Enterprise mobile apps cost anywhere from £50,000 to £500,000 or more to build—and that's just the development phase. The wide range isn't because developers are making up numbers; it's because building a business app for large organisations involves complexities that consumer apps simply don't face. We're talking about security protocols that would make Fort Knox jealous, integration with decades-old systems, and compliance requirements that change faster than fashion trends.
When companies approach us about corporate development, they often expect a quick quote. But here's the thing—enterprise apps aren't like ordering a pizza. You can't just pick your toppings and know the price. Budget planning becomes a strategic exercise because every decision impacts cost, from the number of user roles to how the app handles sensitive data.
The biggest mistake companies make is underestimating the hidden costs that come after development—maintenance, updates, and scaling can easily double your initial investment within three years.
This guide breaks down the real costs involved in enterprise mobile app development. We'll explore what makes these apps different from regular consumer apps, how to plan your budget effectively, and where companies typically overspend or miss expenses entirely. By the end, you'll have a clear roadmap for understanding—and controlling—your enterprise app investment.
What Makes Enterprise Apps Different From Regular Apps
I've built both consumer apps and enterprise solutions over the years, and let me tell you—they're completely different beasts. When someone downloads Instagram or plays Candy Crush, they want something simple and fun. But enterprise apps? They need to handle serious business tasks for companies with hundreds or thousands of employees.
The biggest difference is complexity. Consumer apps usually do one thing really well—like sharing photos or ordering food. Enterprise apps need to connect with existing company systems, handle sensitive data, and work for different types of users within the same organisation. Think about it: a sales manager needs different features than someone in accounting.
Key Differences That Impact Development
- Security requirements are much stricter—enterprise apps handle confidential business data
- Integration with existing company software like CRM systems or databases
- User management systems to control who can access what information
- Compliance with industry regulations (healthcare, finance, etc.)
- Scalability to handle thousands of users simultaneously
- Offline functionality for field workers without internet access
Consumer apps can launch with basic features and add more later. Enterprise apps need to be rock-solid from day one because businesses depend on them to operate. This means more planning, more testing, and yes—more money upfront.
Planning Your Enterprise App Budget
Right, let's talk money—the bit that makes most people uncomfortable but we absolutely need to get right. I've watched too many brilliant business app projects crash and burn because someone didn't plan the budget properly from the start. Corporate development isn't like building a simple consumer app; there are layers of complexity that can catch you off guard if you're not prepared.
Budget planning for enterprise apps starts with understanding your true requirements. Not what you think you need, but what your business actually needs to function properly. I always tell my clients to think beyond the initial build cost because that's just the beginning of your investment.
Breaking Down Your Enterprise App Costs
Your budget needs to cover several key areas that many people forget about:
- Development team costs (designers, developers, project managers)
- Security and compliance requirements
- Integration with existing business systems
- Testing and quality assurance
- Ongoing maintenance and updates
- Training and support for your team
Start with 20% more than your initial estimate—enterprise projects almost always uncover unexpected requirements during development that weren't obvious at the planning stage.
The biggest mistake I see is treating budget planning like a one-time decision. Your enterprise app will evolve as your business grows, and your budget should account for that reality from day one.
Development Team Costs and Structure
When I started building enterprise apps, I quickly learnt that the team structure makes or breaks your budget. You can't just throw a couple of developers at an enterprise project and hope for the best—it requires a specific blend of skills and experience levels that come with different price tags.
A typical enterprise app development team includes several key roles, each with their own cost implications. You'll need senior developers who understand complex business logic, backend specialists for data integration, security experts for compliance requirements, and project managers who can handle stakeholder communication. The costs vary dramatically based on location and experience levels.
Team Structure Breakdown
- Senior Mobile Developer: £80,000-£120,000 annually
- Backend Developer: £70,000-£100,000 annually
- Security Specialist: £90,000-£130,000 annually
- DevOps Engineer: £75,000-£110,000 annually
- Project Manager: £60,000-£90,000 annually
- Quality Assurance Lead: £50,000-£80,000 annually
Many companies choose to work with agencies rather than building internal teams because it's often more cost-effective for one-off projects. Agencies already have established teams with proven enterprise experience, which means you avoid the lengthy recruitment process and can start development faster. The trade-off is less direct control over the team, but for most enterprise projects, this approach delivers better value.
Technical Requirements That Affect Price
The technical backbone of your business app can make or break your budget planning. I've seen corporate development projects balloon from £50,000 to £200,000 simply because the technical requirements weren't properly understood from the start. It's not just about what your app does—it's about how it does it and where it needs to work.
Backend infrastructure is where most enterprises get surprised by costs. Your app might need to handle thousands of users simultaneously, integrate with existing company systems, or process massive amounts of data. Each of these requirements adds complexity and cost to your project.
Platform and Integration Complexity
Building for multiple platforms doubles your development time and costs. Android and iOS require different approaches, different testing, and different maintenance. Then there's the integration challenge—connecting your app to existing enterprise systems like CRM platforms, databases, or internal tools.
The biggest cost shock comes when clients realise their simple app idea needs to work seamlessly with five different legacy systems that were never designed to talk to each other
Performance and Scalability Demands
Enterprise apps can't afford to crash or slow down when your entire workforce depends on them. This means investing in robust architecture, load balancing, and performance optimisation from day one. These aren't nice-to-have features—they're business necessities that directly impact your development budget.
Security and Compliance Expenses
Security isn't just another box to tick when building enterprise apps—it's the foundation that everything else sits on. I've watched too many projects go over budget because security was treated as an afterthought rather than a core requirement from day one.
The costs here can be quite substantial, but they're absolutely non-negotiable. You're looking at implementing enterprise-grade encryption, secure authentication systems, and data protection measures that meet industry standards. These aren't simple tick-box exercises; they require specialised developers who understand the intricacies of enterprise security protocols.
Key Security Investment Areas
- Multi-factor authentication implementation and testing
- End-to-end encryption for all data transmission
- Role-based access controls and permission systems
- Security auditing and penetration testing
- Compliance certification processes (GDPR, HIPAA, SOC 2)
- Regular security updates and vulnerability assessments
Compliance adds another layer of complexity—and cost. If you're in healthcare, finance, or government sectors, you'll need to budget for extensive compliance testing and documentation. This often means bringing in specialist consultants who can navigate the regulatory requirements and ensure your app meets all necessary standards.
Don't underestimate the ongoing costs either. Security isn't a one-time investment; it requires continuous monitoring, updates, and maintenance throughout your app's lifecycle.
Testing and Quality Assurance Investment
I'll be straight with you—testing is where many companies try to cut corners when building their business app, and it's always a mistake. You're not building a simple consumer app that can afford to have a few bugs here and there. Enterprise applications need to work flawlessly because they're supporting real business operations, handling sensitive data, and being used by employees who need to get their jobs done.
The testing phase for corporate development typically accounts for 20-30% of your total project budget. That might sound like a lot, but when you consider what's at stake—your company's reputation, data security, and operational efficiency—it's money well spent.
Types of Testing Your Enterprise App Needs
- Functional testing to ensure all features work as expected
- Security testing to protect against data breaches and cyber attacks
- Performance testing under heavy user loads
- Compatibility testing across different devices and operating systems
- User acceptance testing with actual employees
- Integration testing with existing business systems
Quality assurance isn't just about finding bugs—it's about ensuring your app meets the high standards that enterprise users expect. The investment you make in testing now will save you thousands in maintenance costs and potential security incidents later.
Budget for at least 2-3 rounds of testing cycles in your project timeline. Enterprise apps rarely pass all tests on the first attempt, and rushing this phase will cost you more in the long run.
Conclusion
Building an enterprise mobile app isn't a small investment—we're talking anywhere from £50,000 to £500,000 or more depending on your needs. But here's what I've learned after years of working with enterprise clients: the cost isn't just about the upfront development. It's about understanding that enterprise apps are fundamentally different beasts that require proper planning, robust security, and ongoing maintenance.
The biggest mistake I see companies make is treating enterprise app development like consumer app development. They expect similar timelines and budgets, then wonder why everything costs more and takes longer. Enterprise apps need enterprise-grade security, compliance features, integration capabilities, and testing protocols that consumer apps simply don't require.
Your development team structure will likely be your biggest expense—whether you go with an internal team, external agency, or hybrid approach. Don't forget about the ongoing costs either; security updates, compliance audits, and feature additions aren't one-time expenses.
My advice? Start with a clear understanding of your requirements, budget for at least 20% more than your initial estimate, and choose partners who understand enterprise development. The upfront investment might seem steep, but a well-built enterprise app will serve your business for years to come.
