State fees turn on category: 1, 2 or 30 BCV — plus 1 BCV review in every case.
The state prices the categories to steer them: one base calculation value for a highly qualified specialist and two for a qualified one — both without the employer permit, valid up to three years and renewable without limit — against thirty for the general category, which is valid one year, renews once, and carries the employer permit with its labour-market test. Every application adds one BCV for review. The BCV figure itself changes periodically, which is why the fees are stated in multiples rather than sums.
Category, permit, invitation and visa — sequenced so the hire arrives when planned.
Part of the answer bank — 52 questions, each cited to the article it rests on.