Open a Bank Account in Dubai For Personal and Corporate Use
Opening a bank account in Dubai is an important step for both individuals and businesses. With the right guidance, the process can be smooth and stress-free. At Primepulse, we help you prepare documents, choose the right bank, and meet all requirements so your account can be opened quickly.
Opening a Bank Account in Dubai for Foreigners
Dubai is one of the most attractive places for foreigners to open a bank account, thanks to its strong financial system and global reach. Non-residents are allowed to open accounts, but they are usually limited to savings accounts rather than current accounts. These accounts often require maintaining a minimum balance and may have restrictions on certain services.
To apply, foreigners must present a valid passport, proof of address from their home country, and sometimes a bank reference letter. International banks operating in Dubai often provide special services for expats, making it easier to manage funds across borders. Primepulse helps foreigners choose the right bank and prepare documents, ensuring the process is handled correctly from start to finish.
Who Can Open a Bank Account in Dubai?
Dubai offers bank accounts to different groups, but the requirements vary depending on your situation.
Choosing the right account depends on your residency status and intended use. Primepulse helps you understand your eligibility and guides you to the most suitable option.
Benefits of Opening a Bank Account in Dubai
Secure Banking
System
Dubai’s banks are highly regulated, giving individuals and companies confidence that their funds are safe and managed under international standards.
Access to Global
Markets
With a UAE bank account, you can send and receive international payments easily, making cross-border trade and investment much more convenient.
Multi-Currency
Accounts
Many banks in Dubai allow you to hold funds in different currencies. This helps manage forex risk and is especially useful for frequent international transactions.
Online and Mobile
Banking
Dubai banks provide modern online platforms, giving you full access to manage your accounts, pay bills, and transfer funds anytime, anywhere.
Support for Business
Growth
A corporate bank account builds credibility with suppliers, clients, and investors, helping businesses expand operations in the UAE and beyond.
Flexible Options for
Foreigners
Foreigners can also benefit from banking in Dubai, with options to open savings accounts and access services tailored to non-residents.
Bank Account Requirements in Dubai
The papers you need depend on who you are (resident, non-resident) and what you run (personal or company). Below is a clear, no-nonsense checklist for each case.
Opening a personal account as a UAE resident is usually straightforward if your ID and address records are up to date.
- Passport + Visa page: Clear copy showing your current residency status.
- Emirates ID: Front and back copy; banks may ask to see the original.
- Proof of address: Ejari/tenancy contract or recent utility bill in your name.
- Salary certificate or employment letter: States employer name, position, and monthly pay.
- Recent bank statements: Typically last 3–6 months (home country if newly arrived).
Minimum balance / initial deposit: Amount varies by bank and account t
Non-residents can usually open a savings account with limited features (no cheque book in most cases).
- Passport: With the last UAE entry stamp or a valid visit visa copy.
- Home-country proof of address: Utility bill or bank statement (dated within 3 months).
- Bank reference letter: From your existing bank confirming your relationship in good standing.
- Recent bank statements: 3–6 months to show income and source of funds.
- KYC forms (FATCA/CRS): Banks will ask standard tax residency declarations.
Minimum balance: Often higher for non-residents; an in-person visit is commonly required.
For companies, banks check both the firm and the people behind it (UBOs/signatories).
- Trade license & company registration docs: License, certificate of formation, MoA/AoA.
- Shareholder & director IDs: Passports, visas, Emirates IDs (if resident).
- Board resolution: Authorizing the account and naming signatories.
- UBO declaration: Ownership chart showing the real owners of the business.
- Office lease/Ejari: Bank wants to see a real UAE address tied to the company.
- Business profile & sample contracts/invoices: Proves genuine activity and expected flows.
- VAT certificate (if registered): Where applicable.
Company stamp: Many banks still request it for forms and mandates.
LLCs follow corporate rules, but banks look closer at partners and mandates.
- Notarized MoA + any amendments: Shows share split and management powers.
- Partners’ documents: Passports, visas/Emirates IDs, and contact details.
- Chamber of Commerce certificate: Where available, supports active status.
- Establishment/Immigration card: Confirms the entity can hire staff.
- Board/partners’ resolution: Approves opening the account and sets signing rules.
Office lease/Ejari & utility bill: Confirms the trading address in the UAE.
Standards are stricter; some banks accept offshore entities when strong ties to the UAE are shown.
- Full company file: Certificate of registration, MoA/AoA, share certificates.
- Attested documents: Many banks ask for notarized/attested sets.
- UBO/KYC pack: Passports, proof of address, CVs, source-of-wealth/source-of-funds.
- Business plan & contracts: Explains activity, counterparties, and expected volumes.
- Local nexus proof: Lease, supplier/customer links, or management presence in the UAE.
Bank reference + past statements: From UBOs or related companies to show history.
If your firm is in a free zone, expect a very similar list with free-zone specific papers.
- Free zone license & formation docs: License, certificate of formation/incorporation.
- Shareholder IDs & UBO form: As with mainland companies.
- Lease or flexi-desk agreement: From the free zone authority.
- Board resolution & specimen signatures: For signatories and online banking access.
Activity proof: Website, invoices, contracts, or letters of intent support the case.
Foreigners can also open bank accounts in Dubai, though options may be limited compared to those of residents. Most banks allow savings accounts for non-residents, but with minimum balance requirements and limited transaction features. Some international banks also provide expat-focused accounts to make the process easier.
Primepulse guides foreign investors and individuals through the rules, helping them choose the best bank and account type to meet their needs.
Steps to Open a Company Bank Account in Dubai
Choose the Right Bank
Every bank in Dubai has different services, minimum balances, and international reach. We help you select the bank that matches your company’s size, industry, and financial goals.
Submit Incorporation Papers
Banks require proof that your business is legally registered. This includes your trade license, Memorandum of Association, and incorporation documents, all reviewed for accuracy.
Provide Shareholder & Director Information
Details such as passport copies, Emirates IDs, and visa status of shareholders and directors are required to confirm ownership and management structure.
Meet Compliance & KYC Checks
Banks conduct thorough reviews of your company’s activities, contracts, and source of funds. These checks are vital for international transactions and anti-money laundering rules.
Deposit the Minimum Balance
Most corporate accounts require a minimum balance to remain active. The amount varies by bank, and we guide you on the best options to avoid penalties.
Activate Your Corporate Account
Once all steps are complete, the bank activates your account. We assist with online banking setup, cheque book requests, and linking international transfers so you can begin trading.
Available Bank Options in Dubai
Dubai offers a wide range of local and international banks, giving individuals and companies the flexibility to choose the right financial partner. Each bank has its own advantages, such as minimum balance requirements, global reach, or specialized services for businesses and expatriates. Knowing the options available helps you compare features and select the one that fits your financial goals.
Some of the most common banks in Dubai include:
With so many choices, Primepulse helps you compare account types, service fees, and requirements so you can make an informed decision without confusion.
Business Bank Accounts in Dubai Mainland vs Free Zones
The process of opening a business bank account in Dubai differs depending on whether your company is licensed under the mainland or a free zone. Each option comes with its own requirements and advantages.
| Feature | Mainland Company Account | Free Zone Company Account |
|---|---|---|
| Banking Options | Access to a wide range of local and international banks. | Limited banks accept free zone accounts, but they are still viable. |
| Documentation | Trade license, MoA, tenancy contract, shareholder IDs. | Similar documents, but some banks request extra proof of UAE presence. |
| Approval Process | Generally faster with straightforward compliance checks. | It may take longer due to stricter KYC and added scrutiny. |
| Minimum Balance | Varies by bank; usually lower than offshore accounts. | Often requires higher minimum balances. |
| Credibility with Banks | Considered stronger due to DED licensing. | Accepted, but some banks prefer mainland over free zone firms. |
| Best For | Companies targeting the local UAE market. | Firms focused on import/export or regional/global trade. |
Offshore Bank Accounts in Dubai
Opening an offshore bank account in Dubai is a strong option for businesses focused on international trade, holding companies, or wealth management. These accounts are built to handle global transactions securely while offering certain tax advantages. However, offshore banking comes with stricter compliance requirements, so preparation is key.
Key points to know:
Corporate Banking Services in Dubai
A corporate bank account in Dubai is more than just a place to store funds. It is designed to support business growth with advanced features and global access. Companies of all sizes use corporate accounts to build credibility and manage large transactions efficiently.
What corporate accounts offer:
Key points to know:
Primepulse helps match your business with the right bank that provides these facilities.
What corporate accounts offer:
Key points to know:
How Primepulse Supports Smooth Account Opening
Bank Selection
Guidance
We help you compare banks in Dubai, looking at fees, minimum balances, and services, so you can choose the one that matches your business needs.
Document
Preparation
Our team reviews and organizes all required papers, including trade licenses, shareholder IDs, and proof of address, to avoid mistakes that cause delays.
Application
Filing
We submit your application directly to the chosen bank, ensuring it follows all compliance checks and regulatory requirements.
Compliance & KYC
Support
Primepulse assists in meeting strict Know Your Customer (KYC) standards by preparing contracts, business proofs, and income documents correctly.
Faster
Approvals
With our experience, we know how to handle common banking queries quickly, helping speed up the approval process.
Post-Account
Assistance
Once your account is active, we guide you in setting up online banking, linking multi-currency services, and handling cheque book or card requests.
FAQs
Most banks require you to be present at least once to sign documents and complete verification. Some international banks may allow partial remote applications, but final approval usually needs in-person confirmation.
Yes, almost every bank in Dubai requires a minimum balance. The amount depends on the bank and the type of account. Failing to maintain it can result in monthly penalties.
If documents are complete and no extra approvals are required, the process can take between 2 and 4 weeks. Offshore and free zone accounts may take longer due to stricter checks.
Local banks are usually faster with approvals and offer strong regional support. International banks provide global access and easy linking with overseas accounts. The choice depends on your priorities.
Yes, many banks in Dubai allow you to open multi-currency accounts. These accounts are useful for companies and individuals who deal with frequent international transactions.
Primepulse prepares your documents, matches you with the right bank, and handles compliance requirements in advance. This reduces rejections and saves weeks of back-and-forth with banks.
