How To Get A Corporate Bank Account For UAE Business? [UPDATED]
Documents required to open company bank account in UAE – Why your business needs one in 2025 – 2026
Having one dedicated corporate bank account is not an option but a necessity in the UAE. In the UAE it is important to keep personal finance and business while complying with transparent books and local regulations.
Keeping a personal account comes with higher chances of creating complications regarding investor relation, financial audits, payroll processing and VAT compliance.
In 2025, the banking sector in UAE continued strengthening its credit growth with 10.4% gross lending YoY and also 12.7% deposit expansion, economic confidence and sustained business activity that led to 4.4% GDP growth expectedly.
UAE bank account opening overview
Get your approval faster and smoother with the right documents required to open company bank account in the UAE. You must acknowledge that documentation is the major foundation of Banking application in the UAE.
Two of the most important principles of UAE banking come with Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) standards.
Missing paper works can lead to rejections and delays in bank account preparation. Typically, mainland, freezone and multinational companies usually follow similar documentation, albeit variations depend on particular banks.
Also learn about accounting service in Dubai.
Five easy steps to get documents required to open company bank account in UAE
From license to application follow these steps for banking success.
- Licensing documents required to open company bank account in UAE
Bank account preparation initiates its processing first with a UAE trade license or a commercial registration certificate that proves legal existence of your business in the UAE. Make sure there is a mismatch of the documents and the license can trigger rejection.
- Legal documents required to open company bank account in UAE
- Trade license and certificate of Incorporation.
- Memorandum and Articles of Association (MOA/AOA)
- Share certificates
- Emirates ID, Visa and passport.
- Board resolutions to authorize signatories and accounts.
Some bank accounts also require Ejari and lease agreements.
- Visa and residency documents required to open company bank account in UAE
Most of the UAE banks require at least one UAE resident signatory with a valid Emirates ID and Visa before setting up one corporate account. Whether you own a business in the free zone or mainland you must know that having residential documents can provide major opportunities.
- Best bank selection
Banks in the UAE differentiate in terms of balance, digital services, international capabilities and minimum balance requirement. Consider your business model expecting monthly transactions that require multi-currency support and trade facilities before choosing one bank service. UAE fintech and digital SME banking are valued at USD 1.2 billion in 2025 that highlight businesses expecting flexibility and fast banking solutions.
- Bank application
Once your documents are ready, you must submit your application. Most of the banks required document review and business model understanding. In 2025, approval typically ranges from 2 weeks to 8 weeks based on profile risk and completion rate. In Dubai, Unified License System can help in cutting the approval time and within 5 days some of the accounts can easily achieve Integrated digital platform service.
Also read about business establishment in Dubai.
Necessity of documents required to open company bank account in UAE
Yes, bank accounts in the UAE responsibly impact compliance, growth and credibility. A dedicated corporate account underpins legal transactions, payroll, operations VAT filings and credit facility accessibility.
UAE banks are increasingly optimising digital services to assist multi-currency accounts, cross-border trade and embedded financial services that are critical for scaling businesses.
- Bank document services required
Evaluation factor | Checklist | Business matters |
UAE banks | More than 50 local and global banks operate in free zones and the mainland. | Competitive banking solution for corporates, startups and SMEs. |
Digital banking platforms | Online dashboards, multi-currency accounts, API integration and mobile apps. | Real time monitoring, smooth financial control and faster transactions. |
SME onboarding support | Dedicated SME desk and startup friendly compliance. | Reduces approval delay and enhances account operations. |
Account fees and min. balance | Minimum balance AED 10,000 to 150,000+ based on banking service policies. | Impact cashflow at the early business stage. |
Credit and financing options | Overdraft facilities, credit cards, business loans and trade finance. | Supports working capital requirement and future expansion. |
Relationship management | Relationship manager or Corporate Banking team. | Assure fast resolution and customized financial advice |
International trade support | Foreign currency account, trade finance tools and SWIFT transfer. | Important for firms involving import, export and global clients. |
Reputation and market confidence | Mid-sized Corporate Banking interest, expanding Global banks. | Strong business environment and banking stability in the long term. |
Ongoing compliance related to documents required to open company bank account in UAE
Only documents are not favorable until they match the compliance required.
Compliance area | What to do | Risk ignored |
Minimum balance | Maintaining AED 10,000 to 150,000+ balance. | Penalties and restrictions. |
License renewal | Renew and timely submission. | Account freeze. |
KYC Updates | Update activities, IDs and shareholders. | Transaction suspension |
Transaction match | Aligning license activity. | AML red flags. |
Get help for Documents required to open company bank account in UAE
Above all, expert guidance drastically enhances approval success rate. Get in touch with us to learn about necessary documents required to open company bank account in UAE and prepare them all for choosing the right bank and meeting up with all the compliance now.
You will surely experience an acceleration of your banking procedure with minimal risk with our involvement.
FAQs
Q1. What are the documents required for opening a bank account in the UAE both in freezone and mainland?
Board resolution, passport, Emirates ID, signatories, trade license and MOA/AOA are required.
Q2. Is it mandatory to have a UAE residence visa to get a corporate bank account in the UAE?
Most of the UAE banks require a residential signatory for validating Emirates ID and UAE visa required for corporate bank account opening.
Q3. What can be the minimum balance for opening a corporate bank account in the UAE?
Minimum balance of AED 10,000 to 150,000+ is required for opening a corporate bank account in the UAE.
Q4. How long does it take for opening a corporate bank account in the UAE after documentation?
Account opening usually takes around 10 to 25 working days with KYC and compliance checks.
Q5. Is it possible for a non-resident shareholder to open a company bank account in the UAE?
Some of the banks allow non-resident shareholders but resident signatory and in-person verification is also required.
