Table of Contents
Key Factors That Influence ISO 27001 Certification Costs
Base Certification Costs: What to Expect
Documentation and Preparatory Work
Total Investment for ISO 27001 Certification
The Real Cost of ISO 27001 Certification for Startups in 2025
As a startup considering ISO 27001 certification, understanding the true costs involved is crucial for proper budgeting and planning. Beyond the headline audit fee, there are several components that contribute to the total investment. This guide breaks down what you can expect to pay for ISO 27001 certification in 2025.
The following figures are based on user-reported data and may vary depending on the specific use case.
Key Factors That Influence ISO 27001 Certification Costs
Before discussing specific numbers, it's important to understand the variables that impact pricing:
- Company Size: Certification bodies typically price based on employee count. A startup with 10 employees will pay significantly less than a company with 100.
- Industry Type: Organizations handling sensitive data (financial services, healthcare, etc.) often face more rigorous assessments and potentially higher fees.
- Audit Format: Remote audits are generally less expensive than on-site assessments, which require auditor travel and additional time.
- Compliance Tooling: Using automated compliance platforms like Vanta or Drata can streamline the process, potentially reducing overall costs.
- Technology Stack: Companies with complex or uncommon technology environments may require specialized auditor expertise, increasing costs.
Base Certification Costs: What to Expect
For a typical SaaS startup with fewer than 10 employees, using standard cloud services (AWS, GCP, Azure) and a compliance automation platform, certification costs start at approximately $7,000 USD for Stage 1 and Stage 2 audits combined.
However, this covers only the external auditor's review of your security program. Several additional costs should be factored into your budget.
Additional Costs to Consider
Documentation and Preparatory Work
Three approaches with varying costs:
- DIY Approach: $0 direct cost, but significant time investment from your team
- Consultant Support: $12,000-$17,000 USD depending on complexity and starting point
- Compliance Platform: $7,000-$10,000 USD annually for tools like Vanta or Drata (hybrid solution)
While it's technically possible to prepare all documentation using freely available resources, most startups find that investing in a compliance platform delivers better ROI by reducing internal workload and ensuring completeness.
Penetration Testing
While not explicitly required by ISO 27001, penetration testing is an expected security control for B2B companies. Most enterprise customers will request recent pentest reports during vendor assessments.
- Starting costs: $3,000-$6,000 USD, varying based on application complexity and scope
Internal Audit Requirements
ISO 27001 requires internal audits of your information security management system (ISMS). Small companies typically outsource this function.
- Typical cost: $2,000-$3,000 USD per audit cycle
Security Awareness Training
Ongoing security awareness training is a key requirement. While basic training may be included with compliance platforms, standalone solutions are available.
- Annual cost: Approximately $2,000 USD for a small team
Total Investment for ISO 27001 Certification
Adding these components together, the total first-year investment for ISO 27001 certification for a small startup starts $14,000- $16,000.
How Secureleap Simplifies Your Compliance Journey
Secureleap offers tailored packages designed specifically for SMBs seeking efficient, cost-effective certification:
Our Solution Tiers:
Foundational
- Access to our comprehensive compliance platform
- Self-service tools for documentation and control implementation
- Knowledge base and templates specific to ISO 27001
Audit Ready
- All Foundational features
- Bundled audit services (ISO 27001 or SOC 2 Type 2)
- Pre-audit readiness assessment
- Streamlined audit coordination
Full Service
- Complete compliance management
- Documentation preparation and implementation support
- Includes penetration testing and internal audit services
- Dedicated compliance manager
We also offer custom packages to address your specific needs and compliance goals.
We've consolidated everything you need to make your compliance journey smooth, efficient, and predictable.
Contact us today to discuss how we can streamline your path to ISO 27001 certification.
More info at https://secureleap.tech/