Accounting Firm Setup in Dubai | Cost & How‑To Guide

The accounting industry in Dubai is currently in great demand and for good reasons. With the advent of the UAE Corporate Tax, VAT, and the increasing entry of more SMEs and startups into the market, businesses have been actively seeking professional accounting and bookkeeping support. If you are a certified accountant willing to set up a solo practice or an international company wanting to set up in the UAE, then good money could be made from an accounting business in Dubai, provided the setup is done correctly.

This article will walk you through expenses, timelines, and strategic choices involved in setting up an accounting company in Dubai in 2025.

Mainland vs Free Zone vs SPC Free Zone | Where Should You Set Up?

Your first major decision is choosing the right jurisdiction. Dubai Laboratory goes by three alternatives: The Mainland, Free Zones, and the low-cost SPC Free Zone.

• Mainland: It has access to the larger UAE market and can bid for government contracts but has higher setup costs and tighter regulations; it may also require local CSP or sponsor.
  
• Free Zones: These include well-known names like DMCC, IFZA, and Meydan. They offer full foreign ownership, streamlined processes, and industry-specific clustering. But you’re typically limited to operating within the free zone unless you appoint a mainland distributor.
  
• The SPC Free Zone: SPC Free Zone is situated in Sharjah and is becoming quite popular among solo professionals and SMEs due to its startup costs that are hardly more than AED 6,875, it takes a very short time for setup, and it offers package options that include a visa.
  

Need help deciding which zone fits you best? Speak to an Arnifi consultant who can evaluate your business model and recommend the ideal jurisdiction.

Accounting License & Business Activity Costs

To legally offer accounting, auditing, or bookkeeping services in Dubai, you’ll need to obtain a professional or commercial license.

Here’s a breakdown of estimated costs:

• Mainland: AED 15,000-30,000 depending on the emirate and nature of the activity
• Free zones: AED 14,900-20,000 for the standard packages
• SPC Free Zone: AED 6,875 for a single activity license without visa

These costs typically cover a trade license, name reservation, initial approval, and sometimes a flexi-desk space.

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Office Space & Physical Requirements

While some free zones allow virtual or flexi-desk setups, others require a physical presence. Your options include:

• Flexi-desk: AED 5,000-8,000/year
• Serviced office: AED 8,000-20,000/year
• Dedicated office: AED 25,000-50,000/year

Note that office size may impact your visa quota. The particular jurisdiction will generally permit one visa per 80-100 sq ft of office space.

Visa Costs & Quotas (Investor / Staff Visas)

If, however, the company is set to operate alongside a team or employ one bookkeeper, then investor/employment visas will be a requirement.

• Visa price, per person: AED 3,500-7,000 (medical test, Emirates ID, e-channel registration included)
• Mainland: Quotas are linked to your office size and Ministry of Labour approvals
• Free Zones: Offer visa bundles (1–6 visas) with certain packages
  Many solo entrepreneurs begin with a 1-visa plan and scale as needed.

Registration & Government Fees

In addition to your license and visa, several other registration costs apply:

• Trade name reservation: AED 620 to 750
• Initial approval: AED 300 to 500
• MOA preparation and notarization: AED 1,000 to 3,000
• Immigration card and e-channel installation: AED 1,000–2,500
  Expect total setup-related government fees between AED 1,500 and AED 7,000, depending on your setup configuration.

PRO, Legal, Consultant Support & Hidden Fees

Many founders underestimate the costs of legal translations, document attestations, and PRO (public relations officer) services.

• PRO service fee per transaction: AED 500–1,500
• Bank account opening facilitation: AED 1,500–3,000 (audited financials or business plans might be demanded by certain banks)
• Legal advisory and contract preparation: AED 1,000–3,000
• Bank audit certificates and compliance: Especially if you’re setting up a full-service accounting practice

These processes can be optimized by Arnifi to prevent costly delays or denial.

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Operational Costs | Accounting Software & Insurance

Once you’re operational, you’ll have ongoing business costs such as

• Accounting software: AED 2,000–10,000/year (e.g., Zoho Books, Xero, QuickBooks)
• Professional indemnity insurance: AED 1,500–5,000/year
• Utilities and internet: AED 2,000–4,000/year (if you have a dedicated office)
• Staff salaries: AED 4,000–12,000/month for junior to mid-level accountants

Consider using cloud-based software to reduce infrastructure and hardware costs.

Year‑2 Renewal & Recurring Costs

After your first year, expect the following annual costs:

• License renewal: AED 5,000–15,000 depending on the zone
• Office lease renewal: Similar to first-year rental costs
• Visa renewal: AED 3,000–6,000 per visa
• VAT returns and annual audits: AED 2,000–10,000+
• Bank compliance or KYC updates: As required by your financial institution

Total First-Year Cost Scenarios

Let’s compare a few example cases:
1. Solo practitioner via SPC Free Zone

• License: AED 6,875
• No visa initially
• Flexi-desk (optional): AED 2,000
• Total: ~AED 10,000

2. Free zone accounting LLC with 2 visas

• License + 2 visas: AED 20,000
• Shared office: AED 8,000
• Bank setup and misc. costs: AED 3,000
• Total: ~AED 25,000–30,000

3. Mainland firm in Dubai Internet City

• License: AED 20,000
• Dedicated office: AED 30,000
• 3 visas: AED 18,000
• PRO, legal, bank fees: AED 7,000
• Total: ~AED 60,000–75,000

Revenue Expectations & Demand Landscape

Accounting firms in Dubai typically generate revenue from monthly retainers and project-based services:

• SME client monthly retainer: AED 1,000–1,500
• Corporate tax & VAT services: AED 5,000–10,000 annually per client
• Audit & advisory services: AED 8,000–20,000+, depending on business size

Many firms hit break-even within their first year, especially those offering VAT filing and tax registration.

Common Pitfalls & Community Advice

Based on community forums like Reddit’s UAE Business Subreddit, here are recurring issues:

• Falling for CSPs that overcharge or upsell unnecessary packages
• Underestimating bank compliance requirements
• Delays in visa or office approvals due to missing documents
• Unexpected expenses like translation and notarizing service
  Read, thoroughly, every line to ensure that nothing is excluded from licensing.

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Get in touch with our team to find out about our approach

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Cost-Saving Tips & Optimization Strategies

Start lean and optimize as you grow:

• Use free zone bundles that include license + visa + desk
• Handle simple PRO tasks yourself (renewals, Emirates ID)
• Begin with a flexi-desk if physical space isn’t mandatory
• Got to have cloud software with a modular pricing schedule
• Negotiate for an annual package from a CSP to reduce the monthly charge

Arnifi helps clients navigate cost-saving setups without compromising on compliance.

Checklist

Here’s your launch roadmap:

• Decide your jurisdiction (Mainland / Free Zone / SPC)
• Select business activities (accounting, tax, audit, etc.)
• Prepare documents (passport, photo, business plan)
• Reserve your trade name
• Apply for a license
• Finalize office setup (flexi-desk or physical office)
• Open corporate bank account
• Apply for visas as needed
• Get VAT registered
• Set pricing, onboard clients, and begin operations

Need a hand? Arnifi offers end-to-end support for UAE accounting firms from choosing the right jurisdiction to getting your first client. Ready to launch your accounting business in Dubai? Get a free consultation with our experts today, and let’s simplify your setup affordably and efficiently.