The $25 fee for the Full Distribution account in the ADC helps cover administrative costs. We are actively working to support multiple forms of payment to accommodate developers globally and will have more details when the console launches. There is no fee for developers who qualify for a limited distribution account.
So it’s a fee to cover administration that Google itself decided to implement for no reason.
Keep in mind you also need to provide a lot of personal information to become verified and officially able to distribute apps for Google certified devices.
It’s a one-time payment. Google’s FAQ says it’s:
https://support.google.com/android-developer-console/answer/16561738?hl=en#zippy=%2Cwhy-is-there-a-fee-for-the-android-developer-console-how-can-i-pay
So it’s a fee to cover administration that Google itself decided to implement for no reason.
Keep in mind you also need to provide a lot of personal information to become verified and officially able to distribute apps for Google certified devices.
£25 for now, who knows when they decide to add more fees…