Bookkeeping in Dubai typically costs between AED 999 and AED 2,500+ per month for SMEs in 2025 — depending on transaction volume, number of entities, VAT registration, and corporate tax filing needs. Here is an honest breakdown of what drives the price and how to compare firms.
1. 2025 price ranges by business size
| Tier | Typical monthly fee | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | AED 999 – 1,500 | Solo founders, <50 transactions/month, single entity |
| Growth | AED 2,500 – 4,000 | SMEs, 50–500 transactions, VAT + CT filing |
| Scale | AED 5,000+ | Multi-entity, multi-currency, consolidation |
Shaikh Associates publishes fixed tiers from AED 999/month with a 30-day free trial — no credit card required.
2. What drives bookkeeping cost
- Transaction volume — the single biggest factor
- Number of bank accounts and currencies
- VAT registration — quarterly filing adds compliance work
- Corporate tax — annual return and elections require partner review
- Free zone vs mainland — audit and zone-specific reporting
- Software — Zoho, QuickBooks, Xero, Tally, SAP integration
- Backlog cleanup — one-time fee if books are behind
3. In-house accountant vs outsourcing
A full-time accountant in Dubai costs roughly AED 8,000–15,000/month in salary plus visa, insurance, and office costs. For most businesses under 500 transactions per month, outsourcing to a firm like Shaikh Associates is 60–80% cheaper — and you get partner oversight, not just a junior clerk.
4. What should be included in your fee
At minimum, monthly bookkeeping should include:
- Transaction categorisation and recording
- Bank and card reconciliation
- Accounts payable and receivable tracking
- Monthly management reports (P&L, balance sheet)
- Annual IFRS financial statements
Growth-tier packages should add VAT filing, corporate tax return, and direct partner access. If your quote is suspiciously low, ask what is excluded.
5. Red flags when comparing quotes
- "From AED 500/month" with no transaction limit stated
- VAT and CT filing billed as surprise add-ons
- No named partner — only a sales team
- Annual contract with no trial period
- No mention of software or who pays the licence
6. Use our free calculator
Get an instant estimate with our UAE Bookkeeping Cost Calculator — no sign-up required. Or start a 30-day free trial and see our work before you pay anything.
Fees vary by firm and scope. Figures above reflect typical Dubai market rates in 2025 based on our client portfolio.
Fellow Chartered Accountant (ICAI), ex-EY Tax & Advisory, and COP holder with an LLB. Arsalaan leads Shaikh Associates' UAE tax practice — 14 years in practice and 3,000+ entities advised. Connect on LinkedIn → · Full profile →
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Frequently asked questions
How much does an accountant cost per month in Dubai?
Full bookkeeping and compliance for SMEs typically ranges from AED 999 to AED 2,500+ per month depending on transaction volume, entities, VAT, and corporate tax needs.
Is it cheaper to hire in-house or outsource bookkeeping in UAE?
For most SMEs under 500 transactions/month, outsourcing is cheaper than a full-time accountant (AED 8,000–15,000/month salary plus visa and benefits).
What is included in monthly bookkeeping fees?
Typically: transaction recording, bank reconciliation, monthly reports, VAT filing (if applicable), and annual financial statements. Corporate tax filing is often an add-on or included in growth tiers.