How you can Open a Business Bank Account in UAE

The United Arab Emirates is known for its strong banking system, which provides high security and maintains a strong level of privacy for its clients. The financial system is so refined that even the regional banks are very well-ranked due to their security, reliability and excellent service globally. Due to this, a large number of entrepreneurs wish to open their Business bank account in the UAE and operate it from there. It is very important to understand that the rules and regulations for each bank differ when you plan to open a bank account in the UAE.

Let's dive deeper to understand everything about Business Bank Account in the UAE.

Back to top

Banks in the UAE

The top regional options for opening a corporate bank account are:

• Emirates NBD
• Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank
• RAK BankMashreq Bank
• First Abu Dhabi Bank
• United Arab Bank
• First Gulf Bank
• Commercial Bank of Dubai

Top International banks for Corporate bank account opening in UAE

• Standard Chartered Bank
• HSBC
• Citibank

Back to top

Key points to remember when you open a bank account in the UAE

• If you have a Limited Liability Company in Mainland or Freezone, even if you own a branch office or subsidiary you are still eligible to open a business bank account in the UAE.  
• If you have a start-up or SME, your presence as a bank signatory is also needed for a day or just a few hours for submitting the application and verifying the passport in the presence of the banker.
• In terms of documentation, you are to consider the business activities, number of shareholders, the business background of the management and business plan for the new entity in the UAE
• No need to worry about privacy. In recent years, several agreements have been signed between UAE and other countries in an attempt to crackdown on tax evasion. These agreements mean that, while fiercely protecting privacy, there are some circumstances under which banks must cooperate with foreign authorities.

Back to top

How to Open a Bank account in UAE

The requirements to open a corporate bank account in the UAE vary from bank to bank, but the presence of a significant shareholder or director is typically required. To open a bank account, the first step is completing an account opening application, which is to be supported by detailed company records. That information can include proof of business, like contact and invoices, as well as information about the company’s clients and suppliers. 

The steps to open a Business bank account in the UAE 

1. Get Your Business License

When you open a company, one of the essential steps is to get a valid license. Without a license, the bank will not recognise you as a business and you won’t be able to open a corporate bank account.

2. Get the Necessary Documents

The next important step is to ensure that your legal and corporate documents are in line.

3. Check Shareholders Documents 

The next step towards opening a business bank account is to establish whether your company shareholders are required to have a residency visa. A few banks require proof of this from at least one shareholder, while others do not ask for it at all. So the issue of whether or not your stakeholders have residency visas in place may have a bearing on which banks you consider applying.

4. Choose the Bank

Once all the documents are in place, you can look for a bank that suits your requirements. As listed above, there are several national and international banks one can choose from. Do consider the eligibility criteria and income while determining the bank.

5. Application Process

Now is the time to begin with the formal account opening process. It is usually advisable to visit a branch of any bank and speak face-to-face with an advisor who can answer any queries you might have. Once they tell you what to do, you can go on with the process

Back to top

Requirements to Open a Business Bank Account in UAE

The exact documents needed will differ slightly from one bank to another. These are a few of the documents required to open a corporate bank account in UAE:

• Bank account opening form
• Resolution from the board of directors sanctioning the opening of bank account, and the signatories to the account
• A copy of the business license
• A copy of share certificates
• Copies of passports of all the business partners
• Copy of the Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association

Certain banks may need additional documents such as invoices, reference letters from the business partners, company business plan, and information regarding your planned business activity.

Back to top

Offshore Bank Account - A Simpler Alternative

If you are running a business in the UAE, you’d definitely like to take advantage of the benefits that come with a bank account here. If for some reason due to the nature of your business or the nationality constraints you aren’t able to get a corporate bank account in the UAE, you may always opt for an offshore bank account in UAE instead.

An offshore bank account is one that is present in a country different from your location of business. It provides you with the same level of accessibility and benefits, plus more!

Commitbiz is the approved introducer for ABC Banking Corporation, Mauritius. It provides the following facilities:

• Minimum account opening deposit of just 5,000 USD (or equivalent)
• Multi-currency accounts
• E-banking
• No statement or ledger fee
• Free internet banking (both viewing and transaction)

[You need not get your documents attested for a second time for the offshore bank account.]

While the business bank account UAE opening process only consists of a few steps, ensuring you complete each one accurately will be a very hideous task. It is very important that we take some professional help, which is what Commitbiz is here for. 

With over years of experience we have made ourselves extremely in this sector and will be able to help you in any situation. We are certain that partnering with us is the right decision for you, for more info feel free to contact Us.

Back to top