Bookkeeping services in the UAE are essential for businesses aiming to maintain financial clarity and compliance with UAE’s evolving regulatory environment. Whether you’re a startup in Dubai or a multinational operating in Abu Dhabi, understanding bookkeeping costs helps you manage overhead effectively. But how much do bookkeeping services actually cost in the UAE?
Let’s break it down semantically — by business size, service scope, location, and engagement model.
📊 Average Cost of Bookkeeping Services in the UAE
The pricing for bookkeeping services typically ranges between AED 500 to AED 5,000+ per month, depending on several core factors:
| Business Size | Monthly Bookkeeping Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Freelancers / Startups | 500 – 1,200 |
| SMEs (10–50 employees) | 1,500 – 3,000 |
| Corporates / Large Firms | 3,500 – 5,000+ |
🧩 Factors That Influence Bookkeeping Pricing in the UAE
1. Volume of Transactions
More transactions mean more time required for recording, categorizing, and reconciling. This is the strongest driver of cost.
2. Frequency of Service
- Monthly: Most common, starting at AED 500/month.
- Weekly or Bi-weekly: Higher touchpoint = higher cost.
- On-demand: Typically billed hourly at AED 100–300/hour.
3. Type of Engagement
- Freelance Bookkeepers: Lower cost, limited accountability.
- Agencies or Firms: Higher cost but provide full-stack compliance, reporting, and audit support.
4. Technology Used
- Cloud-based platforms like ZohoBooks or QuickBooks may reduce human effort, thus decreasing recurring costs.
💼 Types of Bookkeeping Packages in the UAE
| Package Type | Inclusions | Typical Monthly Cost (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | Data entry, bank reconciliations | 500 – 1,200 |
| Standard | Monthly reports, VAT filings | 1,200 – 2,500 |
| Premium | Budgeting, forecasting, CFO insights | 2,500 – 5,000+ |
📍 Location Matters: Cost Differences by Emirate
| Emirate | Cost Impact |
|---|---|
| دبي | 10–20% premium due to demand and complexity. |
| Sharjah/Ajman | More affordable. |
| Abu Dhabi | High-end packages more common among corporates. |
🔍 How to Choose a Bookkeeping Provider in the UAE
Consider the following criteria when evaluating vendors:
- Experience in UAE VAT compliance
- Familiarity with your industry
- Cloud system integration skills
- Flexible engagement terms
🧠 Final Thoughts
The right bookkeeping service isn’t just about numbers—it’s about reducing risk, increasing visibility, and freeing up time for business growth. As you scale, outsourcing bookkeeping in the UAE can prove to be cost-effective, especially with firms offering tailored packages and software automation.
