Home › Special Power of Attorney › SPA Cost Guide
How Much Does a Special Power of Attorney Cost? Complete Fee Guide (2026)
Quick answer: A Special Power of Attorney (SPA) prepared in Canada for use in the Philippines costs between $200 and $350 CAD all-in, depending on whether you choose the apostille path or the consulate path. At JCA Law Office, our all-inclusive apostille SPA package is $257.64 CAD — that covers drafting, notarization, apostille, HST, and courier delivery to your representative in the Philippines.
If you are a Filipino-Canadian living in Ontario or anywhere in Canada and need to authorize someone in the Philippines to sell property, settle an estate, or handle government transactions on your behalf, understanding the full cost breakdown will help you budget properly and avoid surprise fees. This guide covers every expense — from drafting to Philippines-side filing costs — so you know exactly what to expect.
SPA Cost Breakdown: Canada Side
Every SPA prepared in Canada involves several distinct cost components. The table below breaks down each fee so there are no surprises.
| Cost Component | Typical Range (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SPA Drafting | $100 – $150 | Lawyer-drafted, tailored to your transaction (sale, estate, BIR, etc.) |
| Notarization | $49 – $80 | Ontario notary public or commissioner of oaths; includes jurat/acknowledgment |
| Apostille (Ontario) | $16 – $32 | $16 for notarized documents; $32 for government-issued or court documents |
| OR Consularization | $38.75+ | Philippine Consulate fee; plus any GAC authentication if required |
| HST (13%) | Varies | Applies to legal fees (drafting + notarization); not on government fees |
| Courier to Philippines | $50 – $80 | FedEx/DHL tracked international shipping; 3–7 business days |
What Drives the Price Difference?
The biggest variable is your authentication method. Since Canada joined the Hague Apostille Convention in January 2024, you now have two paths to make your SPA legally valid in the Philippines:
- Apostille path — Faster and cheaper. Your notarized SPA gets an apostille certificate from your provincial authority (e.g., Official Documents Services in Ontario). The Philippines, as a fellow Hague Convention member, accepts this directly.
- Consulate path — The traditional method. You bring the SPA to the Philippine Consulate for notarization/authentication. Still valid but involves consular fees and scheduling an appointment.
For a detailed comparison of these two methods, see our guide: Apostille vs. Consularization: Which Method Should You Choose?
JCA Law Office SPA Package: $257.64 All-Inclusive
At JCA Law Office Professional Corporation, we offer a complete SPA package using the apostille path. Here is exactly what is included:
| Item | Amount (CAD) |
|---|---|
| SPA Drafting (lawyer-prepared, customized) | $100.00 |
| Notarization | $49.00 |
| Ontario Apostille (notarized document) | $16.00 |
| Courier to Philippines (FedEx tracked) | $60.00 |
| Subtotal | $225.00 |
| HST (13% on legal fees of $149.00) | $19.37 |
| Registration & filing | $13.27 |
| Total | $257.64 |
What you get:
- Lawyer consultation to understand your specific transaction
- Custom-drafted SPA tailored to Philippine legal requirements
- Notarization by a licensed Ontario notary public
- Apostille certificate from Official Documents Services (Ontario)
- FedEx tracked international courier to your representative in the Philippines
- No hidden fees — the $257.64 is the final price
Call (416) 838-8221 or book your SPA consultation online. Most SPAs are completed within 5–7 business days from consultation to courier pickup.
Philippine Consulate Fees by City
If you choose the consulate path instead of apostille, the cost varies slightly depending on which Philippine Consulate you visit. Below are the current fees at all three Canadian consular offices.
| Consulate | Notarial Fee (CAD) | Expedite Fee (CAD) | Processing Time | Payment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto | $38.75 | $15.50 | 3–5 business days | Bank draft / money order only |
| Vancouver | $38.75 | $15.50 | 3–5 business days | Cash only |
| Calgary | $36.25 | $15.50 | 3–5 business days | Cash, debit, credit (2.4% surcharge) |
Important notes about the consulate path:
- You (the principal) and two witnesses must appear in person at the consulate to sign
- Appointments may be required — check your local consulate’s website for scheduling
- The fee above covers the consular notarial/authentication only; you still need the SPA drafted by a lawyer
- The Toronto consulate does not accept cash, personal cheques, debit, or credit cards
Apostille Fees by Province
Since Canada joined the Apostille Convention on January 11, 2024, each province designated as a competent authority sets its own fees and processing times. Here is the current comparison for the most common provinces where Filipino-Canadians reside.
| Province | Notarized Doc Fee | Gov’t / Court Doc Fee | Processing Time | Submission Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | $16.00 | $32.00 | 15 business days (mail); same-day (in-person) | Mail or in-person (Toronto) |
| British Columbia | $20.00 | $20.00 | 4–6 weeks | Mail or courier only |
| Alberta | $25.00 | $25.00 | 7–10 business days | Mail only |
| Saskatchewan | $25.00 | $25.00 | 10–15 business days | Mail only |
| Quebec | $18.00 | $18.00 | 10–15 business days | Mail or in-person |
| Global Affairs Canada (federal docs / remaining provinces) | Free | Free | 25–30 business days | Mail to Ottawa |
Key takeaway: Ontario offers the best combination of low cost ($16) and fast processing (same-day in person). This is one reason our JCA Law Office apostille package is so cost-effective — we handle the Ontario apostille process directly.
3 End-to-End Scenarios Compared
To help you decide which route makes the most sense, here are three common scenarios with their total costs.
| Scenario | Total Cost (CAD) | Timeline | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY (self-drafted + notary + apostille) | $100 – $150 | 3–6 weeks | HIGH — Errors in drafting may cause rejection at Register of Deeds or BIR |
| JCA Law Apostille Package | $257.64 | 5–7 business days | LOW — Lawyer-drafted, proper format, includes courier |
| Lawyer + Consulate Path | $280 – $320 | 1–3 weeks | LOW — Lawyer-drafted, consular authentication |
Why DIY is Risky
We regularly see clients who tried to save money by downloading a generic SPA template online, only to have it rejected by the Philippine Register of Deeds, BIR, or the bank where the property transaction is being processed. Common problems include:
- Missing or incorrect property descriptions (TCT/CCT numbers, lot numbers, technical boundaries)
- Vague authority clauses that do not specifically authorize the intended transaction
- Missing co-owner signatures when property is jointly held
- Incorrect format that does not comply with Philippine notarial law requirements
A rejected SPA means starting over — new drafting, new notarization, new apostille, and new courier fees. The $100 you saved ends up costing you $300+ and weeks of delays.
Philippines-Side Costs
Your SPA costs do not end once the document arrives in the Philippines. Your authorized representative (attorney-in-fact) will incur additional expenses to use the SPA. These costs vary depending on the transaction but here are the most common ones.
| Philippines-Side Expense | Estimated Cost | When Required |
|---|---|---|
| Register of Deeds — SPA annotation on title | PHP 1,000 – 2,000 (~$25–50 CAD) | Property sale, transfer, or mortgage |
| Notarial fee (Philippines lawyer) | PHP 300 – 1,000 (~$8–25 CAD) | If additional Philippine notarization is needed |
| BIR filing / documentary stamp tax | PHP 500 – 5,000+ (~$12–125 CAD) | Property sale or transfer involving capital gains tax |
| Certified true copies / photocopying | PHP 100 – 300 (~$3–8 CAD) | Most transactions |
| Transportation and miscellaneous | PHP 500 – 2,000 (~$12–50 CAD) | Travel to government offices |
Total Philippines-side estimate: PHP 2,400 – 10,300 (approximately $60 – $260 CAD) depending on the complexity of the transaction. Property sales involving capital gains tax and transfer tax will be on the higher end.
6 Tips to Save on SPA Costs
- Choose apostille over consularization. The apostille path saves $20–60 compared to the consulate route, and you do not need to appear in person with two witnesses. Since the Philippines is a Hague Convention member, apostilled documents are fully accepted.
- Bundle multiple SPAs. If you need SPAs for different properties or transactions, ask your lawyer about bundling. Drafting costs per document decrease when multiple SPAs are prepared together.
- Use Ontario in-person apostille. If you are in or near Toronto, the Ontario Official Documents Services office offers same-day apostille for $16 — no mailing delays or extra courier costs.
- Get the SPA right the first time. The most expensive SPA is one that gets rejected. A lawyer who understands Philippine property law will draft an SPA that includes the correct TCT/CCT details, proper authority clauses, and compliant formatting.
- Combine with other legal services. If you also need a Philippine property transfer guide or an extrajudicial settlement of estate, handling everything through one law firm reduces overall costs.
- Ask about remote notarization. If you live outside Ontario, JCA Law Office offers remote consultations. You may still need to visit a local notary, but the drafting and guidance can be handled entirely online.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Special Power of Attorney cost in Canada?
A Special Power of Attorney prepared in Canada for use in the Philippines typically costs between $200 and $350 CAD all-in. This includes lawyer drafting ($100–$150), notarization ($49–$80), authentication via apostille ($16–$32 in Ontario) or consularization ($36.25–$38.75), HST on legal fees, and courier to the Philippines ($50–$80). JCA Law Office offers a complete apostille package for $257.64 CAD with no hidden fees.
Is apostille cheaper than consularization for an SPA?
Yes. The apostille path is generally $20–$60 cheaper than the consulate path. In Ontario, the apostille fee for a notarized document is just $16, compared to $38.75 at the Philippine Consulate in Toronto. The apostille path also saves time because you do not need to appear in person with two witnesses at the consulate. Both methods produce a legally valid SPA for use in the Philippines.
Can I draft my own SPA to save money?
Technically yes, but we strongly advise against it for property transactions. A self-drafted SPA using a generic template may be rejected by the Philippine Register of Deeds or BIR if it lacks the correct property descriptions, authority clauses, or formatting. A rejection means paying for a new SPA from scratch — effectively doubling your costs. For simple authorizations (e.g., picking up a document), a basic SPA may suffice, but for property sales, transfers, or estate matters, professional drafting is essential.
How long does it take to get an SPA from Canada to the Philippines?
With the JCA Law Office apostille package, the typical timeline is 5–7 business days from your initial consultation to courier pickup. The apostille itself can be obtained same-day in Ontario (in-person) or within 15 business days by mail. International courier (FedEx/DHL) takes 3–5 business days to the Philippines. The consulate path takes 3–5 business days for authentication after your in-person appointment, plus courier time.
Are there additional costs in the Philippines when using an SPA?
Yes. Your representative in the Philippines may need to pay for SPA annotation at the Register of Deeds (PHP 1,000–2,000), notarial fees (PHP 300–1,000), BIR filing fees, certified copies, and transportation. These Philippines-side costs typically range from PHP 2,400 to PHP 10,300 (approximately $60–$260 CAD) depending on the transaction type. Property sales involving capital gains tax will be at the higher end.
Get Your SPA Done Right — JCA Law Office
JCA Law Office Professional Corporation has helped hundreds of Filipino-Canadians prepare Special Powers of Attorney for property sales, estate settlements, bank transactions, and government filings in the Philippines. As Filipino-Canadian lawyers, we understand both Canadian notarial requirements and Philippine legal standards — so your SPA works the first time.
Our SPA services include:
- Custom-drafted SPA for any Philippine transaction (property, estate, BIR, bank, SSS/GSIS/Pag-IBIG)
- Notarization by a licensed Ontario notary public
- Apostille or consularization — we handle either path
- Tracked international courier to your representative
- Remote service available for clients outside Ontario
All-Inclusive SPA Package: $257.64 CAD
Drafting + Notarization + Apostille + Courier + HST included
Related Resources
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Fees and processing times are current as of February 2026 and are subject to change. Government fees (apostille, consular) are set by the respective authorities and may be updated without notice. For advice specific to your situation, please consult with a lawyer at JCA Law Office Professional Corporation.
Leave a Reply