- Monday to Saturday, 9:00 to 18:00 GST
- Business Bay, Dubai, UAE
Corporate bank account opening in the UAE
We prepare your company's file the way UAE banks expect it, choose banks that suit your activity and handle the bank's questions until your account is open.
Response within 15 minutes during working hours
What corporate bank account opening involves
The bank decides, so the file has to be ready
After your company is licensed, it needs a UAE bank account to receive payments, pay suppliers and run payroll. Every bank checks your company and its owners before opening an account. This check is called KYC, and UAE banks take it seriously.
Banks look at what your company does, who owns it, where the money comes from and how much will move through the account. A file with missing papers or a vague description of the business gets slowed down or declined, even when the business itself is fine.
We prepare the complete file, choose banks that usually accept businesses like yours, submit the application and answer the bank's follow up questions with you.
Nobody can promise an account. The final decision belongs to the bank. What we control is how complete and clear your file is, and which banks we send it to. That's what makes the biggest difference.
Who needs this service
New companies, and companies adding or changing a bank
- You've just formed a mainland or free zone company and need its first account
- A bank has already declined your application and you're not sure why
- You're a shareholder living outside the UAE
- Your business trades internationally or needs more than one currency
- You want a second bank, or to move to a different one
Requirements for a UAE corporate bank account
The documents banks ask for, grouped
Each bank has its own list, but almost every UAE bank asks for the documents below. Having all of them ready before you apply is the single biggest thing you can do to speed up approval.
| Group | Documents |
|---|---|
| Company documents | Valid trade license, memorandum or articles of association, share certificate for free zone companies, establishment card and the tenancy contract or Ejari. |
| Owners and signatories | Passport, Emirates ID and residence visa copies for every shareholder and anyone who will sign on the account. Shareholders abroad need passport copies and proof of home address. |
| Ownership declaration | The ultimate beneficial owner declaration, showing who really owns and controls the company. |
| Source of funds | Proof of where the starting money comes from, for example personal bank statements, a salary letter or the sale of an asset. |
| Business proof | A short business plan or company profile, expected monthly turnover, main clients and suppliers, and the countries you'll trade with. A website, invoices or contracts help a lot. |
| Banking history | Recent personal or company bank statements, and a reference letter from your current bank if you have one. |
What banks look at most
- Your activity. Some activities, like general trading with large cross border payments, get more checks than consulting or services.
- Where the money comes from. A clear, documented source of funds matters more than the amount.
- Real presence. A physical office and local clients make approval easier. A flexi desk alone can mean more questions.
- A clear story. The bank should understand what you do in two minutes. We write the business description so it does.
How we open your account
Six steps, usually 2 to 6 weeks
The time depends on the bank and how many checks your activity needs. It starts from the day the complete file is submitted.
| Step | What happens | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Profile review | We look at your activity, owners and expected transactions the way a bank would. | 1 to 2 working days |
| 2. Bank choice | We suggest the banks that best suit your profile and explain why. | 1 to 2 working days |
| 3. File preparation | We collect and check every document and write the business description. | 3 to 7 working days |
| 4. Application | The complete file goes to the bank. | 1 to 2 working days |
| 5. Bank review | The bank's compliance team reviews it. We answer their questions and send any extra documents. | 1 to 3 weeks |
| 6. Account open | The account is approved and activated, with online banking set up. | 2 to 5 working days |
If you prefer an account opened mostly online, see our digital banking setup. For a personal account, see personal bank account assistance.
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers on opening a corporate bank account in the UAE.
How long does it take to open a corporate bank account in the UAE?
Usually 2 to 6 weeks from the day a complete file is submitted. Activities that need more checks, and files with missing documents, take longer.
Can you guarantee my account will be approved?
No, and you should be careful with anyone who does. The bank makes the final decision. We prepare a complete file and send it to banks that suit your profile, which gives you the best chance.
Do I need to be in the UAE to open the account?
Most banks want to meet the signatories in person at least once, usually for the account opening or to sign documents. A few digital banks allow more of the process online. We tell you what your chosen bank needs before you apply.
Why do UAE banks decline accounts?
The common reasons are an unclear source of funds, a vague business description, a higher risk activity or trading country, and missing documents. Some banks are also careful with companies that only have a flexi desk. Most of these can be fixed before applying.
A bank already declined me. Can I still get an account?
Often, yes. We look at why it was declined, fix the file and choose a bank that suits your profile better. Applying again to many banks without changing anything usually makes it harder, so talk to us before the next application.
Tell us about your company and your plans
Send us your activity, who the shareholders are and where they live. We'll tell you which banks suit your profile and exactly what to prepare.
No spam. No follow up calls unless you ask. We are open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 6pm.
