How Much Do Accounting Services Cost in Dubai? A Practical Pricing Guide

If you are comparing accounting firms in Dubai, you have probably noticed that prices vary significantly. One provider may quote AED 500 per month, while another recommends a package costing several thousand dirhams. The difference is usually not just the provider’s pricing. It reflects the number of transactions, reporting frequency, tax requirements, complexity of the business and level of professional support included. What do accounting services cost in Dubai? As a general market guide, businesses may encounter the following monthly price ranges: Level of service Indicative monthly cost Basic bookkeeping for a low-volume business AED 500–2,000 Bookkeeping, reporting and tax support for an SME AED 2,000–6,000 Full accounting function or higher-volume business AED 6,000–15,000+

These are broad market indicators rather than regulated fees. Published Dubai pricing guides show similarly wide ranges, with basic bookkeeping starting around AED 500 and comprehensive accounting, compliance and advisory services extending beyond AED 10,000 per month. Sky Sigma and Risians Accounting provide examples of these market ranges. The most useful question is therefore not simply, “How much does an accountant cost?” It is: “What work, responsibility and support are included in the price?” What affects accounting services costs in Dubai? 1. Monthly transaction volume The number of sales invoices, supplier bills, expenses, payments and bank transactions is one of the biggest pricing factors. A consultancy processing 40 transactions per month requires less bookkeeping time than a retailer or technology platform processing hundreds of transactions across several payment channels. When requesting a quotation, provide an accurate estimate of your monthly transaction volume. 2. Number of bank accounts and currencies Additional bank accounts, credit cards, payment gateways and currencies create more reconciliation work. Multi-currency businesses also require proper treatment of exchange rates, foreign exchange gains and losses, and currency balances. 3. VAT requirements A VAT-registered business needs records that support accurate VAT returns, input tax claims and reconciliations. UAE businesses generally must register for VAT when taxable supplies and imports exceed AED 375,000. Voluntary registration may be available once the applicable amount exceeds AED 187,500, according to the UAE Federal Tax Authority. Confirm whether VAT return preparation and submission are included in your accounting package or charged separately. 4. Corporate Tax support Your accounting records provide the foundation for calculating taxable income and preparing a Corporate Tax return. Under the general UAE Corporate Tax framework, taxable income up to AED 375,000 is subject to a 0% rate, while the portion exceeding AED 375,000 is generally subject to 9%, subject to the applicable rules and exemptions. The FTA Corporate Tax guide provides further details. Ask whether Corporate Tax support includes tax calculations, adjustments, return preparation and filing—or only maintaining the bookkeeping records. 5. Reporting requirements Basic packages may provide a profit and loss statement and balance sheet. Growing businesses may also require: - Cash-flow reporting - Accounts receivable and payable analysis - Budget-versus-actual comparisons - Department or project reporting - Management dashboards - Financial forecasts - Board or investor reports The more frequent and detailed the reporting, the more senior review and analysis will normally be required. 6. Payroll and employee numbers Payroll processing, employee reimbursements, gratuity calculations and salary-related accounting can increase the monthly scope. Ask whether payroll support is included and whether the package has an employee limit. 7. Condition of the existing records A business with complete, organized records is easier to onboard. Missing invoices, unreconciled accounts or several months of delayed bookkeeping may require a separate catch-up or clean-up project. The provider should identify this work before the monthly service begins. What should an accounting package include? A dependable monthly accounting package should clearly explain its deliverables. Depending on your needs, these may include: - Recording sales, purchases, expenses and payments - Bank and payment-gateway reconciliations - Accounts receivable and payable monitoring - Monthly financial statements - VAT preparation and submission support - Corporate Tax accounting support - Payroll-related accounting - Multi-currency accounting - Audit schedules and supporting documents - Regular meetings with an accountant or supervisor - Management reporting and financial analysis A low headline price may not be good value if essential services are excluded or charged separately. Numeria’s accounting packages Numeria offers three transparent monthly packages designed around transaction volume and the level of financial support required. View Numeria’s current accounting packages. Silver — AED 1,850 per month The Silver package is designed for businesses with focused accounting requirements and up to 150 monthly transactions. It includes: - A dedicated accountant - Monthly reporting with three reports - VAT submission support - Support for up to 150 transactions per month This package may suit startups, consultancies and smaller businesses that need dependable bookkeeping and reporting without a complex finance structure. Gold — AED 3,400 per month The Gold package supports growing businesses processing up to 1,000 monthly transactions. It includes: - An accountant and supervisor - Four financial reports - Tax and Corporate Income Tax support - Multi-currency accounting - Audit support Gold is suitable for businesses experiencing higher transaction volumes, more demanding compliance requirements or a need for closer financial supervision. Platinum — AED 7,350 per month The Platinum package provides a more comprehensive outsourced finance function for businesses processing up to 3,000 monthly transactions. It includes: - A dedicated accounting team - Six financial reports - CFO services - Broader financial and operational support This package is intended for established or rapidly growing companies that require financial leadership in addition to day-to-day accounting. Package scope can be customized according to the company’s workflow, reporting requirements and business structure. Final fees, taxes and deliverables should be confirmed in the service proposal. Is the cheapest accounting service the best option? Not necessarily. Before accepting a low quotation, check whether it excludes: - VAT or Corporate Tax return support - Monthly reconciliations - Management reports - Meetings with a qualified accountant - Accounting software - Historical clean-up - Payroll accounting - Audit support - Responses to authority enquiries - Charges for transactions above the package limit Incomplete bookkeeping can eventually cost more through corrections, missed deadlines, management time and unreliable financial information. Outsourced accounting or an in-house accountant? Outsourced accounting can be more practical for startups and SMEs that need several financial skills but are not ready to employ a complete finance department. When comparing the two options, consider more than the employee’s salary. An in-house function may also involve recruitment, visa costs, benefits, accounting software, management time, training and cover during absences. An outsourced provider can offer access to accountants, supervisors, tax specialists and CFO-level support through one service arrangement. Questions to ask before choosing an accounting provider Before signing an agreement, ask: 1. What exactly is included in the monthly fee? 2. How many transactions, bank accounts and currencies are covered? 3. Are VAT and Corporate Tax services included? 4. Which reports will I receive, and how frequently? 5. Who will manage and review my account? 6. Are accounting software costs included? 7. What happens if we exceed the transaction limit? 8. Is catch-up work charged separately? 9. What support is provided during an audit? 10. How quickly will questions and requests be answered? The quotation should define both the work being delivered and the responsibilities of the client. Frequently asked questions How much does bookkeeping cost for a small business in Dubai? Basic bookkeeping may start from approximately AED 500 per month in the wider market. A more complete service that includes reconciliations, reporting, VAT support and access to an accounting professional will generally cost more. Can I outsource my entire accounting department? Yes. An outsourced package can cover bookkeeping, reporting, tax support, financial controls and CFO guidance, depending on the agreed scope. Are VAT and Corporate Tax filings included? This depends on the provider and package. Never assume that filings are included simply because a service is described as “accounting” or “bookkeeping.” Should accounting fees be monthly or annual? Monthly retainers are usually more suitable for businesses that need continuous bookkeeping and regular reports. One-time fees may be appropriate for specific registrations, filings, clean-up projects or advisory assignments. Which Numeria package is right for my business? Silver suits focused, lower-volume accounting needs. Gold provides greater capacity, supervision and tax support, while Platinum offers a dedicated team and CFO-level assistance. Get a clear accounting quotation The right accounting service should give you more than updated records. It should provide reliable information, stronger financial control and confidence when making business decisions. Review Numeria’s packages or contact the Numeria team to discuss your transaction volume, reporting requirements and tax obligations.