Superior Tribunal de Justiça approves proportional judicial costs

The Special Court of the Superior Tribunal de Justiça (STJ) has unanimously approved a resolution to change how judicial costs are calculated within the tribunal. Starting January 1, 2027, legal actions and appeals involving economic content will generally be charged proportionally to the updated value of the case.

Currently, costs follow a fixed table updated by inflation regardless of the amount in dispute. Under the new rules, a special appeal will cost 2% of the updated case value, subject to a minimum of R$ 1,325.45 and a maximum of R$ 107,332.80. For rescissory actions and complaints, the rate will be 4%, also observing established floors and ceilings.

STJ President Minister Luis Felipe Salomão stated the change aims to align charges with the economic scale of processes while preserving access to justice. The resolution maintains legal exemptions and free justice provisions, ensuring that criminal processes, habeas corpus, and habeas data remain exempt from costs.