The commonest worry at this stage is that a large bill will appear at the end anyway. The statute closes that gap expressly: once granted, nothing beyond one small fee may be demanded from the person.
What the certificate covers and what you pay yourself
Once granted, the firm bills the state treasury. From you it may charge only the advice fee — fifteen euros, and that can be waived.
✓ Verified: 02/08/2026
WHAT TO DO
DOCUMENTS 2
› Details and tips
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Lea recommends:
Raise the fee at the start rather than at the end. The waiver is written into the schedule of fees, but it does not happen by itself — it has to be mentioned.
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Max recommends:
I was afraid a bill for several hundred would follow the consultation. What followed was a bill for fifteen euros, and that was my entire share.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What does the applicant pay? ▾
Only the advice fee. The grant means the legal adviser cannot assert any claim for remuneration against the applicant apart from that fee. Under the schedule of fees it comes to fifteen euros, and no expenses are charged alongside it.
What if even those fifteen euros are out of reach? ▾
The schedule expressly provides that the fee may be waived. That is not a favour or an exception but a built-in possibility, and it is worth asking about at the first meeting.
Who pays the firm then? ▾
The state treasury. The remuneration act provides that a lawyer acting under this scheme receives payment from the treasury of the federal state, and that only the applicant owes the advice fee.
What is included besides the conversation? ▾
The help consists of advice and, where necessary, representation. Representation is necessary where, after the advice, the person cannot assert their rights themselves given the scale, difficulty or significance of the matter for them.