But before starting your SOC 2 journey, one key question arises — what is the SOC 2 Certification cost?
The cost of achieving SOC 2 compliance depends on several factors, including the size of your company, the type of audit you choose, and the complexity of your IT infrastructure. In this guide, we’ll explain the SOC 2 Certification cost in AED, what influences it, and how you can achieve compliance efficiently and cost-effectively with eShield IT Services.
What Is SOC 2 Certification?
SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls 2) is a globally recognized compliance framework developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). It evaluates how well an organization manages customer data based on five key Trust Service Criteria:
- Security – Safeguarding systems and data from unauthorized access.
- Availability – Ensuring reliable and timely system access.
- Processing Integrity – Maintaining accuracy and completeness of data processing.
- Confidentiality – Protecting sensitive business information.
- Privacy – Managing personal data responsibly and lawfully.
For technology companies, SaaS providers, and managed IT firms in the UAE, SOC 2 Certification acts as a seal of trust that proves your security practices meet international standards.
Why SOC 2 Certification Matters for UAE Businesses
With increasing cybersecurity threats and growing regulatory focus on data protection, SOC 2 Certification offers multiple benefits for UAE-based organizations:
- Client Trust: Builds credibility with clients who value certified data security.
- Market Advantage: Gives your business a competitive edge when bidding for contracts.
- Regulatory Alignment: Helps meet compliance expectations under UAE data privacy frameworks.
- Reduced Risk: Identifies vulnerabilities before they turn into security breaches.
- Business Growth: Many global enterprises prefer working with SOC 2-certified vendors.
Simply put, investing in SOC 2 compliance is not just a regulatory move—it’s a long-term business strategy for growth and trust.
SOC 2 Certification Cost in AED: The Average Range
The SOC 2 Certification cost in the UAE generally ranges between AED 75,000 and AED 500,000, depending on your company’s size, system complexity, and the audit type (Type 1 or Type 2).
Here’s a detailed cost breakdown to help you estimate your investment more accurately.
1. Type of SOC 2 Audit: Type 1 vs Type 2
The type of SOC 2 audit you choose has a major impact on the cost.
- SOC 2 Type 1 Audit
Evaluates the design of your internal controls at a specific point in time.
- Average Cost: AED 36,700 – AED 110,000
- Timeline: 2–3 months
- Ideal for: Startups or businesses undergoing their first audit.
- Average Cost: AED 36,700 – AED 110,000
- SOC 2 Type 2 Audit
Examines the operational effectiveness of your controls over a period of 3–12 months.
- Average Cost: AED 110,000 – AED 367,000
- Timeline: 6–12 months
- Ideal for: Established companies seeking long-term compliance assurance.
- Average Cost: AED 110,000 – AED 367,000
Type 2 audits are more comprehensive, making them more expensive but also more credible to clients and regulators.
2. Readiness Assessment
Before starting the actual audit, most businesses perform a readiness assessment to identify compliance gaps.
- Estimated Cost: AED 18,000 – AED 55,000
- Purpose: Evaluate current security controls, identify weaknesses, and create an improvement roadmap.
- Outcome: A smoother, faster, and more cost-efficient certification process.
At eShield IT Services, our experts conduct detailed readiness assessments to ensure your organization is fully prepared for the SOC 2 audit.
3. Internal Resource Allocation
SOC 2 compliance requires significant internal involvement, from documentation and testing to remediation and policy updates.
These hidden costs include:
- Employee time and training
- Internal meetings and audits
- Security tool implementation
Estimated Internal Cost: AED 18,000 – AED 73,000
Organizations with a mature cybersecurity framework may spend less, while those starting from scratch may require more effort.
4. Technology and Tools
To maintain SOC 2 compliance, companies often invest in automation and monitoring tools such as:
- Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools
- Cloud monitoring and access control systems
- Compliance management platforms (e.g., Vanta, Drata, Tugboat Logic)
Estimated Cost: AED 11,000 – AED 55,000 annually
These tools help automate evidence collection and maintain ongoing compliance with minimal manual effort.
5. Auditor Fees
SOC 2 audits must be conducted by licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) firms.
The auditor’s fee depends on the audit scope, your company size, and control complexity.
- Estimated Cost: AED 55,000 – AED 220,000
This is typically the most significant cost component of the entire SOC 2 Certification process.
6. Maintenance and Annual Renewal
SOC 2 compliance isn’t a one-time effort. To maintain certification, organizations must renew annually.
- Annual Renewal Cost: AED 36,700 – AED 147,000
- Continuous Monitoring and Improvement: AED 11,000 – AED 37,000 per year
Regular audits ensure your controls remain effective and up to date with evolving cyber threats.
7. Gap Remediation Costs
If the readiness assessment highlights weaknesses—such as missing policies or insufficient encryption—you’ll need to fix them before the final audit.
Estimated Remediation Cost: AED 18,000 – AED 92,000
This may include improving access controls, upgrading software, or providing employee cybersecurity training.
How to Reduce SOC 2 Certification Cost in the UAE
While SOC 2 compliance can seem costly, smart planning can reduce expenses significantly. Here’s how:
- Begin with a Readiness Assessment – Identify and fix issues before the official audit.
- Use Automation Tools – Automate documentation and evidence gathering.
- Partner with Experts – Work with a reliable cybersecurity company like eShield IT Services to streamline the process.
- Start Small – Opt for a Type 1 audit first, then move to Type 2 once controls mature.
- Develop Scalable Policies – Build flexible security controls that grow with your business.
By taking a phased and strategic approach, you can keep your SOC 2 Certification cost under control while maintaining quality and compliance.
SOC 2 Certification Cost vs. Business Value
It’s important to view SOC 2 not as an expense, but as an investment that delivers measurable returns:
- Enhanced Customer Confidence: Clients are more likely to trust and retain a SOC 2-certified company.
- Competitive Advantage: Certification helps your company stand out in the crowded UAE market.
- Improved Cyber Resilience: Strengthened controls reduce data breach risks.
- Better Internal Processes: Documentation and monitoring improve operational efficiency.
Over time, the benefits far outweigh the SOC 2 Certification cost, helping your business achieve sustainable growth and client trust.
How eShield IT Services Helps You Achieve SOC 2 Certification
At eShield IT Services, we simplify your SOC 2 compliance journey with a comprehensive and affordable approach tailored to UAE businesses. Our services include:
- SOC 2 readiness assessment
- Security gap analysis
- Policy and documentation support
- Implementation of technical controls
- Liaison with certified auditors
- Ongoing compliance monitoring and renewal assistance
Our mission is to help you achieve SOC 2 compliance quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively — without unnecessary complexity or inflated costs.
Conclusion
Understanding the SOC 2 Certification cost in AED is crucial for planning your organization’s compliance journey. Although the process involves investment, the long-term rewards—enhanced reputation, increased client trust, and reduced cyber risks—make it one of the smartest business decisions you can make.
With eShield IT Services, you gain a trusted cybersecurity partner committed to helping you achieve and maintain SOC 2 Certification with confidence and efficiency.
Let’s build your organization’s future on the foundation of trust, compliance, and unshakable security.
To know more click here :- https://eshielditservices.com/