Open a Bank Account in the UAE with Expert Support at Every Step

In the UAE, you can open several types of bank accounts depending on your needs:

1. Corporate (Business) Accounts
Designed for legal entities and entrepreneurs. Requirements may vary depending on the bank.
Popular banks:
• Emirates NBD
• Mashreq Bank
• FAB (First Abu Dhabi Bank)
• ADCB (Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank)
• RAKBANK
There are also options with non-banking financial institutions (FinTech) such as WIO, MBank, etc.

2. Personal Account
Available for residents. But there are exemptions.
Banks with simple requirements for personal accounts:
• Emirates NBD
• ADCB
• FAB
• RAKBANK

Important to Know:
• The process takes from one week to several months, depending on the bank and business.
• Banks may request additional documents or decline applications without explanation.
• Simplified solutions can be found with FinTech platforms (e.g., WIO, YAP, Zand), but they have limitations.
• Offshore companies face more challenges in opening accounts, as banks require economic substance.

To open a corporate bank account in the UAE, banks usually require:

Company Incorporation Documents:
• Certificate of Incorporation
• Company License
• Memorandum & Articles of Association
• Share Certificate

Proof of Business Activity:
• Business plan or company activity description
• Office lease agreement
• Contracts with clients or suppliers (recommended)

Documents for Beneficial Owners and Directors:
• Passport and Emirates ID of shareholders (if available)
• Residence visa for the company director
• Bank statements for the last 6–12 months
• Reference letter from another bank (sometimes required)

Financial Documents:
• Proof of source of funds of the shareholders

Note:
Requirements vary depending on the company type (Mainland, Free Zone, Offshore) and the bank.

To open a personal bank account in the UAE, banks usually require:
• Passport
• Emirates ID
• Residence visa
• Proof of address (lease agreement or utility bill)
• Proof of income (salary certificate, bank statements for the last 3–6 months)

Average time frame: 3–8 weeks
Factors affecting the timeframe:
• Type of company (Mainland, Free Zone, Offshore)
• Reputation of the company and owners (business history, finances)
• Completeness and accuracy of submitted documents
•  Internal bank checks (Due Diligence, KYC, Compliance)
• Physical office presence in the UAE (can speed up the process)

Accounts open faster for companies with:
• A Mainland license or registration in popular Free Zones (DMCC, DIFC, RAKEZ)
• Confirmed economic presence (office, staff)
• Clear banking and financial records

For offshore companies, the process may take from 2 to 6 months due to stricter regulations.

Average timeframe: 1–3 weeks (for residents)
For non-residents: 3 weeks to several months (due to strict verification)
Factors affecting the timeframe:
• Presence of Emirates ID and residence visa
• Source of income and financial transparency
• Banking history (if opening an account as a non-resident)
• Chosen bank (Emirates NBD is generally faster than some others)

• Average timeframe: 2 days to 2 weeks
• Best for: Startups, small businesses, freelancers
• Banks: WIO, YAP, Zand, Mashreq NeoBiz
• Limitations: No SWIFT access, limited international transfer capabilities

• Prepare all required documents in advance
• Choose a bank with a flexible policy for your type of business
• Use professional assistance (e.g., UPPERSETUP)
• Avoid offshore companies if you need quick access to a bank account

If you need a corporate account, keep in mind that UAE banks conduct strict KYC/AML compliance checks, which may extend the process.

Short answer: Yes, but with limitations.

Opening a corporate bank account in the UAE without visiting is possible, but not in all banks.
How it works:
• Some banks and FinTech platforms allow remote account opening through a power of attorney or online verification.
• A full set of documents must be provided, and a video interview with the bank may be required.
• FinTech banks (WIO, YAP, Mashreq NeoBiz) offer remote account opening, but with limited features.

Traditional banks (Emirates NBD, FAB, ADCB) require a personal visit for the final signing of documents.

Offshore companies (RAK ICC, JAFZA Offshore) are often rejected by banks if the owner is not physically present.

Alternative Options:
• Opening through legal or business consultants (e.g., UPPERSETUP) – possible, but a personal visit is often still required for final confirmation.
• Opening an account in international banks (e.g., Swissquote, HSBC International) – suitable for high-net-worth clients.

If you need an account without visiting the UAE, it’s best to check available banks and requirements in advance.

Short answer: Yes, but with limitations.

For non-residents: Possible in some international banks, but requires a large deposit (from $50,000–100,000 USD).
For residents: Some banks offer an online application, but usually require a personal visit for final verification.

Most banks require Emirates ID and a personal visit for activation.For non-residents, remote account opening is difficult and usually only available through VIP banking packages with high deposit requirements.

Alternative Options:
• FinTech banks (WIO, YAP, Zand) – registration is online, but with limited features compared to traditional banks.
• Opening through legal or business consultants (e.g., UPPERSETUP) – possible, but a personal visit is often still required for final confirmation.

If you need an account without visiting the UAE, it’s best to check available banks and requirements in advance.

Short answer: Yes, but with limitations.

Opening a corporate (business) bank account in the UAE without a residence visa is possible, but requirements depend on bank.  

Usually requirements are as follows:
• The company must be registered in Mainland or Free Zone
• Banks require incorporation documents, financial statements, and a business plan
• Having a physical office can speed up the process
• Some banks require the director to hold a residence visa, but there are exceptions

Which banks open corporate accounts for non-residents?• Emirates NBD (but requires an office and active operations)
• Mashreq Bank
• RAKBANK
• FinTech platforms (WIO, Mashreq NeoBiz, YAP)

Offshore companies (RAK ICC, JAFZA Offshore) face more challenges in opening an account without residency, as banks require proof of economic presence.

Alternative Options:
• FinTech banks (WIO, YAP, Zand) – allow non-residents to open digital accounts, but with limited features (no SWIFT transfers).
• Opening through intermediaries (e.g., UPPERSETUP) – possible, but not 100% guaranteed.
• Opening an account in international banks (Swissquote, HSBC International) – suitable for wealthy clients.

If you need a bank account without residency, it’s best to research bank requirements in advance or consider international banking alternatives.

Short answer: Yes, but difficult.

Requirements for personal bank account opening in the UAE without a residence visa: 
• Minimum deposit of $50,000–100,000 USD (varies by bank)
• The source of funds must be transparent (business, investments, employment abroad)
• Some international banks offer accounts for VIP clients

Which banks can open an account for non-residents?
• Emirates NBD (VIP programs)
• ADCB (with a high deposit)
• International banks (HSBC, Swissquote, Citibank – for high-net-worth investors)

Most banks require an Emirates ID and residence visa.

Alternative Options:
• FinTech banks (WIO, YAP, Zand) – allow non-residents to open digital accounts, but with limited features (no SWIFT transfers).
• Opening through intermediaries (e.g., UPPERSETUP) – possible, but not 100% guaranteed.

Short answer: Yes, your account may be frozen or closed if you do not renew your residence visa.
However, this depends on the type of account and the bank’s policy.
In case of personal account:
If the visa expires but the bank is unaware:
• The account may remain active for a while, but once the bank requests an update, they will detect the issue.
• If the client does not provide a new visa or Emirates ID, the account may be frozen or closed.

If the bank discovers the expired visa:
• You will receive a notification requesting updated documents.
• If documents are not provided within the given timeframe (usually 30–90 days), the bank may restrict access to the account.

Some banks automatically freeze accounts if the Emirates ID is not updated.
Personal accounts are closed faster than corporate accounts.
Most banks require an updated Emirates ID and visa for continued service.

If your visa is about to expire, it is best to update your documents in advance or check with your bank for possible alternatives.

Short answer: Yes, your account may be frozen or closed if you do not renew your residence visa.
However, this depends on the type of account and the bank’s policy.

In case of corporate (business) account:

If a company director or shareholder loses their residence visa, the bank may request updated information.
However, the corporate account is not immediately closed if the company remains active and renews its license.

If the company becomes inactive or is liquidated, the account may be frozen.

If your visa is about to expire, it is best to update your documents in advance or check with your bank for possible alternatives.

1. Renew your visa as soon as possible and submit updated documents to the bank.
2. Inform the bank if the renewal is delayed and check for temporary solutions.
3. If the visa will not be renewed but you need an account:
• Consider alternative banks that accept non-residents.
• Open an account with FinTech banks (YAP, Zand).
• Explore international banks that do not require UAE residency.

The bank considers the following factors when deciding to approve or deny the opening of a bank account:
• Insufficient or unverified documents (financial statements, business plan)
• Source of income or business activity does not meet bank requirements
• Unverified source of funds
• Applicant's nationality not meet bank requirements
• Lack of physical presence in the UAE (for corporate accounts)
• Political affiliation
• KYC/AML compliance issues (money laundering regulations)
• Cryptocurrency transactions
• Inclusion in sanction lists (including through family ties with sanctioned individuals)
• Involvement in criminal cases

If a bank in the UAE has refused to open your account, don’t panic—there are alternative solutions.

Here are the key steps you can take:
1. Find Out the Reason for the Rejection
Request an official explanation from the bank (sometimes the rejection is due to minor document errors).
If the issue is correctable, you can resubmit your application after making the necessary adjustments.

2. Try Another Bank
Different banks in the UAE have different requirements, and rejection from one does not mean rejection from all.
Banks to consider:
• For corporate accounts: Mashreq Bank, RAKBANK, Emirates NBD, ADCB
• For personal accounts: Emirates NBD, ADCB, international banks (HSBC, Citibank)
• For digital accounts: FinTech platforms (WIO, YAP, Mashreq NeoBiz, Zand)
• For international accounts: HSBC International, Swissquote, Citibank, Revolut Business

3. Seek Professional Assistance
Consult experts (e.g., UPPERSETUP) to properly prepare and submit your documents. They can help you find a bank with a higher chance of approval.

Rejection from one bank is not the end—try other banks or FinTech platforms.
Fix your documentation if the issue is related to KYC or missing information.
Use professional assistance to increase your chances of approval.

If your account application is denied, it is important not to waste time and start looking for alternative solutions immediately.