How Much Do Accounting Services Cost in UAE? (2025 Pricing Guide)
Introduction
As the UAE continues to evolve into a global business hub, the demand for professional accounting services is on the rise. Whether you're a startup in Dubai, an SME in Sharjah, or a multinational in Abu Dhabi, having reliable financial management is essential for compliance, decision-making, and long-term growth. But how much do accounting services in UAE actually cost in 2025?
This pricing guide will give you a clear picture of the average rates, factors affecting cost, and what you should expect to pay for professional accounting services in the UAE.
Why Businesses Need Accounting Services in UAE
With the implementation of VAT, corporate tax (from June 2023), and stricter compliance laws, businesses in the UAE can no longer afford to overlook proper bookkeeping and financial reporting. Accounting firms provide essential services like:
• Bookkeeping & ledger maintenance
• VAT filing & tax compliance
• Financial reporting & audits
• Payroll processing
• Budgeting & forecasting
• Corporate tax registration and filing
Average Cost of Accounting Services in UAE (2025)
Accounting fees vary depending on the size of your business, the complexity of your transactions, and whether you hire an in-house accountant, a freelancer, or a professional accounting firm.
Here’s a general pricing breakdown for 2025:
|
Service Type |
Estimated Monthly Cost (AED) |
|
Freelance Bookkeeper (Part-time) |
1,000 – 2,500 |
|
In-house Accountant (Full-time) |
6,000 – 12,000 |
|
Outsourced Accounting Firm |
1,500 – 10,000 |
|
VAT Filing (per quarter) |
500 – 1,000 |
|
Corporate Tax Filing (Annual) |
2,000 – 5,000 |
|
Financial Statement Preparation |
1,000 – 3,000 |
|
Internal Audit (Small to Mid) |
5,000 – 15,000+ (one-time) |
|
Accounting Software Setup |
2,000 – 10,000+ (one-time) |
Note: These are average 2025 market rates and may vary based on the firm, service scope, and location.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Accounting Services in UAE
1. Nature & Size of Business
Larger companies or those with multiple branches require more complex accounting systems, increasing the cost.
2. Volume of Transactions
A retail store with daily sales will need more frequent bookkeeping than a consulting agency, affecting the workload and price.
3. Compliance Requirements
If your business is subject to corporate tax, ESR (Economic Substance Regulations), or AML (Anti-Money Laundering) laws, it will require more detailed accounting and advisory services.
4. Type of Service Model
• Hourly Billing – Typically AED 150–400/hour depending on the accountant’s qualifications.
• Monthly Retainers – Most firms offer packages based on service frequency (weekly/monthly).
• Project-Based – Ideal for one-time services like audits or VAT registration.
Accounting Packages Offered in UAE
Most firms offer customizable accounting packages:
|
Package |
Includes |
Monthly Fee |
|
Basic |
Bookkeeping, VAT filing, reports (for startups) |
AED 1,500 – 3,000 |
|
Standard |
Everything in Basic + Payroll, Tax Return, Monthly Reports |
AED 3,500 – 6,000 |
|
Premium |
Full-service accounting, Audit prep, Forecasting, CFO Advisory |
AED 7,000 – 10,000+ |
These packages are ideal for SMEs looking for consistency without hiring full-time staff.
Outsourcing vs In-House Accounting in UAE
|
Criteria |
Outsourced |
In-House Accountant |
|
Cost |
Lower (AED 1.5K–10K/month) |
Higher (AED 6K–12K/month) |
|
Flexibility |
Scalable service model |
Fixed cost |
|
Expertise |
Access to full team with tax advisors |
One person, limited scope |
|
Compliance Updates |
Regular updates from firm |
May require training |
|
Data Security |
Needs NDA & cloud systems |
Managed internally |
How to Choose the Right Accounting Firm in UAE
When selecting a provider for accounting services in UAE, consider the following:
• Experience with UAE tax laws
• Registered with UAE Federal Tax Authority (FTA)
• Experience with your industry (retail, construction, tech, etc.)
• Use of cloud-based accounting software like Zoho, Xero, QuickBooks
• Transparent pricing and no hidden charges
• Support for VAT and Corporate Tax filing
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
• Extra charges for urgent filings
• Additional fees for audit support
• Software license costs (if not included)
• One-time setup or onboarding fees
• Costs for financial statement translation (Arabic-English)
Always request a full quote before signing a service agreement.
Conclusion
Whether you are a new business setting up in Dubai or a growing SME in Abu Dhabi, understanding the cost of accounting services in UAE is crucial for budgeting and compliance. In 2025, prices are competitive and scalable—giving you the flexibility to outsource efficiently without sacrificing accuracy.
To ensure your finances are in expert hands, partner with a qualified and experienced accounting service provider in UAE who understands your industry, legal requirements, and long-term goals.