Bank account support for you to operate a business in the UAE
Need support with handling bank formalities for starting a business in the UAE?
- Business bank account opening in Dubai
- Banking compliance and KYC setup
- Corporate bank account opening in the UAE
Connect with us to start a new business account in the UAE
Banking services we offer
Types of business bank accounts in the UAE
Mainland company account
- For businesses registered under the UAE's Department of Economic Development (DED).
- Suitable for operating across the UAE.
Free zone company account
- For companies registered in one of the UAE’s many free zones.
- Often easier to open but may have limitations (e.g., doing business only within the free zone or abroad).
Offshore company account
- For companies registered in offshore jurisdictions (e.g., JAFZA Offshore, RAK ICC).
- Best for international trading or holding companies; limited/no local business.
Popular banks for business accounts in the UAE
Local banks
- First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)
- Emirates NBD
- Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB)
- Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB)
- Mashreq Bank
- RAKBANK (National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah)
- Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB)
- Sharjah Islamic Bank (SIB)
- Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD)
- Wio Bank (Digital bank launched in Abu Dhabi)
International banks
- HSBC Middle East
- Standard Chartered Bank
- Citibank
- Bank of Baroda
FAQs
Will Plan My Business support in opening a mainland company account?
Our team at Plan My Business will help you complete the process of opening a mainland company account in the UAE. Furthermore, we work closely with banks and financial institutions to simplify the documentation and application needed for banks from your business.
How many days will it take to open a business bank account in the UAE?
After the submission and verification of all required documents, opening a business bank account will take about 7 to 15 working days. However, the duration of the bank account opening can vary according to the bank’s compliance process and your business structure.
- Mainland or free zone account: 2–4 weeks typically
- Offshore account: 3–6 weeks or longer, depending on structure and documents
What documents are typically required to open a bank account in the UAE?
- Company trade license
- Certificate of incorporation (or equivalent)
- Memorandum and articles of association
- Shareholder and director passport copies
- Residence visa and Emirates ID (for local directors/shareholders)
- Business plan
- Proof of business address (tenancy contract or utility bill)
- Invoices/contracts with clients or suppliers (to prove activity)
Banks conduct enhanced due diligence, especially for new or foreign-owned businesses. UAE now follows stricter AML (Anti-Money Laundering) regulations.
What are the minimum balance requirements for bank accounts in the UAE?
Most UAE banks require a monthly average balance:
- Ranges from AED 25,000 to AED 500,000 depending on the bank and account type.
- Falling below the threshold may lead to monthly penalties.
What banking assistance services are available for new businesses or residents in the UAE?
If you’re new to the UAE, you can get professional help with opening a bank account through:
- Corporate service providers (such as PRO firms or business setup agencies)
- Your free zone authority, as many offer banking introductions
- Legal or accounting advisors
Special business consultant
With Plan My Business, you get end-to-end support for company registration, PRO services, and more. Fast, compliant, and reliable.
Business development
The primary goal of Plan My Business is to to become the region’s most trusted and forward-thinking business consultancy known for our integrity, excellence, and commitment to your success.