budget accommodation and the expense for accommodation will be included in the travel costs. Expenses for meals or other costs are not included in the travel costs. If the total travel costs exceed €300, Green Key will ensure approval from the applicant establishment before issuing the travel costs. 

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 levy must be paid before the further handing of the application documents. Please note that if you decide to cancel the participation in the Green Key programme, your Green Key levy for the period paid will not be refunded.  

The invoice covering the audit costs (+ travel costs) must be paid directly to the auditor before the certification is issued. 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.  

The costs covering purchased flags/plaques (if any) is paid directly to the provider of the Green Key material. There is a standard 30 days’ payment deadline. 

3. Special rates for large international hotel chains and tour operators

Please note that Green Key offers a 10% discount in most countries for large international hotel chains and tour operators having a cooperation agreement with Green Key.