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Business bank account in the UAE at a glance
| Who can open one | Any licensed UAE company, mainland or free zone |
|---|---|
| Digital banks | Often about 1 to 2 weeks, low or zero minimum balance |
| Traditional banks | Usually 4 to 12 weeks |
| Minimum balance | From zero to about AED 100,000, depending on the bank and tier |
| Key checks | Who owns the company, where the money comes from, and what the business really does |
Documents required to open a business bank account
- Trade license and the memorandum and articles of association
- Passport, visa and Emirates ID of every shareholder and signatory
- Proof of address, personal and for the company (lease or flexi desk agreement)
- Business proof: a short business plan, contracts, invoices, a website or supplier and client names
- Source of funds: personal bank statements or proof of where the starting capital comes from
- For a company owned by another company: that company's documents, attested
Digital vs traditional banks
| Digital banks | Traditional banks | |
|---|---|---|
| Examples | Wio Business, Mashreq NeoBiz | Emirates NBD, ADCB, FAB, RAKBANK, Mashreq |
| Time to open | About 1 to 2 weeks | About 4 to 12 weeks |
| Minimum balance | Low or zero, with a monthly fee | Often AED 25,000 to 100,000 average balance |
| Best for | New companies, freelancers and small free zone companies | Trading, larger transfers, trade finance and loans |
A common route is to start with a digital bank, then add a traditional bank once you have 6 months of trading history.
How to open a business bank account: 5 steps
- Get your license and establishment card, and ideally your residence visa and Emirates ID.
- Choose the bank that fits your activity, volumes and countries you deal with.
- Prepare the file: documents, business plan and source of funds.
- Apply and attend the KYC interview, in person or by video.
- Account opened: deposit the opening balance and activate online banking.
Get help opening your business bank account
Tell us your activity and where your clients are. We will suggest the banks most likely to accept your company and prepare the file.
Get Bank Account SupportWhy UAE banks reject business accounts
- Unclear source of funds or ownership
- No proof of real business: no contracts, website or clients
- High-risk activities or countries for the bank's compliance rules
- License activity does not match the transactions you describe
- No UAE residence for any shareholder, which many banks prefer
The bank makes the final decision, and nobody can guarantee approval. A well-prepared file sent to the right bank is what raises the odds. Still choosing where to set up? Compare zones in our cheapest free zone guide. Entityz has set up businesses for more than 500 entrepreneurs from over 50 nationalities, with a 95% client retention rate.
General information, not financial or legal advice. Entityz is not a bank. Account opening, minimum balances and fees are decided by each bank and change from time to time; the figures above are market ranges gathered in September 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents do I need to open a business bank account in Dubai?
The trade license, memorandum and articles of association, passports, visas and Emirates IDs of shareholders and signatories, proof of address, a short business plan with proof of activity, and proof of the source of funds.
What is the minimum balance for a business bank account in the UAE?
It ranges from zero at some digital banks to about AED 100,000 at traditional banks, depending on the bank and the account tier.
How long does it take to open a business bank account in Dubai?
About 1 to 2 weeks at digital banks, and usually 4 to 12 weeks at traditional banks.
Can a free zone company open a bank account in the UAE?
Yes. Free zone companies open UAE business accounts the same way as mainland companies.
Can a non-resident open a business bank account in the UAE?
It is possible at some banks, but harder. Many banks prefer at least one shareholder with a UAE residence visa, so it helps to get your visa first.
Why was my UAE business bank account rejected?
The usual reasons are an unclear source of funds, no proof of real business, a high-risk activity or country, or a mismatch between the license activity and the transactions.
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