Probate fees · British Columbia

British Columbia probate fees (2026)

Probate fee in British Columbia: Nothing under $25,000, $6 per $1,000 from $25k–$50k, then $14 per $1,000 above $50k, plus a flat $200 filing fee. On a $500,000 estate, the fee is about $6,650. Here is the full schedule, worked examples at common estate sizes, and how British Columbia stacks up against every other province and territory.

The British Columbia probate fee schedule

Estate valueFee charged
Up to $25,000No fee
$25,000 – $50,000$6 per $1,000 (0.6%)
Over $50,000$14 per $1,000 (1.4%)
Estates over $25,000+ $200 flat filing fee

Includes the separate flat $200 court filing fee.

What it costs at common estate sizes

Estate valueBritish Columbia probate fee
$250,000 $3,150
$500,000 $6,650
$1,000,000 $13,650
$2,000,000 $27,650

The per-$1,000 rates are set by the Probate Fee Act; the separate $200 filing fee comes from the Supreme Court Civil Rules (Appendix C). Many summaries quote a combined total without separating the $200.

British Columbia vs every province (probate fee on $500k and $1M)

Province / territoryOn $500,000On $1,000,000
Manitoba $0 $0
Yukon $140 $140
Quebec $243 $243
Nunavut $425 $425
Northwest Territories $435 $435
Alberta $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 (this page) $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 British Columbia?

British Columbia’s probate fee is nothing under $25,000, $6 per $1,000 from $25k–$50k, then $14 per $1,000 above $50k, plus a flat $200 filing fee. On a $500,000 estate that works out to $6,650, and on a $1,000,000 estate $13,650. Try other amounts in the probate fee calculator.

Is there a cap on British Columbia probate fees?

No — British Columbia’s fee has no maximum. It keeps rising with the value of the estate, which is why larger estates here can owe thousands.

How do British Columbia probate fees compare to other provinces?

Ranked by the fee on a $500,000 estate, British Columbia is #11 of 13 jurisdictions (cheapest first) — one of the highest probate costs in Canada. 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 British Columbia?

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. British Columbia’s schedule was verified June 13, 2026 at Probate Fee Act (BC Laws) (Supreme Court Civil Rules, Appendix C, Schedule 4). 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.