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Accounting services in Dubai usually cost between AED 500 and AED 5,000 per month. The exact fee depends on your company type, transaction volume, and the scope of work you need. A small startup that only needs basic bookkeeping will pay much less than a group company that also needs VAT, payroll, and management accounts. DASA Consulting is one of the accounting firms in Dubai and offers fixed monthly pricing across each of these levels.
This guide explains what drives the price and what each package usually includes. If you want the rules behind the record-keeping side of those fees, see our guide to UAE bookkeeping requirements.
How Much Does an Accountant Cost in Dubai?
Accounting fees in Dubai usually range from AED 500 to AED 5,000+ per month for outsourced services. A basic bookkeeping-only package for a small free zone company starts at around AED 500 to AED 1,000. A full-service package covering bookkeeping, VAT returns, payroll, and management accounts usually runs from AED 2,000 to AED 5,000 or more.
These are market estimates, and pricing varies from firm to firm. Some accountants charge a flat monthly retainer. Others bill by transaction or by the hour. Ask for a fixed-price quote before you sign anything.
What Affects the Price of Accounting Services in UAE?
Several things can push the cost up or down.
Transaction volume. More invoices, payments, and bank entries mean more bookkeeping work. A business with 20 transactions a month will pay much less than one with 500.
VAT registration. If your business is VAT-registered, someone needs to file quarterly VAT returns. That adds to the monthly fee.
Corporate tax. Since June 2023, the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has required most UAE businesses to register for corporate tax and file an annual return. Many accounting firms include this in full-service packages, while smaller firms may charge extra.
Payroll. Every employee on payroll adds work to the monthly close. Firms usually charge per employee or include payroll in a bundle.
Free zone vs mainland. Free zone companies often need annual audited accounts. The audit itself is a separate cost. Budget AED 3,000 to AED 8,000 for a basic audit, depending on the auditor and your free zone.
Company size and complexity. A holding company with multiple subsidiaries will cost more to account for than a single-entity trading business.
What Do Accounting Packages in UAE Usually Include?
Most accounting firms offer tiered packages. Here’s what each level usually covers.
Basic (AED 500–1,000/month)
- Monthly bookkeeping and bank reconciliation
- Quarterly VAT return filing (if VAT-registered)
- Basic financial statements at year-end
Standard (AED 1,500–3,000/month)
- Everything in Basic
- Payroll processing and WPS filing
- Monthly management accounts
- Corporate tax registration and annual CT return
Full-service (AED 3,000–5,000+/month)
- Everything in Standard
- Multi-entity or group accounting
- Transfer pricing documentation support
- Liaison with FTA and free zone authority
- Dedicated account manager
Ask the firm what’s included in writing. Some firms advertise low monthly fees and then charge separately for every VAT return and every government letter.
Is Outsourced Accounting Cheaper Than Hiring In-House?
Yes, for most UAE businesses, it is.
A capable accountant in Dubai earns AED 5,000 to AED 8,000 per month in base salary. Add employer visa costs, health insurance, gratuity accrual, and office space, and the real cost is closer to AED 7,000 to AED 11,000 per month.
An outsourced accounting firm handling the same work usually costs AED 1,500 to AED 4,000 per month for a typical SME. You also get access to a team with VAT and CT expertise, which a single hire may not cover.
The numbers change once your business grows. If you’re processing 1,000+ transactions per month, a full-time in-house accountant can start to make more financial sense.
How Much Does a Statutory Audit Cost in UAE?
Audits are separate from monthly accounting fees. Free zone companies that need an annual audit typically pay:
- Small company (under AED 5M turnover): AED 3,000 to AED 6,000
- Medium company (AED 5M to AED 20M turnover): AED 6,000 to AED 15,000
- Larger companies: AED 15,000 and above
Your free zone authority will publish a list of approved auditors, and you must use one from that list. Prices vary between approved auditors, so it makes sense to get three quotes before you choose.
What Should You Watch Out For?
Hidden fees. Some firms quote a low monthly rate but charge per document, per government letter, or per VAT filing. Ask for an itemised list before you sign.
Qualifications. Your accountant should be ACCA, CPA, or CA qualified. Check before you hire. UAE-registered accounting firms must hold a valid trade license from the UAE Ministry of Economy or the relevant emirate authority.
Response time. The FTA can request documents within 5 business days, so your accounting firm needs to respond quickly. Ask about their turnaround time for FTA queries.
For a full breakdown of what accounting firms offer and how to choose the right one, DASA Consulting can walk you through the options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does bookkeeping cost in UAE per month?
Basic bookkeeping for a small UAE company starts at AED 500 to AED 1,000 per month. This usually covers transaction recording and bank reconciliation. VAT returns and payroll are typically extra.
How much does CPA cost in UAE?
CPA-qualified accountants in UAE usually charge AED 150 to AED 350 per hour for advisory work. Monthly retainers for full-service accounting from CPA-led firms start at AED 2,500 to AED 5,000.
Is outsourced accounting cheaper than hiring in-house in UAE?
Yes, for most SMEs. A full-time junior accountant costs AED 8,000 to AED 12,000 per month including visa and benefits. Outsourced accounting for the same scope runs AED 1,500 to AED 4,000 per month.
How much does a UAE company audit cost?
Small company audits in UAE cost AED 3,000 to AED 6,000. Medium companies pay AED 6,000 to AED 15,000. These are estimates — prices depend on the free zone, company size, and approved auditor.
Get a clear picture of your actual accounting needs before you compare quotes. DASA Consulting offers accounting packages for UAE businesses, covering free zone and mainland companies, at fixed monthly rates with no hidden charges.
Prices in this article are market estimates based on current UAE market rates as of mid-2026. Get a written quote from your accounting firm before you commit.
