What Do Bookkeepers Charge Per Hour in the UAE?

Let’s Talk Dirhams, Decisions & Deadlines

Okay, So What’s the Going Rate?

Ever try figuring out bookkeeping rates in the UAE?

You Google it. A bunch of generic ranges pop up. AED 100… maybe 250… depends on “scope and complexity.” And suddenly you’re knee-deep in spreadsheets, VAT acronyms, and questions like: Do I need a bookkeeper or a full-blown accountant? Should I hire someone or outsource? Am I even asking the right questions?

Yeah. Welcome to the club.

But here’s the thing: Bookkeeping is one of those behind-the-scenes roles that can either quietly save your business—or quietly wreck it if you ignore it too long.

And in 2025, with corporate tax kicking in, the stakes are higher than ever. So let’s have a proper chat about what bookkeepers charge in the real world, especially here in the UAE.

If you’re looking for the short answer, here it is:
Bookkeepers in the UAE typically charge anywhere from AED 100 to AED 300 per hour.

But honestly? That number alone doesn’t tell you much. Context is everything. Let’s unpack what you’re actually paying for.

The Price Isn’t Just About Time. It’s About Trust.

Think of bookkeeping like going to the dentist. You could skip it for a few months and still be fine. Until one day, a minor issue turns into an expensive root canal—or worse, a tax audit.

When you’re hiring a bookkeeper, you’re not just paying for someone to enter numbers into a spreadsheet. You’re paying for:

• Someone who catches that weird duplicate invoice before it messes with your VAT return
  
• Someone who spots the cash flow leak you didn’t notice while hustling for new clients
  
• Someone who files things right the first time so the FTA doesn’t come knocking
  

That’s the value. And that’s why some professionals charge on the higher end of the scale—because they’re not just plugging in numbers. They’re keeping your business clean, compliant, and out of trouble.

So, Who Charges What?

Let’s break it down into something a bit more digestible.

Freelancers & Small Firms

• Basic support (data entry, transaction tracking): AED 40–130/hour
  
• Mid-level experience (VAT filings, bank reconciliations): AED 150–250/hour
  
• Senior pros (strategic advice, tax compliance): AED 250–300+ per hour
  

Great if you’re not quite ready to hire full-time but need someone who knows their stuff.

In-House Bookkeepers

• Entry-level staff might earn AED 3,600–6,000/month
  
• Experienced bookkeepers often fall between AED 7,000–12,000/month
  

Hiring full-time makes sense if your business runs high-volume transactions or you want someone dedicated daily.

But most startups and SMEs in the UAE? They lean toward outsourcing. Flexible, affordable, and zero HR headaches.

But How Do You Know Who to Hire?

Glad you asked. Because not all bookkeepers are created equal.

Here’s what you actually want to ask before signing on:

• Do you understand UAE tax law? Sounds obvious, but don’t assume. Ask about VAT and corporate tax. If they stammer, keep moving.
  
• What tools do you use? Xero, QuickBooks, Zoho Books—cloud software matters. If they’re still using Excel like it’s 2006, it’s a red flag.
  
• Have you worked with businesses like mine? A freelance consultant’s books look very different from a retail store’s.
  
• Can I scale up if I grow? Your bookkeeping needs will change. Make sure they can grow with you.
  

Pro tip: If someone promises the moon for AED 500/month, be skeptical. You don’t need luxury, but you do need reliability.

Alright, But What Should I Actually Budget?

Here’s a no-nonsense cheat sheet:

Hourly? Expect AED 100–300 depending on complexity. But most people go for monthly packages. More predictable. Less micromanaging.

Why We Even Care About Bookkeeping (When Our Thing is Business Setup)

At HA Group, we’ve helped over 3,500 businesses set up shop across the UAE. That’s our bread and butter. But somewhere along the way, we noticed something:

Founders were launching companies with no plan for what came next. No system for finances. No one keeping tabs on spending or tax deadlines.

So we added bookkeeping support—not to be everything to everyone, but to make sure the businesses we helped actually stayed afloat. Because what’s the point of setting up if the whole thing collapses six months later?

Final Thoughts: Bookkeeping Isn’t Glamorous—But It’s Non-Negotiable

Here’s the truth: you can’t grow what you can’t track. And you definitely can’t sleep easy if the FTA is sending you reminders and your books are a mess.

Whether you go hourly, monthly, or build a finance team later on—start with someone who knows what they’re doing now.

If you’re not sure what that looks like, reach out. We’ll have a real conversation. No pressure, no upsell. Just advice based on helping thousands of entrepreneurs figure this stuff out.

Because the numbers matter—and so does the way you handle them.

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