How to open a bank account in Dubai

Opening a bank account in Dubai is simple, requiring only the necessary documents and meeting the specified conditions. The accounts can be for personal use or for businesses in multiple currencies such as dollars, euros, pounds sterling, among others.

The banking institutions and the entire financial system in the United Arab Emirates offer many advantages, including security and superior customer service. For this reason, many foreigners aspire to have a bank account in Dubai.

Types of bank accounts that can be opened in Dubai

The types of accounts offered by banking institutions in Dubai are:

1. Current Account

This type of account is primarily used for salary transactions and helps cover urgent monthly expenses. The current account also allows for immediate money withdrawal as needed; however, a resident must open an existing account in Dubai.

Most current accounts require a minimum monthly salary, which varies between banks. Other accounts of this type demand a minimum monthly balance, which also varies from bank to bank, and they often come with a credit card.

2. Savings Account

Most banks in Dubai offer savings accounts with different interest rates, depending on the deposited amount.

These accounts are suitable for individuals who wish to save money for emergencies or to acquire assets.Savings accounts are designed for limited transactions, and banking institutions generally do not provide debit cards to account holders. You can ensure the security of the money deposited.

Opening a Bank Account in Dubai (United Arab Emirates)

Opening a bank account in Dubai is straightforward, but non-residents must fulfil a series of requirements. Generally, banking institutions only allow non-residents to open savings accounts.

The identification process must be completed to open a bank account in Dubai, and all required documents must be gathered. Once the entire process and requirements are successfully met, the bank issues a credit card, and for the issuance of a debit card, a deposit must be made for an amount set by the bank.

The first step in opening a bank account in Dubai is selecting the bank. It can be done by visiting the banks’ websites to understand the benefits they offer and their advantages.

It’s advisable to choose a bank account that provides the best interest rates, as they assist in growing savings in the short or long term. After selecting the bank, the eligibility criteria, which vary according to the bank, must be verified.

Steps to open a bank account in Dubai

You must go through the identification process and gather all the necessary documents. The bank issues a credit card once you complete the process and meet the requirements. To issue a debit card, you must deposit a specific amount set by the bank.

The first step in opening a bank account in Dubai is to choose a bank. You can do this by visiting the banks’ websites to learn about the benefits they offer and their advantages.

Selecting a bank account that offers the best interest rates is advisable, as this helps your savings grow in the short or long term. After choosing the bank, you need to verify the eligibility criteria, which can vary depending on the bank.

Documents Required to Open a Bank Account in Dubai

Non-resident individuals need to provide the following documents for opening a bank account in Dubai:

1. Proof of Identity: You must present a valid passport, identification card, or an entry page to the United Arab Emirates.
2. Proof of Address: This can be a utility bill from a municipality or local authority indicating your address.
3. Bank Reference Letter: Issued by the bank in your country of residence where you hold an active bank account.
4. Curriculum Vitae (CV): Including updated personal and professional information.
5. Photocopy of Bank Statements Covering the last six months.

A. Required Documents for Opening a Corporate Bank Account:

If you want to open a corporate bank account, the following documents are typically required:

• Identification Documents of Shareholders: Pertaining to the company’s shareholders.
• Ownership and Corporate Structure Documents.
• Articles of Association (AOA) and Memorandum of Association (MOA).
• Certificate or License of Incorporation: According to the company’s structure.
• Documents Showing the Source of Funding: That will be invested in the company.
• Business Experience Report: Detailing the business experience of the company owners.
• Description of Foreign-Owned Company’s Activities.

Please note that these requirements may vary slightly depending on the bank and the specific circumstances of the account applicant.

B. Documents Required for Opening a Bank Account for Non-Resident Company

A corporate bank account must be established when opening a bank account for business purposes in Dubai. It can be done with a bank based in Dubai as a non-resident entrepreneur or investor.

Available options are for Onshore Companies of the United Arab Emirates or Onshore Free Zone Companies. In both cases, these are business structures with 100% foreign ownership and are eligible to open a corporate bank account.

Opening an international company account in the United Arab Emirates is more challenging due to higher minimum balance requirements. It is because the company’s account is owned by a non-resident and subject to stricter compliance with official regulations.

In contrast, opening an onshore company account in the UAE Free Zone is typically more costly but allows the applicant to obtain a personal residency visa. The account then gains resident status in the United Arab Emirates.

What is the minimum amount to open a bank account in Dubai?

Each bank sets its account opening conditions. Generally, the minimum amount is between AED 10,000 and AED 250,000, depending on the type of bank account requested.

Accounts that do not require a minimum deposit usually have higher maintenance fees, unlike accounts with a higher initial deposit, which do not have maintenance fees.

Account opening deposits must be made within 15 days after receiving the notification with the bank account number. The deposited amount is not a blocked guarantee.

When the account balance falls below the established minimum deposit, additional maintenance fees usually occur.

Is it possible to open private accounts in Dubai?

Non-residents of the United Arab Emirates who wish to open a bank account must look for a bank that offers the possibility of opening a bank account for non-residents. However, they should know this is subject to restrictions, and the required documents must be submitted.

In Dubai, many reliable banks provide the option to open a private account for non-residents. All that needs to be done is to analyze the offers made by different financial institutions operating in the country.

There is also the possibility of opening a private bank account for residents, for which a residence permit must be obtained. It is achieved by registering a company in the United Arab Emirates or purchasing real estate.

The procedure for opening a private account for residents is simpler and offers more opportunities. For instance, there is a greater choice among various banking institutions.

These accounts can send and receive money transfers to corporate accounts. In these cases, the only requirement from the bank is to know the source of the funds being transferred.