If you’re planning to publish an app on Salesforce AppExchange, one question always comes up early:

Pro Tip

How much does the Salesforce AppExchange security review cost?

The security review is mandatory, non-negotiable, and one of the most important steps in becoming a Salesforce ISV (Independent Software Vendor). Understanding the fee structure—and how to avoid unnecessary re-reviews—can save you thousands of dollars and months of delay.

This guide explains:

• The exact Salesforce AppExchange security review fee

• When and why the fee applies

• What’s included in the security review

• Common reasons apps fail

• How to reduce costs and pass faster

Pro Tip

The Salesforce AppExchange security review fee is USD $2,700 per submission.

This fee applies to:

• New AppExchange listings

• Major updates that require a re-review

It is charged by Salesforce, not by third-party vendors.

The AppExchange security review is Salesforce’s mandatory process to ensure that apps listed on AppExchange meet strict standards for:

• Data security

• Privacy protection

• Platform stability

• Salesforce API usage

• Secure coding practices

Every managed package intended for public AppExchange distribution must pass this review.

You must pay the $2,700 security review fee when:

Any first-time public AppExchange listing requires a full security review.

Examples include:

• New external integrations

• New authentication methods

• Significant architectural changes

• Expanded data access

Minor bug fixes or UI updates usually do not require re-review.

This is a very common question.

Pro Tip

The AppExchange security review fee is not recurring.

However:

• It is charged per submission

• Each major re-review costs another $2,700

So while it’s not annual, costs can add up if your app is not architected correctly from the start.

The Salesforce security review evaluates:

• Apex code quality

• Secure data handling

• SOQL injection protection

• Proper CRUD/FLS enforcement

• OAuth implementation

• External authentication flows

• Named Credentials usage

• API endpoints

• Encryption in transit

• Token handling

• Third-party service validation

• Least-privilege access

• User consent handling

• Secure storage of secrets

• Salesforce governor limits

• Bulk-safe logic

• Asynchronous processing

$2,700 may feel high, especially for startups—but there’s a reason.

Salesforce:

• Performs manual and automated testing

• Reviews real code and integration behavior

• Protects millions of Salesforce customers

• Maintains AppExchange trust and credibility

In short:

Pro Tip

The fee reflects the depth and rigor of the review—not just a formality.

Failing the security review is expensive because you pay again for resubmission.

Most common failure reasons include:

• Hardcoded credentials

• Improper CRUD/FLS checks

• Insecure external callouts

• Missing encryption

• Over-permissioned access

• Lack of proper error handling

Many ISVs fail not because their idea is bad—but because their implementation isn’t AppExchange-ready.

Typical timelines:

Total time: 4–8 weeks (sometimes longer if issues are found).

In most cases:

Pro Tip

❌ No, the Salesforce AppExchange security review fee cannot be waived.

Exceptions are rare and usually apply to:

• Salesforce-owned initiatives

• Special partner programs (case-by-case)

For most ISVs, the fee is mandatory.

This is where many teams lose money.

1. Design your app as a Salesforce-native managed package

2. Use Named Credentials for all external services

3. Avoid hardcoding secrets or endpoints

4. Follow Salesforce Security Review Guidelines strictly

5. Test with Salesforce’s Checkmarx & PMD rules

6. Plan integrations upfront (don’t add them later)

A well-designed app often passes on the first attempt.

• Custom Apex development

• Multiple consultants

• High risk of security issues

• Multiple review attempts

• Higher total cost

Appnigma helps you avoid costly mistakes before submission.

With Appnigma:

• Apps are generated using Salesforce-native patterns

• Managed packages are security-review ready by design

• External integrations follow best practices automatically

• Updates don’t require rebuilding from scratch

This significantly increases first-pass success.

This is why architecture and tooling matter more than the fee itself.

The Salesforce AppExchange security review fee is $2,700 per submission.

No, the security review fee is non-refundable, even if the app fails the review.

Only major updates that significantly change functionality or integrations require a new security review fee.

There is no fixed schedule. Re-review is required only when major changes are made.

No. Free and paid apps both require the same security review and fee.

The $2,700 Salesforce AppExchange security review fee is not just a cost—it’s a gatekeeper to trust, quality, and enterprise adoption.

If your app:

• Is well-architected

• Follows Salesforce security best practices

• Is designed for AppExchange from day one

Then the fee becomes a one-time investment, not a recurring headache.