How to open a corporate bank account in the UAE
Opening a business bank account is often the slowest step of a UAE setup. Banks must follow strict know-your-customer and anti-money-laundering rules, so they look closely at who you are and how your business will make money.
What banks look at
- Your activity — what you sell, to whom and in which countries
- Your shareholders — nationality, residency and background of every owner and signatory
- Source of funds — where the money going into the company comes from
- Expected turnover — how much will move through the account each month
- Substance — a real office, a website, contracts or invoices that show the business is genuine
Documents to prepare
- Trade licence and memorandum of association
- Passports, visas and Emirates IDs of shareholders and signatories
- A short business plan with expected turnover
- Proof of your business: client contracts, invoices, supplier quotes or a company profile
- Your CV or company profile showing relevant experience
- Bank statements or other proof of your source of funds
Why applications get delayed
- Missing or unclear source of funds
- An activity the bank sees as high-risk without supporting documents
- Shareholders living outside the UAE with no local presence
- Applying to a bank whose risk appetite doesn't match your business
How we help
We prepare a complete compliance file, match you with a bank that fits your activity and shareholding, introduce you to a relationship manager and follow up until the account is open. Timelines and minimum balances vary by bank, so we confirm them for your case. See our corporate banking service.
