Probate fees · Alberta
Alberta probate fees (2026)
Surrogate (probate) fees in Alberta: A flat fee by estate value, capped at $525 — the lowest big-province cost for large estates. On a $500,000 estate, the fee is about $525. Here is the full schedule, worked examples at common estate sizes, and how Alberta stacks up against every other province and territory.
The Alberta surrogate (probate) fees schedule
| Estate value | Fee charged |
|---|---|
| Up to $10,000 | $35 |
| $10,001 – $25,000 | $135 |
| $25,001 – $125,000 | $275 |
| $125,001 – $250,000 | $400 |
| Over $250,000 | $525 |
What it costs at common estate sizes
| Estate value | Alberta probate fee |
|---|---|
| $250,000 | $400 |
| $500,000 | $525 |
| $1,000,000 | $525 |
| $2,000,000 | $525 |
The fee is a flat amount per band, not a percentage — so a $500,000 estate and a $5,000,000 estate both pay the same $525.
Alberta vs every province (probate fee on $500k and $1M)
| Province / territory | On $500,000 | On $1,000,000 |
|---|---|---|
| Manitoba | $0 | $0 |
| Yukon | $140 | $140 |
| Quebec | $243 | $243 |
| Nunavut | $425 | $425 |
| Northwest Territories | $435 | $435 |
| Alberta (this page) | $525 | $525 |
| Prince Edward Island | $2,000 | $4,000 |
| New Brunswick | $2,500 | $5,000 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $3,054 | $6,054 |
| Saskatchewan | $3,700 | $7,200 |
| British Columbia | $6,650 | $13,650 |
| Ontario | $6,750 | $14,250 |
| Nova Scotia | $7,782.65 | $16,257.65 |
Cheapest first. Every schedule verified at its governing statute, regulation, or court fee table. BC and Saskatchewan figures include the flat filing fee.
Frequently asked questions
How much are probate fees in Alberta?
Alberta’s surrogate (probate) fees is a flat fee by estate value, capped at $525 — the lowest big-province cost for large estates. On a $500,000 estate that works out to $525, and on a $1,000,000 estate $525. Try other amounts in the probate fee calculator.
Is there a cap on Alberta probate fees?
Yes — Alberta’s fee is effectively capped at $525, no matter how large the estate. That makes it one of the most predictable in Canada.
How do Alberta probate fees compare to other provinces?
Ranked by the fee on a $500,000 estate, Alberta is #6 of 13 jurisdictions (cheapest first) — in the middle of the pack. The lowest is Manitoba ($0) and the highest is Nova Scotia ($7,782.65). The full table is above this FAQ.
How can I reduce probate fees in Alberta?
Assets that pass outside the estate escape the fee: registered accounts and insurance with a named beneficiary (RRSP, RRIF, TFSA, life insurance), and assets held in joint ownership with right of survivorship. Gifting during life and certain trusts also help. Each carries trade-offs — see our estate-planning guide before acting.
Estimate the fee on your estate
Enter any value and province in the calculator, or read how probate fits the bigger estate-planning picture.
Educational information, not legal or tax advice. Alberta’s schedule was verified June 13, 2026 at Alberta.ca — Court fees (Surrogate Rules (Alta Reg 130/1995)). Probate rules — including what counts as estate property and whether value is measured gross or net of debts — vary by province and change over time. Confirm the figure with the estate’s lawyer or the provincial court before relying on it.