SaaS Development Timeline: What to Expect Week by Week (2025 Guide)
Realistic SaaS development timelines from 50+ projects. Week-by-week breakdown of what happens during MVP development. Know exactly when you'll launch.
"How long will it take to build my SaaS?"
You've probably heard: "It depends." Which is true but useless when you're trying to plan a launch, coordinate marketing, or tell investors when you'll have something to show.
After building 50+ SaaS products, I can tell you exactly what a realistic timeline looks like—and more importantly, what happens each week so you're never wondering "what's going on with my project?"
This guide gives you week-by-week visibility into the SaaS development process, from kickoff to launch.
The Honest Answer: How Long Does SaaS Development Take?
Here are realistic timelines based on complexity:
| Product Type | Timeline | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Simple MVP | 6-8 weeks | Landing page + auth + core feature + Stripe |
| Medium MVP | 10-12 weeks | Multi-user, dashboards, integrations, admin panel |
| Complex MVP | 14-18 weeks | Marketplace, real-time features, complex workflows |
Important: These assume:
- Clear requirements (you know what you want)
- Dedicated developer/team (not juggling 5 projects)
- Reasonable scope (MVP, not full product)
- Responsive founder (you answer questions same-day)
Add 2-4 weeks if any of these aren't true.
Red flag: Any developer promising a complex SaaS in "2-3 weeks" is either lying, planning to use a no-code tool (fine for some cases), or doesn't understand your requirements. Realistic timelines protect both parties.
Week-by-Week: What Actually Happens
Let me walk you through a typical 10-week MVP build. This is the most common timeline I see for B2B SaaS products with medium complexity.
Week 0: Discovery & Planning (Pre-Development)
What happens:
- Requirements workshop (2-3 hours)
- User flow mapping
- Technical architecture decisions
- Database schema design
- Wireframes or design mockups
- Final scope and timeline agreement
Your involvement: High (5-8 hours total)
Deliverables:
- Technical specification document
- Wireframes for key screens
- Confirmed feature list with priorities
- Development timeline with milestones
Why it matters: This week saves 3-4 weeks later. Every hour spent planning saves 5+ hours of development rework.
Week 1: Foundation & Setup
What happens:
- Project infrastructure setup (Git, CI/CD, staging environment)
- Database setup and initial schema
- Authentication system (signup, login, password reset)
- Basic user management
- Core API structure
Your involvement: Low (1-2 check-ins)
What you'll see: A staging URL where you can sign up and log in. Not exciting, but critical foundation.
Common issues: None if planning was done well. This week is predictable.
Week 2: Core Data Models & Admin
What happens:
- Main data models built (the "things" in your app)
- Admin panel basics (so you can manage users/data)
- CRUD operations for primary entities
- Basic navigation structure
Your involvement: Low-medium (review progress, answer questions)
What you'll see: You can log in, see a dashboard shell, and basic data appears. Still rough but taking shape.
Week 3-4: Primary Feature Development
What happens:
- Your main feature—the thing that makes your SaaS valuable
- Core user workflows
- Data relationships and business logic
- Error handling and validation
Your involvement: Medium (review features, provide feedback)
What you'll see: The core value proposition working. Users can do the main thing your app promises.
Critical checkpoint: End of Week 4, core functionality should work. If it doesn't, timeline is at risk.
Founder tip: Test everything yourself at end of Week 4. Don't wait until Week 8 to find fundamental problems.
Week 5: Secondary Features
What happens:
- Supporting features (settings, preferences, notifications)
- User profile management
- Basic search/filter functionality
- Data export (CSV, PDF if needed)
Your involvement: Medium (prioritization decisions, feedback)
What you'll see: App feels more complete. "Nice to have" features appear.
Week 6: Integrations & Payments
What happens:
- Stripe integration (subscriptions, billing portal)
- Third-party integrations (email, analytics, etc.)
- Webhook handling
- API connections to external services
Your involvement: Medium (provide API keys, test payments)
What you'll see: You can actually charge customers. Payments flow through. Integrations connect.
Common issues: Third-party API quirks, Stripe edge cases, webhook reliability. Budget extra time here.
Week 7: UI Polish & Responsiveness
What happens:
- UI refinements and consistency
- Mobile responsiveness
- Loading states and animations
- Empty states and error messages
- Accessibility basics
Your involvement: High (lots of feedback on look and feel)
What you'll see: App goes from "functional prototype" to "real product." Professional appearance.
Week 8: Testing & Bug Fixes
What happens:
- Systematic testing of all features
- Bug fixes from testing
- Edge case handling
- Performance optimization
- Security review
Your involvement: High (testing, reporting issues)
What you'll see: Bugs you reported getting fixed. Stability improving.
Critical checkpoint: End of Week 8, all core features should work reliably. Bug list should be shrinking, not growing.
Week 9: Beta Testing & Iteration
What happens:
- Beta users test the product
- Feedback collection and prioritization
- Critical bug fixes
- UX improvements based on real usage
- Documentation and help content
Your involvement: Very high (coordinate beta users, prioritize feedback)
What you'll see: Real users using your product. Feedback you didn't expect.
Reality check: Beta testing ALWAYS reveals issues you didn't anticipate. Budget time for this. Skipping beta = launching with bugs.
Week 10: Launch Preparation
What happens:
- Final bug fixes
- Production environment setup
- DNS and SSL configuration
- Monitoring and alerting setup
- Backup systems
- Launch checklist completion
Your involvement: Medium (final approval, launch coordination)
What you'll see: Production URL live. Real customers can sign up.
Launch day: Exciting but anticlimactic if you did beta testing right. Most issues already found and fixed.
What Affects Your Timeline?
Things That Speed Up Development
- Clear requirements - You know exactly what you want
- Existing designs - Figma mockups ready to implement
- Quick decisions - You answer questions within hours, not days
- Flexible scope - Willing to cut features to hit timeline
- Experienced developer - Has built similar products before
Things That Slow Down Development
- Scope creep - Adding features mid-project
- Slow feedback - Takes days to review and approve
- Unclear requirements - "I'll know it when I see it"
- Complex integrations - Connecting to legacy systems
- Multiple stakeholders - Need approval from 5 people
The Founder Delay Factor
Here's what most guides don't tell you: founders cause 30-50% of project delays.
Not through malice—through unavailability. Every day you take to answer a question or review a feature adds a day to the timeline. Simple math.
Solution: Block 5-10 hours per week during development for reviews, questions, and decisions. Treat it like investor meetings—non-negotiable.
Timeline by Product Type
Simple SaaS (6-8 weeks)
Typical features:
- User authentication
- Single core feature
- Basic dashboard
- Stripe payments
- Email notifications
Examples: Simple booking tool, single-purpose calculator, basic CRM
Week breakdown:
- Week 1: Setup + Auth
- Week 2-3: Core feature
- Week 4: Payments + notifications
- Week 5-6: Polish + testing
- Week 7-8: Beta + launch
Medium SaaS (10-12 weeks)
Typical features:
- Everything in Simple, plus:
- Multiple user roles
- Advanced dashboard with analytics
- 2-3 integrations
- Admin panel
- Search and filtering
Examples: Team collaboration tool, project management, analytics dashboard
Week breakdown: (See detailed breakdown above)
Complex SaaS (14-18 weeks)
Typical features:
- Everything in Medium, plus:
- Marketplace dynamics (multiple user types)
- Real-time features (chat, notifications)
- Complex workflows and automations
- Advanced permissions
- Multiple integrations
- Mobile app or progressive web app
Examples: Two-sided marketplace, communication platform, enterprise tool
Week breakdown:
- Weeks 1-2: Foundation + architecture
- Weeks 3-6: Core features for both user types
- Weeks 7-9: Marketplace mechanics + payments
- Weeks 10-12: Integrations + real-time features
- Weeks 13-14: Polish + testing
- Weeks 15-16: Beta testing
- Weeks 17-18: Launch preparation
Red Flags in Timeline Discussions
Watch out for these warning signs:
From Developers:
❌ "We can do it in half the time" - Either cutting corners or doesn't understand scope
❌ "Timeline depends on how it goes" - No planning, will run over
❌ "We'll figure it out as we go" - Recipe for scope creep and missed deadlines
❌ No milestones or checkpoints - How will you know if on track?
From Yourself:
❌ "I need ALL these features for launch" - Probably don't. Ship less, faster
❌ "We can add requirements as we go" - Timeline will double
❌ "I'll know what I want when I see it" - Plan to pay for 2-3x iterations
❌ "Users will wait for the perfect product" - They won't. Ship imperfect, iterate
How to Protect Your Timeline
1. Freeze Requirements After Week 2
New feature ideas? Write them down for v2. Don't add them to current scope.
2. Weekly Demo Calls
See progress every week. Catch issues early. Confirm direction.
3. Define "Done" Clearly
What does each feature need to be considered complete? Write it down before development starts.
4. Build in Buffer
Whatever estimate you get, add 20%. Things happen.
5. Prioritize Ruthlessly
If timeline slips, what gets cut? Decide this upfront. "Everything is critical" means nothing gets cut and you ship late.
Your Timeline Checklist
Before development starts, confirm:
- Written requirements document
- Prioritized feature list (must-have vs nice-to-have)
- Wireframes or mockups for key screens
- Weekly milestone schedule
- Definition of "done" for MVP
- Beta testing plan
- Launch criteria
During development:
- Weekly demo/review calls scheduled
- Feedback turnaround time agreed (under 24 hours)
- Decision-maker available and responsive
- Scope change process defined
- Buffer time for unexpected issues
The Bottom Line
SaaS development takes 6-18 weeks depending on complexity. The biggest variable isn't the developer—it's how prepared you are and how quickly you can make decisions.
A good timeline includes:
- Planning phase - Don't skip this
- Weekly checkpoints - Stay informed
- Buffer time - Things go wrong
- Beta testing - Real users find real problems
- Clear scope - Know what's in and what's out
What to expect:
- Week 1-2: Foundation (boring but necessary)
- Week 3-5: Core features (exciting progress)
- Week 6-7: Polish (looks like a real product)
- Week 8-10: Testing and launch (stressful but rewarding)
Get a Custom Timeline for Your Project
Not sure how long your specific SaaS will take? Let's discuss your requirements and map out a realistic timeline.
30 minutes. We'll cover your features, complexity level, and what a realistic timeline looks like for your project.
Related Resources
- How Much Does a SaaS Cost to Build? - Pair this with timeline for full project planning
- How to Write a SaaS Development Brief - Get your requirements ready before development
- MVP Timeline Calculator - Get an instant timeline estimate