Who can open an account?
The easiest way to bank in the UAE is to hold a residence visa and an Emirates ID. Once you have residency (employment, company partner, Golden Visa and so on), almost every bank will open a personal account for you.
Some banks offer limited accounts to non-residents: usually savings or fixed-deposit accounts with much higher minimum balances, restricted chequebooks and credit cards, and processing that can take weeks.
Documents you'll need
| Resident | Non-resident | |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | Passport, residence visa, Emirates ID | Passport with UAE entry stamp |
| Address | UAE tenancy contract (Ejari) or utility bill | Proof of address in your home country |
| Income | Salary certificate or company documents | Last 6 months of bank statements, source-of-funds proof |
| Time | 2–7 working days | 2–4 weeks or longer |
Digital banks: open from an app
If you have an Emirates ID, many digital banks let you open an account in minutes from a phone app using UAE Pass. Well-known examples include Wio, Liv, Mashreq NEO, ruya and Mbank. Some have no minimum balance on their standard account; others set a minimum income or a monthly fee. Terms change often, so check the bank's current conditions before applying.
Business (corporate) accounts
If you've set up a UAE-licensed company, the business account is a separate process. The bank reviews the company's activity, shareholders, source of funds and business plan, which is why the bank account is usually the longest step in setting up a company.
- Licence, memorandum of association (MoA), shareholders' passports and Emirates IDs
- Business plan, expected clients and suppliers, estimated transaction volumes
- A minimum balance at most banks
- Usually a face-to-face meeting with the owner
Most business setup companies also prepare the bank application and match you with suitable banks.
Why applications get rejected
- Source of funds isn't clearly documented
- Information is inconsistent across documents
- No UAE address or residency
- Links to high-risk jurisdictions
- Expecting a fully remote process: most banks still ask you to come in for identity verification
Frequently asked questions
Can I open a bank account in Dubai without residency?
At some banks, yes, but options are limited. Expect a minimum balance from about AED 25,000 to over AED 100,000, six months of bank statements and proof of the source of funds; the process can take weeks.
Are there zero-balance accounts in Dubai?
Yes. Some digital banks have no minimum balance on standard accounts for Emirates ID holders. At traditional banks, the minimum for residents is usually AED 3,000–10,000.
How long does a business bank account take?
From a few weeks to a few months, depending on the bank and the company's activity. Complete, consistent documents shorten the process.
Can I transfer money from abroad to my Dubai account?
Yes, by international (SWIFT) transfer. For large amounts the bank may ask about the source of funds, so keep the documents ready.