Opening a business bank account in the UAE is useful when registering your company in the country. With its stable governance and simple trade policies, the UAE provides an excellent business climate. Furthermore, its physical location facilitates global trade by sea, air, and land. Because of these factors, many investors turn to the UAE for their entrepreneurial ventures.
However, every firm, whether thriving or a start-up, requires a stable basis for its cash flow and balance. Growing a business without long-term backing from banks might be difficult. Therefore, to avoid this, banks provide excellent business banking services and make business account opening in UAE very easy for entrepreneurs.
When opening a business bank account in the UAE, you should consider the profit rates and benefits, as well as the fees for banking services.
What are the benefits of Opening a business bank account in UAE?
A business account will be necessary to send and receive money, manage business activities, and make financial payments once your company is established and active in the UAE. You can then use a business account to make transactions, track spending, and obtain loans, among other things.
You must open a business account for the following reasons:
1. Access to Business Funds
A corporate account is essential not just to access funds, but also to manage and track transactions.
2. To Make Investments
As a business owner, you will be obliged to make specific investments from time to time. This becomes much easier with a corporate account, which includes features like standing instructions and reminders.
3. Manage Spending
A business bank account in the UAE aids in the tracking of your firm’s expenses. It also helps with the development of future investment strategies based on the current state of the firm.
4. Obtaining Business Loans
A business bank account can aid in the acquisition of business loans as well as a corporate credit card. Typically, a business bank account is opened in the company’s name, which aids in the acquisition of loans by establishing a legitimate presence.
5. Banking Services
A corporate bank account comes with a slew of features that make tracking incoming and outgoing monies in the account a breeze. It also serves as a reminder of the expenses that must be incurred to meet the business’s needs.
6. Accuracy in Record-Keeping
UAE company accounts are designed to handle practically all types of business transactions, making it simple to keep track of a huge amount of data. These advantages make it particularly dependable in terms of paying taxes, salaries, and other bills on time.
Business Banking Accounts in the UAE: Features and Benefits
Business accounts in the UAE come with a plethora of appealing features and benefits. Savings accounts, merchant accounts, merchant services accounts, and dedicated credit card accounts are common examples of these accounts.
The following are some of the advantages and features that corporate bank accounts in the UAE provide to enterprises.
Security and Protection
By keeping personal and business cash separate, the business account protects you from personal liabilities. Therefore, the services provided to business account holders ensure the security of your data and transactions.
Purchasing Power
A business account with credit services makes it simple to obtain larger loans by building a good business credit score, which in turn allows for larger initial purchases.
Minimum Account Balance
Many banks in the UAE have a low minimum account balance, and some even have zero balance business accounts, thereby making it easier for small firms to thrive.
Attractive Interest Rates
Through their business bank accounts, UAE banks offer a great deal on interest rates for new enterprises, making it a source of additional value for the company.
International Transactions
Banks in the UAE provide a platform for company owners to send remittances in foreign currencies at very low costs.
Multiple Currency Accepted
Banks in the UAE accept a variety of currencies, including USD, GBP, EUR, and others, in addition to the UAE dirham, allowing overseas clients from all over the world to create a business account.
Chequebook Facility
Every bank in the UAE provides a chequebook facility in the name of your business, allowing for convenient payment of a variety of items.
Internet Funds Access
With a user-friendly online banking site, business account holders can effortlessly access the company’s funds while on the road. As a result, you may access and manage your bank accounts from anywhere at any time, thereby saving time and effort.
Eligibility Criteria for Opening a Business Account in the UAE
To open a business account in the UAE, your organisation must meet a set of qualifying criteria established by the bank of your choice. The eligibility criteria differ from bank to bank, and your business entity must review them before submitting an application. Some broad eligibility guidelines are listed here.
Minimum Initial Deposit
Before opening a business account, your organisation must make a minimum initial deposit. Each bank has its own initial deposit, which must be checked ahead of time.
Minimum Average Balance
In order to operate and maintain a business account in the UAE, your business entity may be required to maintain a minimum average balance. The minimum amount is determined by the bank to which you are applying.
Savings or Current Account
Some banks need a person or a business to provide existing bank statements of their savings or current account before opening a business account.
Know Your Customer (KYC)
You must have a proper profile of your customers – your potential buyers and potential clients. Based on this information, your banker or Relationship Manager can make a profile and represent you before the compliance team to facilitate easy approval.
How to Open a Business Bank Account in UAE?
To open a business bank account in Dubai, you will need to submit specific documents. These documents typically validate the business’s existence, such as contracts and invoices, as well as details regarding the company’s clientele and suppliers. Although the exact requirements may vary among banks, the customary documents for opening a corporate bank account include:
To open a business bank account in the UAE, follow these steps:
1. Opening a business account online in UAE
A business bank account in the UAE can be opened online and involves filling out the online application form and submitting the necessary documents.
2. Opening a business account in the UAE offline
To open a corporate account that best meets your business needs, visit a local branch of a bank in the UAE and follow the directions given by the banking professional.
However, it is advisable to find a trusted relationship manager who will liaise with the banking professionals on your behalf. The relationship manager will be responsible for facilitating and expediting your bank account opening process.
Documents Required to Open Business Bank Account in UAE
Typically, the required documents for opening a corporate bank account vary by bank, but they generally include the following:
Mainland Bank Account
Basic Documents
- Trade license
- Memorandum of Association (MoA)
- Passport, Visa & Emirates ID of all partners (if applicable)
- Office tenancy or Ejari contract (physical office)
Supporting Documents
- 6 months bank statement (personal/company from UAE/home country)
- Utility bills as address proof (for certain nationalities)
- VAT certificate (if applicable)
- Business model/company profile/website/plan
- Applicant profile (CV) of signatory
- Name of existing or prospective clients (suppliers/buyers)
- Debit & credit invoices
Note: All basic documents are mandatory. Supporting documents are as per business profile.
Free Zone Bank Account
Basic Documents
- Trade license
- Share certificate
- Memorandum of Association (MoA)/Article of Association (AoA)
- Passport, Visa & Emirates ID of all partners (if applicable)
- Office tenancy (physical office)
Supporting Documents
- 6 months bank statement
- Utility bills as address proof
- Business model/company profile/website
- Applicant profile (CV)
- Name of existing or prospective clients (suppliers/buyers)
- Invoices/bill of shipment/shipping documents/agreements/custom clearance, etc.
Offshore Bank Account
Basic Documents
- Trade license/Certificate of Incorporation
- Share certificate
- Passport
Supporting Documents
- Parent company’s legal documents
- Office tenancy of parent company as address proof
- Last 6 months company bank statement from home country
- Certificate of Good Standing (if applicable)
- Certificate of Incumbency (if applicable)
- Visa & Emirates ID (if available)
- Applicant profile (CV)
- Business model/company profile
- Website (if available)
Foreign Entity Bank Account
- Memorandum of Association (MoA)/Article of Association (AoA) with legal attestation
- Trade license
- Share certificate
- Passport with UAE entry page of shareholders
- Emirates ID & visa pages of shareholders (in case shareholders have UAE residency)
- Name of existing or prospective clients (suppliers/buyers)
- 6 months bank statement (personal/company from home country)
- Utility bill of shareholders showing address proof
- Corporate legal documents and bank statements (in case of a shareholder having a company outside UAE)
You will need to have your company license and, in most circumstances, your UAE residency visa and Emirates ID before your business account opening in UAE. Most banks will not process your account until this time has passed. Depending on your circumstances, the application procedure might take anywhere from two weeks to two months, and most banks will need you to maintain a minimum amount.
Related Blog: Open An Offshore Company Bank Account in Dubai
Open your Corporate Bank Account with Shuraa!
Opening a business bank account in the UAE is undoubtedly one of the most crucial tasks to complete when starting a new business. This procedure has recently become more time consuming, as you can only open a business bank account once you have received your trade license and, in many circumstances, your UAE residence visa.
Shuraa Business Setup’s team of expert legal corporate advisors, efficient PROs, and tax experts, will help simplify the entire process of your UAE company registration at the most cost-effective rates. Connect with Shuraa today to book your free consultation. Call us on +97144081900, chat with us on WhatsApp on +971507775554, or email us your business setup or corporate bank account query at [email protected].
Frequently Asked Question
Q1. Is opening a bank account in Dubai while on a visit visa possible?
Non-residents are restricted to acquiring savings accounts in the UAE; they are ineligible for current versions. The individual seeking to open an account must hold either a visit visa or a transit visa and must personally visit the bank.
Q2. Can I use my personal bank account for business in the UAE?
Conducting business activities through a personal bank account in the UAE is not allowed. To operate a business or company, opening a corporate bank account and exclusively using it for business purposes is necessary.
Q3. What is the typical duration for opening a business bank account in Dubai?
Typically, it takes around 2 to 4 weeks to open a business bank account for an LLC or Free Zone company in the UAE.
