Start an Accounting and Bookkeeping Firm in Dubai 

If you plan to start accounting firm in Dubai, be prepared to offer financial services like corporate tax advisory, VAT registration, and bookkeeping to a larger client base. Given you have the required skills and qualifications, along with a professional license in Dubai.  

Through reliable accounting and bookkeeping, clients ensure their finances are safe and productive. The demand is especially high in middle east. Thus, starting an accounting and bookkeeping firm in Dubai is one of the most profitable business ideas in the UAE.  

Read this comprehensive guide covering the accounting and bookkeeping business setup Dubai process, legal requirements, license costs, benefits, and everything in between. 

Getting back to the accounting and bookkeeping business setup, here is all that you need to know.  

What is the role of an accounting firm in Dubai?

An accounting and bookkeeping firm is a team of expert financial advisors, analysts, and accountants who support clients in handling their finance-related responsibilities efficiently and in compliance with UAE financial regulations and FTA guidelines.  

Here is the usual activity scope of bookkeeping and accounting firms in Dubai:  

 *For auditing services, you may need special permits under the regulatory requirements. 

What are the minimum legal requirements for starting an accounting firm in Dubai?

Though both local Emiratis and foreigners can start accounting firm in Dubai, they must apply for a professional business license in the mainland or one of the free zones.  

Here is what you will need to start your own bookkeeping business setup Dubai: 

Professional business license (Bookkeeping license Dubai):

All service-based businesses in Dubai, including accounting, tax, and bookkeeping firms, must obtain a suitable professional license to operate legally. Beyond the professional license, your accounting firm may also require additional approvals based on the services you offer – for example, FTA registration for providing VAT or corporate tax services.  

Professional qualification:

Since it is a service-based business, the high designation accountants or other professionals in your firm must hold valid certifications such as Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA), or Certified Management Accountant (CMA). The degree must be MOFA attested (needed for mainland setup).  

Dedicated office space:

You need to have suitable office space for your bookkeeping business setup Dubai. The location also matters to be accessible and convenient for clients. Rules regarding office space differ between mainland and free zones:  

• Mainland: Often requires physical office space, leased, or purchased.
• Free zone: Options for flexi-desk and co-working spaces.  

UAE residence visa (for foreign entrepreneurs):

Being a foreign entrepreneur starting your business in Dubai, you will need to get yourself a UAE residence visa, which will allow you to legally stay and work in Dubai.  

Meeting eligibility? Congratulations; if not, contact our experts for assistance. We can help with visas, office solutions, and the whole business setup process.  

What is the cost of starting accounting and bookkeeping company in Dubai?

The average cost of starting an accounting and bookkeeping firm in Dubai starts at AED 15,000*.  

Your final price will vary depending on the business location (mainland vs free zone), business scope, visa requirements, and other factors.  

In most cases, entrepreneurs usually budget for:  

• Trade license: The DET or free zone business license fee.
• Trade name registration: Charges for reserving your company name officially. 
• UAE visas: Residency visa for investors, staff, and/or family.
• Office space: Rental charges paid annually. 
• Emirates ID and medicals: Part of immigration formalities.
• Typing services: Includes document translation and attestation charges.
• PRO services: Assistance with licenses, approvals, and renewals by certified experts.

At Dubiz, we keep it simple with custom business setup packages, which help you save on PRO services, renewals, and other essentials.  

Key documents required for business license application

For a smooth application for the accounting and bookkeeping license Dubai, you need to submit the following documents:  

• Passport copy (minimum 6-month validity)
• Passport-sized photographs
• Business plan
• Office lease contract
• Trade name certificate
• Initial approval receipt 
• Professional qualification certificates for accountants and other professionals
• Additional documents as asked for by the authority  

Accounting and bookkeeping firms have a large client base:

How to start accounting firm in UAE?

Starting an accounting and bookkeeping business in Dubai involves a structured application for a professional license, trade name registration, office setup, and necessary approvals from the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) and other relevant authorities.  

A senior business licensing expert at Dubiz explains, “In Dubai, you will need a professional license, not a commercial one, to run an accounting and bookkeeping firm. Services like bookkeeping, tax consulting, and financial reporting all fall under the professional category, so choosing the right license is essential.” 

The legal setup process for starting an accounting firm in Dubai

To start accounting firm in Dubai, here is a step-by-step guide to business setup:  

Step 1 – Choose your location

Both mainland and free zones in Dubai allow you to start an accounting and bookkeeping firm. You must decide where you want to start accounting firm in Dubai. 

In the mainland, you can cater to the entire Dubai market and international clients without facing any restrictions. While in a free zone, business setup comes with 100% ownership and affordable license packages.  

Recommended free zones for accounting and bookkeeping services: 

• Dubai International Financial Center – DIFC (popular)
• Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)
• Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)
• Dubai Multi Commodities Center
• Meydan Free Zone  

Step 2 – Decide the legal structure

Next, decide the legal form for your accounting business, such as sole proprietorship, limited liability company, civil partnership company, a branch, etc.  

Each legal structure comes with different costs, tax responsibilities and a degree of control for the owner. We have explained how to pick the right legal structure in a detailed guide here. 

Step 3 – Register a name for the business:

Finalise a name for your business and get it registered with the authority. While deciding the name, make sure it is as per the UAE’s naming guidelines. Otherwise, it would not be accepted.  

Step 4 – Get the initial approval from DET:

For any business type, be it a manufacturing, a commercial or a professional business, getting the initial approval is a necessity. Similarly, for your accounting company formation UAE, you must get the initial NOC from either DET (in case of mainland) or the respective freezone authority.  

Step 5 – Rent an office space:

For your firm, you will need suitable office space. Your potential clients may visit you there, so it is a good idea to have a professional and well-maintained setup.  

You can rent an office and have a tenancy contract registered through the Ejari portal. Alternatively, if you choose to set up in a free zone, you may have the option to operate from a virtual address or a flexi desk.  

Step 6 – Apply for a business license:

Finally, you must apply for a professional license. To do this, you will need to submit a completed license application form containing your business details and other required information to either: 

• DET: Mainland
• Or respective free zone  

The authority will review your application and verify the details provided. Once they are satisfied, they will approve your request and issue your business license.  

Step 7 – Hire a qualified team

Hire professionals who meet the UAE’s education and certification standards required for offering accounting and bookkeeping services.  

• Qualifications such as ACCA, CPA, and CMA are generally accepted.
• Knowledge of local FTA tax rules and financial regulations, especially VAT and corporate tax, is essential.
• Bayt, Naukrigulf, and LinkedIn are good sources for hiring.  

All team members must be registered with the UAE labour department, holding valid work permits.  

Step 8 – Open a business bank account

Finally, open a corporate bank account for your accounting firm with any bank of choice. Basic documents needed:  

• Passport of all partners
• Visa and Emirates copy (if applicable)
• MOA/AOA
• Company profile
• Authorised signatory profile
• List of potential clients  

Step 9 – Set up the technology 

Invest in the latest accounting software for efficient operations and automating routine tasks involved in bookkeeping, financial analysis, and tax operations.  

Best accounting software for small businesses in Dubai:  

• Elate Accounting Software
• QuickBooks
• Xero
• Zoho Books
• Tally Prime
• Sage Accounting Software 

Step 10 – Meet the regulatory compliance for accounting firms  

Based on the nature of operations and legal requirements, you must fulfil the following:  

• FTA registration: For providing VAT services, or if you expect to exceed the mandatory VAT threshold, you will need to register your business with the UAE’s FTA. 
• AML: All accounting firms in Dubai must meet AML compliance requirements to help prevent financial crimes.
• KYC: Implement strong KYC procedures to verify client identities as per local regulatory standards.
• IFRS: Following the IFRS for financial reporting practices is crucial. 

Key points: 

Timeline: License processing time can range from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the nature, scope, and complexity of your business.

Benefit of working with Dubiz: We will handle your trade license, permits, visas, bank account, and legal compliance.

How to promote your accounting firm in Dubai?

After your accounting firm is successfully established, your next focus should shift to attracting clients. Some effective marketing strategies that work in the Dubai market include:  

Building a strong website: Design a branded website that is not just attractive, but also easy to use and genuinely helpful.

Investing in SEO: Use relevant keywords on your website (such as “accounting services” and “Dubai bookkeeping services”). It will help you rank on search engines (like Google), and AI overview (like ChatGPT)

Being active on social media: Create informative reels, accounting-focused posts, and engaging videos, and post them consistently on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

Networking with others: Attend events and conferences happening around you. You can meet potential clients there and build industry relationships.

Staff training: Make sure your team is trained in the latest financial practices and phishing/cybersecurity awareness.  

Benefits of starting an accounting firm in Dubai

Here is why you should start accounting firm in Dubai:  

1. Growing demand: There is a rising demand for reliable and expert bookkeeping, taxation, and accounting services, presenting promising opportunities for firms in this field.
2. 100% business ownership: In Dubai mainland as well as free zones, enjoy 100% ownership of your business without the need for a local sponsor or partner.
3. Tax savings: Benefit from significant tax savings with corporate tax exemptions and zero personal income tax.
4. Strategic location: Dubai’s geographical location makes it a perfect gateway to international markets, giving businesses access to a global client base. 
5. Easy setup: Dubai offers low startup costs and a straightforward business setup process, making it easier for entrepreneurs to launch quickly. 
6. Qualified workforce: The city has a diverse pool of skilled professionals, allowing you to easily find experts (such as qualified tax accountants) to meet your staffing requirements. 
7. Modern infrastructure: Dubai provides advanced infrastructure, flexible office space options, strong internet connectivity, and facilities that support business operations.  

Start an accounting firm in Dubai with Dubiz today

Dubiz has been helping firms establish themselves in Dubai and across the UAE for over 8 years. With experience serving more than 7,000 clients from diverse industries, we have developed the expertise to get businesses up and running quickly and efficiently.  

Dubiz provides end-to-end support for setting up your accounting and bookkeeping firm in Dubai – including the right UAE trade license, bank account setup, medical and Emirates, and everything related.  

Contact your dedicated expert at Dubiz today:  

Call: +971 56 369 5485      

WhatsApp: +971563695485       

Email: info@dubiz.co  

Frequently Asked Questions – Accounting Firm