Probate Fees Ireland
Probate costs in Ireland catch families off guard because there's no single fee — the total is built from court filing fees, professional charges, and various administrative costs that add up quickly. Understanding each component lets you make an informed decision about whether to hire a solicitor or apply personally.
Court Filing Fees
The Probate Office charges filing fees on a sliding scale based on the net estate value (gross assets minus liabilities). Personal applicants pay double the solicitor rate:
| Net Estate Value | Solicitor Fee | Personal Applicant Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Up to €100,000 | €100 | €200 |
| Up to €250,000 | €200 | €400 |
| Up to €500,000 | €350 | €700 |
| Up to €750,000 | €500 | €1,000 |
| Up to €1,000,000 | €650 | €1,300 |
| Over €1,000,000 | €650 + €400 per additional €500k | €1,300 + €800 per additional €500k |
Certified copies of the Grant cost €20 each, and you'll need several — banks and financial institutions each require their own sealed copy. A Probate Office search (for historical wills or grants) costs €20 per search.
Solicitor Charges
Solicitor fees for probate are not regulated, meaning they vary widely. The most common billing structures are:
- Fixed fee: Some firms offer all-inclusive packages ranging from €2,500 to €5,000 for straightforward estates
- Percentage of estate value: Historically common at 1%–3% of the gross estate, though this practice is being replaced by fixed fees and hourly billing
- Hourly rate: €200–€400 per hour depending on the firm and location
For a €400,000 estate, a percentage-based solicitor might charge €4,000–€12,000. A fixed-fee firm might charge €3,000 for the same work. Always get a written fee estimate before engaging a solicitor.
Additional Costs
Beyond the headline charges:
- Commissioner for Oaths (swearing the application): €10–€30
- Certified death certificates: €20 each (order at least 4–6)
- Property valuations: €200–€500 per property
- Statutory creditor notice (newspaper advertisement): €100–€300
- Revenue IT38 filing (if CAT applies): free, but an accountant to prepare it typically charges €500–€1,500
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Can You Do Probate Without a Solicitor?
Yes — Ireland specifically provides a personal applicant route. You complete the same forms, attend an in-person appointment at the Probate Office, and the registrar guides you through the swearing process. The court filing fees are higher for personal applicants, but the total cost is dramatically lower because you're not paying solicitor fees.
The personal route works well when the estate is straightforward: one jurisdiction, a clear and undamaged will, no disputes among beneficiaries, no minor beneficiaries, and no foreign assets. Once any of those complications arise, the savings from going alone may not be worth the risk of delays or personal liability if something goes wrong.
The Ireland End-of-Life Planning Guide includes a pre-filing worksheet for the Form SA.2 Revenue submission and walks through the personal application process step by step — designed to reduce the most common rejection reasons before your pack reaches the Probate Office.
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