What does a private investigator cost? Prices 2026
Hourly rate from €95, fixed-price packages from €1,800 — no hidden surcharges. Initial consultation free.
Price overview
The exact price depends on the type of case. You receive the calculation before we start — with no hidden surcharges.
Per hour, for operational work: surveillance, IT forensics, bug sweeping. You pay only for the time actually worked.
Fixed-price package. Vetting of a person or a business partner, with a written report.
Fixed-price package. Instrument-based sweep for eavesdropping technology, with a measurement report.
Fixed-price package. Vetting of a business partner before signing a contract or taking a stake.
What affects the price
Two cases in the same category can cost different amounts. These points matter most:
- Length of the assignment — surveillance over two evenings costs less than over two weeks.
- Number of investigators — moving subjects or several locations require a team rather than one person.
- Region and travel — assignments in and around Hamburg are cheaper than nationwide assignments with an overnight stay.
- Technical effort — measurement equipment for TSCM or forensic analysis of storage media is calculated separately.
- Urgency — same-day assignments tie up capacity and are charged accordingly.
- Form of the report — a court-ready report with photo and video documentation takes more work than a verbal assessment.
Hourly rate or fixed price?
An hourly rate from €95 suits cases where the scope is not fixed in advance: surveillance, bug sweeping, IT forensics. You stay in control and pay only for the actual time.
A fixed price suits cases where the result is clearly defined: background check, due diligence, a TSCM sweep of a home. The price is set before we start and does not change.
Which model works out cheaper for your case, we will tell you in the free first conversation — even when that means the smaller assignment for us.
What does a detective cost per day?
A day of work is billed by the hours actually worked, not as a flat rate. For longer surveillance we can agree a daily rate in advance on request, so you can plan with a fixed figure.
How many hours a day covers depends on the case: surveillance in rush-hour traffic needs different time windows than checks on a shift operation. That is exactly why we work out together beforehand how many hours are realistically needed — rather than afterwards.
Frequently asked questions about costs
Is the first consultation chargeable?
No. The first conversation and the initial assessment are free and without obligation. We sign a confidentiality agreement before the first word of substance.
Do I have to pay an advance?
For fixed-price packages a deposit is usual; for ongoing assignments we bill in agreed stages. The specific arrangement is in the contract before the work begins.
Do you work on a success fee?
No. A reputable investigator cannot guarantee a result — and anyone who promises one has an incentive to make the results fit. We charge for time and effort, not for the outcome.
Can I recover the investigator’s costs from the other side?
Under certain circumstances, yes. In civil proceedings, necessary investigation costs can be recoverable under § 91 ZPO if the suspicion is confirmed and commissioning the work was necessary. Whether that applies in your case is for the court to decide — discuss it with your lawyer beforehand.
Why do you not state a final price on the website?
Because a figure without knowledge of the case would be either too high or implausibly low. You receive the calculation in writing after the first conversation — before any assignment.
What will your case cost? Ask with no obligation.
Tell us briefly what the situation is — you will receive an assessment and a calculation. First conversation free, NDA before the first word of substance.