The newer key fobs have the immobilizer chip as part of the entire circuit board so you cannot buy the upper portion to get a new immo chip like in the previous generation of these keyfobs. In the older version the immo chip was a single RFID item that looked like a grain of rice. It could be removed and slipped into a new keyfob. The immo programming would then transfer to the newer keyfob. Sadly, not so with the latest keyfobs. I investigated this thoroughly.
To save a little you can order the new unprogrammed keyfob directly from an online VW dealer parts vendor (like
www.1stvwparts.com or
www.riversidevw.com) they will need your VIN # when purchasing and you will have to fax them some proof of ownership. Then, you can take these fobs to your local VW dealer and pay them to program. No matter what you do it is not a cheap process. But, you are investing in a more secure system that will deter theft of your vehicle.
VW did have a class action lawsuit settlement since they were sued for not having competition in the keyfob programming and the lawsuit resulted in VW providing a listing of non-VW locksmiths that have the proper hardware to program their keyfobs. you can find this listing somewhere on their website. If you are lucky, one of these locksmiths will be local to you and provide an alternative to using the VW dealer....can't say if they are cheaper or not though.
Good luck.