How to Open a Corporate Bank Account in Dubai (2026)
To open a corporate bank account in Dubai, you need a valid trade license, incorporation documents, shareholder identification, proof of address, a board resolution, and a business profile that satisfies the bank’s KYC and AML screening. The process typically takes one to two weeks for straightforward applications, although complex ownership structures or non-resident shareholders can extend timelines to two months or longer. Preparation and transparency are the two factors that matter most.
Key Takeaways
- Most UAE banks require a trade license, MOA/AOA, shareholder passports, proof of address, a board resolution, and a business plan to open a corporate account.
- KYC and AML checks are rigorous; banks assess business activity, source of funds, expected transaction volumes, and trading geographies before approval.
- Non-residents can open corporate bank accounts in Dubai, but they should expect enhanced due diligence and potentially longer processing times.
- Timelines range from one to two weeks for standard cases to over two months for complex structures involving offshore entities or high-risk sectors.
- Choosing the right bank for your business type, whether SME, free zone, or internationally connected, significantly affects approval speed and account suitability.
Dubai remains one of the most attractive commercial hubs in the world. However, the strength of its banking sector comes with a high compliance bar. Banks here operate under strict regulatory oversight from the UAE Central Bank, and they apply thorough vetting to every corporate account application.
As a result, many founders and SMB owners find the process more involved than expected. This guide breaks it down into clear, actionable steps so you can approach the process with confidence.
Documents Required to Open a Corporate Bank Account in Dubai
Core Corporate Documents
Every bank in the UAE will ask for a baseline set of corporate documents. While requirements vary slightly between institutions, the following are standard across most banks as of 2025:
- Trade License or Commercial Registration Certificate: This is your primary proof of legal business activity. Both mainland (DED) and free zone licenses are accepted, though some banks have preferences.
- Memorandum of Association (MOA) or Articles of Association (AOA): These documents outline company ownership, structure, and governance. Banks review them carefully to identify beneficial owners.
- Shareholder Passports and Emirates IDs: For all shareholders and authorised signatories. Non-residents must include relevant visa pages.
- Proof of Address: A tenancy contract (Ejari) or utility bill is commonly accepted. Some banks also accept a letter from a registered agent in a free zone.
- Board Resolution: This confirms which individuals are authorised to operate the account and sign banking documents on behalf of the company.
- Business Plan or Company Profile: Many banks request this to understand operations, target markets, and revenue projections. In regulated sectors, it is effectively mandatory.
Additional Documentation for Complex Structures
If a shareholder is a foreign corporate entity, the bank will usually require attested and legalised documents from the relevant jurisdiction. This includes certificates of incorporation, shareholder registers, and powers of attorney.
Because attestation involves multiple steps across jurisdictions, it often adds weeks to the timeline. Founders with international holding structures should start this process early. You can learn more about document attestation services to understand what is involved.
What Banks Actually Look For
Beyond the paperwork, banks want a clear, credible story. Specifically, they assess:
- The nature of your business activity and whether it aligns with their risk appetite
- Source of funds and expected monthly transaction volumes
- Geographies you trade with (certain corridors trigger enhanced scrutiny)
- Client and supplier profiles
- Whether the business operates in a higher-risk sector such as cryptocurrency, precious metals, or cash-intensive industries
The strongest applications tell a coherent story: who owns the business, what it does, where the money comes from, and why the account is needed. Inconsistencies between documents or vague answers during KYC interviews are common reasons for delays or rejections.
Step-by-Step Process to Open Your Account
Step 1: Select the Right Bank
Not all banks serve all business types equally. Before submitting an application, compare banks based on:
- Minimum balance requirements
- Industry appetite (some banks avoid certain sectors)
- Digital banking capabilities and online onboarding
- International transfer fees and correspondent banking networks
- Onboarding speed and relationship manager accessibility
For founders still deciding on their business structure, the choice between a mainland or free zone entity can influence which banks are available. For example, DMCC and ADGM companies often have access to a wider range of banking partners. Consider reviewing your options through company formation advisory before committing.
Step 2: Prepare and Review All Documents
Compile every required document in a clean, updated, and consistent format. Pay close attention to:
- Name consistency across all documents (passport, trade license, MOA)
- Validity dates on passports, visas, and Emirates IDs
- Completeness of attestation chains for foreign documents
- Correct authorised signatory details in the board resolution
A practical tip: review every document as if you were the compliance officer. Small inconsistencies, such as a misspelled name or an expired ID, often create the biggest delays.
Step 3: Submit the Application
Depending on the bank, you can submit your application online, in person at a branch, or through a relationship manager. Some banks accept e-signatures or allow submission via a valid Power of Attorney, which is particularly useful for non-resident applicants.
After submission, the bank assigns your file to its compliance team for initial screening.
Step 4: Complete KYC Verification
This is where the process can slow down. The bank’s compliance team will:
- Conduct an interview with the authorised signatory (in person or via video call)
- Request additional supporting evidence if anything is unclear
- Potentially arrange a site visit to your business premises
- Cross-reference your information against sanctions lists and risk databases
Transparency is your best strategy here. Answer questions directly, provide supporting documents promptly, and avoid vague or inconsistent responses about your business operations.
Step 5: Account Activation
Once the compliance review is complete and the bank approves your application, you will need to make an initial deposit. After that, the bank issues your account number, IBAN, and online banking credentials. Most banks also schedule an onboarding session to walk you through their digital platform.
Timelines and What Affects Them
Standard vs. Complex Applications
For straightforward applications involving a single UAE-resident shareholder with a clear business activity, approval can come within one to two weeks. In contrast, more complex scenarios often take significantly longer.
Factors That Extend Timelines
Several factors commonly push timelines beyond the two-week mark:
- Non-resident shareholders: Banks apply enhanced due diligence, which involves additional verification steps.
- Foreign corporate shareholders: Attested documents from overseas jurisdictions add weeks.
- High-risk business activities: Sectors like money exchange, cryptocurrency, or commodities trading face stricter scrutiny.
- Incomplete documentation: Missing or inconsistent documents trigger back-and-forth requests that slow the process considerably.
- Bank compliance backlog: Some banks process a high volume of applications, and internal capacity affects turnaround.
Under the latest 2025 guidance from the UAE Central Bank, banks place even greater emphasis on proof of beneficial ownership and evidence of fund sources. Therefore, transparency and documentation quality matter more than ever.
Options for Non-Residents and SMEs
Non-Resident Corporate Accounts
Yes, non-residents can open a corporate bank account in Dubai, provided the company is properly registered in the UAE. However, non-resident applications face stricter review. Banks typically want:
- Enhanced background checks on shareholders and directors
- Detailed financial forecasts and a credible business plan
- Stronger evidence of commercial substance in the UAE
- Video KYC or, in certain cases, in-person verification at a UAE branch
Choosing a bank with a dedicated international or non-resident desk can streamline this process significantly. Furthermore, working with a corporate structuring advisor helps ensure your entity is set up in a way that banks find credible.
SME-Friendly Banks in Dubai
Not every bank is equally welcoming to smaller or newer businesses. The table below compares commonly considered options for SMEs:
| Bank | Best For | Digital Onboarding | Non-Resident Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emirates NBD | SME packages, online application support | Yes | Limited |
| Dubai Islamic Bank | Sharia-compliant banking solutions | Yes | Case-by-case |
| ADCB | Digital capabilities, business-friendly accounts | Yes | Case-by-case |
| Standard Chartered | Internationally connected businesses | Partial | Yes, for qualifying profiles |
| Mashreq | Fast onboarding, startup-friendly | Yes | Limited |
The right choice depends on your transaction volume, minimum balance tolerance, international activity, and whether you prefer a fully digital experience. Notably, some free zone authorities have partnered with specific banks, which can simplify the onboarding process for companies registered in those zones.
Why Professional Support Makes a Difference
When to Consider Advisory Help
While many founders handle the process independently, professional guidance becomes especially valuable when:
- The ownership structure involves multiple jurisdictions or corporate shareholders
- Shareholders are non-resident or hold passports from higher-risk jurisdictions
- The business operates in a regulated or compliance-sensitive sector
- Previous bank applications have been declined or delayed
What an Advisor Can Do
A qualified advisor helps with document preparation and review, bank matching based on your specific business profile, clarifying KYC responses before submission, reducing avoidable back-and-forth with compliance teams, and coordinating introductions to relationship managers. In many cases, this support shortens the process by weeks and improves approval chances. You can explore available business advisory services to see what support is available for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a non-resident open a corporate bank account in Dubai?
Yes, a non-resident can open a corporate bank account in Dubai if the company is legally registered in the UAE. However, non-resident applications typically require enhanced due diligence. Banks assess the ownership structure, source of funds, and business activity more rigorously. Choosing a bank with a dedicated non-resident desk and preparing comprehensive documentation in advance will improve your chances of approval.
What documents are required to open a corporate bank account in the UAE?
Most banks require a trade license, MOA or AOA, shareholder passports and IDs, proof of address, a board resolution, and a business plan or company profile. If foreign corporate shareholders are involved, attested and legalised documents from the relevant jurisdiction are also necessary. Additionally, banks may request financial forecasts or evidence of commercial substance depending on the complexity of the business.
How long does it take to open a business bank account in Dubai?
The process typically takes one to two weeks for straightforward applications. In more complex cases involving non-resident shareholders, offshore entities, or high-risk business activities, it can extend to two months or longer. Timelines depend on the bank, the completeness of your documents, the nature of your business activity, and the bank’s internal compliance workload.
Which banks in Dubai are best for SMEs?
Commonly considered SME-friendly banks include Emirates NBD, Dubai Islamic Bank, ADCB, Standard Chartered, and Mashreq. The best choice depends on your specific needs, including transaction volumes, minimum balance requirements, international transfer capabilities, and whether you prefer digital onboarding. Some banks also offer dedicated SME packages with reduced fees and simplified account management.
Why do UAE banks ask so many compliance questions?
UAE banks operate under strict anti-money laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations set by the UAE Central Bank. They must verify business legitimacy, identify beneficial owners, understand expected transaction patterns, and ensure accounts will not be used for unlawful activity. This rigorous compliance framework strengthens the UAE’s financial system, although it does make the onboarding process more involved for applicants.
Can I open a corporate bank account in Dubai remotely?
Some banks allow remote application submission through online portals, e-signatures, or a valid Power of Attorney. However, most banks still require at least one in-person or video KYC session with the authorised signatory. Fully remote account opening is possible in certain cases, but it depends on the bank’s policies, the applicant’s residency status, and the complexity of the corporate structure.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or regulatory advice. Rules and fees in the UAE change frequently. Before acting on anything you read here, speak to a qualified advisor — we are happy to help.
