Civil Case
Filing Fee
Philippines
Court filing fees depend on claim amount and which court has jurisdiction. This page covers all tiers — Small Claims through RTC — and explains exactly what you'll pay.
Philippine Civil Case Filing Fees by Court
| Court | Claim Range | Docket Fee | Total (inc. LRF + VCF) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Claims | Up to ₱200,000 | Flat, all-inclusive | ₱5,000 |
| Small Claims | ₱200,001–₱400,000 | Flat, all-inclusive | ₱10,000 |
| Small Claims | ₱400,001–₱600,000 | Flat, all-inclusive | ₱15,000 |
| Small Claims | ₱600,001–₱800,000 | Flat, all-inclusive | ₱20,000 |
| Small Claims | ₱800,001–₱1,000,000 | Flat, all-inclusive | ₱25,000 |
| MTC / MTCC | ₱1,000,001–₱2,000,000 | ₱3,000 + 1% of excess over ₱500K | Varies |
| RTC | ₱250,001–₱2,000,000 | ₱4,000 + 1% of excess over ₱250K | Varies |
| RTC | Above ₱2,000,000 | Capped at ₱50,000 | Max ₱50,505 |
Small Claims totals above are already all-inclusive (JDF + LRF + Mediation Fund + VCF) per the 2023 fee schedule. MTC/RTC totals include the 1% LRF surcharge and ₱5 VCF separately. Mediation fee (₱1,000) and sheriff's trust fund (₱1,000–₱2,000) are optional and paid separately.
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Breaking Down the Filing Fee
Every Philippine civil filing fee has three mandatory parts:
The Barangay Step Most People Skip
If you and the other party live in the same city or municipality, you generally cannot go straight to court. Under the Katarungang Pambarangay Law (R.A. 7160), most civil disputes between individuals must first pass through barangay conciliation before the Lupon Tagapamayapa.
If no settlement is reached, the barangay issues a Certificate to File Action (CFA) — a document you must attach to your complaint. Filing without it is grounds for outright dismissal, and the filing fee you already paid is not refunded. Barangay fees are separate and minor, typically ₱50–₱200 depending on the LGU.
What Happens After You Pay the Filing Fee
Once the Clerk of Court accepts your payment, your complaint is assigned a docket number and the court issues summons to the defendant, who typically has 15–30 days to respond depending on the court. Keep your official receipt — you'll need it if the case is ever questioned for jurisdictional compliance.
Two things to know about the payment itself: it is non-refundable even if you later settle or withdraw, and the court only acquires jurisdiction to the extent of what you actually paid. Under the Manchester Doctrine, if you deliberately understate your claim to pay a smaller fee, the court can treat the case as not properly filed until the correct amount — plus interest on the shortfall — is paid.
Calculate by Court
Small Claims — up to ₱1,000,000
Flat fees from ₱5,000. No lawyer needed. Fastest path to recovery.
Calculate →MTC & RTC Civil Cases
For claims above ₱1,000,000. Compare both courts side-by-side.
Compare →Family Court / Annulment
Court fees plus full cost breakdown for annulment proceedings.
Estimate →Civil Case Filing Fee Questions
How much is the filing fee for a civil case in the Philippines?
What is included in the court filing fee?
Do I pay the filing fee upfront?
Can the filing fee be refunded if I settle?
What happens if I underpay the filing fee?
Do I need barangay conciliation before filing a civil case?
Fee schedules based on Rule 141 of the Rules of Court as periodically amended by Supreme Court en banc resolutions and OCA circulars (most recently OCA Circular No. 267-2025) — rates last verified July 2026. Always verify current fees with the Clerk of Court before filing. This page does not constitute legal advice.