Running a small company in Dubai means more paperwork than it did a few years ago. Corporate tax now applies to almost every business. VAT returns come due every quarter. A national e-invoicing system is also on the way. If you are opening your first LLC or working under a freelance permit, bookkeeping is part of the job from day one.
Most startups do not need a full-time accountant, so many founders outsource the work. Below are ten firms that serve small businesses, what each one does well, and what it costs where the price is public.
Why Startups in Dubai Hire an Accounting Firm
Corporate tax is the main reason. The UAE charges 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9% above that. Every company must register and file a return, even if it owes nothing. Free zone companies are no exception, including those that aim for the 0% rate as a Qualifying Free Zone Person. Check the current rules with the Federal Tax Authority.
VAT is the second reason. The standard rate is 5%. Registration is mandatory once taxable supplies pass AED 375,000 in 12 months, and voluntary from AED 187,500. After that, you file returns, usually every quarter. Late registration and late returns lead to FTA penalties.
Banks and free zone authorities also ask for financial statements. E-invoicing adds one more task. It becomes mandatory on 1 January 2027 for businesses with revenue of AED 50 million or more, and on 1 July 2027 for everyone else.
How Much Do Accounting Services Cost in Dubai?
Small companies with few transactions can find monthly packages from about AED 400 to AED 500. Growing businesses with VAT and payroll often pay AED 1,000 to AED 3,000 a month, and complex companies AED 5,000 or more.
The price depends mostly on transaction volume, whether VAT and corporate tax filings are included, payroll and WPS files, and whether the software licence is part of the fee. Compare the scope, not only the headline price.
Best Accounting Firms in Dubai for Startups and Small Businesses
|
Firm |
Best for |
Starting price |
Offices |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Skrooge.ai |
One fixed monthly fee for books, VAT and CT filing |
AED 499/month |
Dubai, Abu Dhabi |
|
BCL Globiz |
Fixed packages with no transaction cap |
AED 400/month + VAT |
Dubai |
|
KBA |
FTA tax agency representation |
On request |
Dubai |
|
Shuraa Tax |
Founders who set up through Shuraa |
On request |
Dubai |
|
Finanshels |
Online bookkeeping, tax and CFO support |
On request |
Dubai |
|
A&A Associate |
Company setup and accounting in one place |
From AED 999/month (reported) |
Dubai |
|
ebs |
Businesses on Zoho Books |
On request |
Dubai, London, Lahore |
|
KGRN |
Free zone audits |
On request |
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, RAK |
|
Farahat & Co |
Tax disputes and FTA audits |
AED 1,150/month + VAT |
Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi |
|
N R Doshi & Partners |
Established companies needing audit and advisory |
On request |
Dubai and other UAE offices |
1. Skrooge.ai
Skrooge is an AI-powered accounting firm in Dubai and Abu Dhabi for UAE SMEs, founded in 2025. It pairs qualified accountants with automation for routine data entry and reconciliation. The company closed a $1.85 million seed round in its first year.
For startups, the main draw is one monthly price for accounting and tax. The package covers bookkeeping, VAT and corporate tax return filing, monthly financial statements, a dedicated accounting team and access to Zoho Books. Payroll is included, and WPS salary files cost AED 59 per employee per month.
Skrooge.ai works with mainland and free zone companies, from solo founders to teams of 200+. It does not handle visas, medical insurance or PRO services, and audits go through partner firms.
Location: Dubai (Baniyas Road, Deira) and Abu Dhabi. Pricing: from AED 499 per month.
2. BCL Globiz Accounting & Consulting
BCL Globiz is part of BCL Group, which has more than 35 years of experience. Its packages include accounting and bookkeeping with no cap on transactions. The Essential plan adds corporate tax compliance, and the Grow plan adds VAT. It suits founders who want a fixed fee and a clear list of what is included.
Location: Dubai. Pricing: AED 400 (Essential) and AED 600 (Grow) per month plus VAT, listed as discounted rates.
3. KBA Accounting & Bookkeeping
KBA is an accountancy and financial consulting firm in Dubai, registered with the FTA as a tax agency. Services include bookkeeping, VAT consultancy, corporate tax, internal audit and CFO support. A registered tax agent can represent you before the FTA.
Location: API World Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. Pricing: on request.
4. Shuraa Tax
Shuraa Tax has provided accounting and tax support since 2018. It presents itself as an FTA-certified tax agency. It belongs to the Shuraa group, known for business setup, which makes it a natural fit for startups that already formed their company through Shuraa.
Location: Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. Pricing: on request.
5. Finanshels
Finanshels is a Dubai-based provider of bookkeeping, tax and CFO services for startups and SMEs. It works mostly online, says it serves more than 7,000 UAE businesses with a team of 150+, and is a registered tax agency. Plans are built around yearly transaction volume.
Location: Dubai. Pricing: fixed monthly fee, quoted on request.
6. A&A Associate
A&A Associate is a Dubai firm of chartered accountants, lawyers and consultants. Besides accounting, it offers company formation and legal support. That mix suits founders who want setup and bookkeeping in one place.
Location: Dubai. Pricing: packages reported from AED 999 per month.
7. ebs Chartered Accountants
ebs has more than 15 years of experience and offices in Dubai, London and Lahore. It is an Advanced Zoho Books Partner, and its chartered accountants have Big Four audit experience. It suits businesses already on Zoho Books.
Location: Business Bay, Dubai. Pricing: on request.
8. KGRN Chartered Accountants
KGRN was founded in 2007 and has a team of 100+ chartered accountants, CPAs and ACCAs, with offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah. It is a member of Integra International. The firm focuses on free zone audits and works as an approved auditor in several zones, including DMCC.
Location: Business Bay, Dubai, plus Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah. Pricing: on request.
9. Farahat & Co
Farahat & Co was founded in 1985. It is a member of LEA Global, an FTA-registered tax agent and a DIFC-approved auditor, with offices in Sharjah and Abu Dhabi as well. The firm is strong on tax disputes, FTA audits and voluntary disclosures, which makes it useful when a VAT or corporate tax issue has already come up.
Location: Rigga Road, Deira, Dubai. Pricing: published packages from AED 1,150 per month plus VAT (up to 100 transactions).
10. N R Doshi & Partners
N R Doshi & Partners was founded in 1985 and runs several offices across the UAE. It is a member of DFK International. Services cover audit, accounting, VAT, tax and advisory. The firm fits companies that have grown past the startup stage and need audit and advisory under one roof.
Location: BurJuman Office Tower, Dubai. Pricing: on request.
How to Choose an Accounting Firm in Dubai
- Published prices. A firm that shows its prices is easier to compare. Ask what the fee includes and what costs extra.
- FTA tax agent status. If you need someone to represent you before the FTA, check the firm in the official register of tax agents.
- Free zone or mainland experience. Rules for audits, licence renewals and corporate tax differ by jurisdiction. Pick a firm that already works with companies like yours.
- Software. Most small businesses use Zoho Books or Xero. Ask which tools the firm supports and who pays for the licence.
For a comparison that covers all seven emirates, see the 10 best accounting firms in the UAE for SMEs.
FAQs
Does a free zone company need an accountant?
Yes, in practice. Free zone companies must keep proper records and file a corporate tax return, even if they pay 0%. A Qualifying Free Zone Person also needs audited financial statements, and many free zones ask for them at licence renewal.
What is Small Business Relief?
Small Business Relief lets a resident business treat its taxable income as zero for a tax period, as long as revenue stays at or below AED 3 million in that period and in every earlier one. It applies to tax periods ending on or before 31 December 2029. Qualifying Free Zone Persons cannot use it, and you still have to register, file and keep records.
Conclusion
The right firm depends on your stage and budget. Skrooge.ai suits startups that want one fixed monthly price covering bookkeeping, VAT and corporate tax filing. BCL Globiz and Finanshels also offer structured packages, Shuraa Tax and A&A Associate combine setup with accounting, and ebs, KGRN, Farahat & Co or N R Doshi & Partners fit audits, disputes and larger businesses.