Tech Insights,
One Click Away

When businesses consider Microsoft 365 Business Basic, many assume the subscription cost is fixed worldwide. The truth is, Microsoft 365 pricing varies significantly by country, and knowing this can unlock major savings for your organization.

Microsoft 365 Business Basic Pricing: A Global Comparison

Here’s a look at current per-user monthly rates for Microsoft 365 Business Basic:

• India: ₹145 (~USD 1.70) — official Microsoft rate, exclusive of GST
• Malaysia: ~USD 3.00 (about RM 13)
• UAE: AED 22 (~USD 6) — via Etisalat, exclusive of 5% VAT

Businesses in India pay up to 70% less compared to those in the UAE — for the same plan, with the same features.

This pricing difference makes it essential for companies to explore Microsoft 365 cost-saving strategies.

Why Does Microsoft 365 Pricing Differ by Country?

Microsoft adjusts subscription rates based on:

• Local market affordability
• Currency exchange rates
• Distribution channels (direct Microsoft vs. resellers like Etisalat)
• Local tax and compliance rules

That’s why countries such as India and Malaysia enjoy some of the lowest Microsoft 365 Business Basic pricing, while GCC and European businesses often pay more.

The Smart Way to Lower Microsoft 365 Costs

Here’s the key insight: Microsoft 365 tenant pricing depends on the country of registration (the company address you use during setup).

So if your organization has offices in multiple regions (for example, UAE and India), you can strategically register under the Indian entity to take advantage of lower Indian pricing.

Example: UAE vs. India Pricing for Microsoft 365 Business Basic

• UAE company with 100 users at AED 22/user = AED 2,200/month
• Same company registered in India at ₹145/user = ~AED 650/month
• Savings: ~70% every month

Over a year, that’s thousands of dollars saved without sacrificing features, productivity, or security.

Who Benefits Most from This Strategy?

This approach is ideal for:

• Enterprises with 50+ employees looking to reduce recurring IT costs
• Companies with offices in multiple countries (UAE + India, UAE + Malaysia, etc.)
• Startups expanding internationally that can choose where to anchor their Microsoft 365 tenant

Important Considerations Before Switching

While this strategy offers massive savings, keep these points in mind:

• The tenant’s registered address must match a valid legal entity in that country
• Taxes (GST/VAT) may still apply
• Review compliance and data residency requirements based on your industry

Case Study: How a UAE–India Company Saved Over AED 22,000

One of our clients, with operations in both the UAE and India, approached us to explore ways to optimise their Microsoft 365 licensing costs. During our discussion, we identified that registering their tenant under the India entity would provide a significant pricing advantage. They proceeded with this approach, resulting in substantial savings.

• UAE cost: AED 2,640/month
• India cost: ~AED 780/month
• Annual savings: Over AED 22,000

By simply choosing the right tenant registration strategy, the client was able to reduce costs dramatically while keeping all employees across both countries seamlessly connected on the same Microsoft 365 platform.

Final Thoughts

Microsoft 365 Business Basic is a must-have for productivity, but where you register your tenant can determine how much you pay.

If your business has operations in cost-friendly regions like India or Malaysia, leveraging local pricing could save you thousands of dollars annually.

At TechnoStore360.com, we specialize in helping businesses unlock savings on Microsoft 365 and other SaaS tools through smart licensing strategies, regional insights, and reseller models.

About TechnoStore360

TechnoStore360 is a trusted B2C marketplace where businesses can purchase software and hardware from leading global brands at competitive prices. Whether it’s Microsoft 365, enterprise software, or IT hardware, we help companies of all sizes get the best value for their tech investments.

Want to see if your company can save on Microsoft 365 Business Basic pricing?

Contact TechnoStore360 to learn more.