How to Open a Corporate Bank Account in Dubai — What They Don’t Tell You

Let’s be real. Opening a Corporate bank account in dubai should be simple — but it rarely is. On paper, it looks straightforward:

Set up your company

Gather your documents

Pick a bank

Open the account

But ask anyone who’s actually done it — especially as a foreign business owner — and they’ll tell you it’s a maze. Not impossible, but full of twists: silent rules, compliance checks, risk profiling, minimum balances, and yes, a whole lot of paperwork.

At Money Dila, we’ve helped dozens of clients go through this process — from freelancers turning legit, to international firms setting up UAE headquarters. Here’s what you really need to know if you’re planning to open a corporate bank account in Dubai.

First things first: Why do you need a corporate bank account?

You can’t operate in the UAE without one. Whether you’re billing clients, paying staff, or wiring funds to vendors overseas — the bank account is your business’s financial backbone. And no, you can't just use your personal account. Banks won’t allow business transactions through personal banking for long, and you’ll run into issues with compliance, taxation, and credibility.

Having a dedicated corporate account also signals to your partners and clients that you’re legit. That matters here.

So, who can open a corporate account?

To open a business bank account in Dubai, your company must be legally registered either on the mainland, in a free zone, or as an offshore entity.

Mainland companies (registered through DED) generally find it easier, especially if they have a physical office.

Free zone companies can also open accounts, but some banks are selective depending on the zone and business activity.

Offshore companies? It’s possible, but a lot tougher — most local banks won’t entertain them without a strong justification.

Also, at least one of the company’s shareholders or directors should have a UAE residence visa, or the company should have an actual local presence (like an office lease).

What documents do banks ask for?

Here’s where the rubber hits the road. UAE banks are very particular when it comes to KYC (Know Your Customer) compliance. They need to understand your business, your owners, your source of funds, and your transaction profile.

Here’s a rough checklist of what you’ll need:

Trade license

Shareholder passport copies

Emirates ID and residence visa (if available)

MOA (Memorandum of Association)

Company incorporation certificate

Office lease or utility bill

Detailed business plan (especially if you're a new setup)

Corporate structure chart

Existing contracts or invoices (to show activity)

Bank reference letter or statements (in some cases)

Note: If your company has multiple shareholders from different countries, or if it’s part of a multi-layered structure (e.g., holding companies), be prepared for extra scrutiny.

The not-so-obvious hurdles

Here’s what no one tells you until you’re knee-deep in the process:

Your nationality matters: Some banks are cautious with shareholders from certain countries.

Your industry matters more: If you’re in crypto, real estate, or import/export, prepare for extra documentation and delays.

No activity? No account. New companies with no contracts, revenue, or local presence will be questioned heavily.

Offshore structures = long process: If your company has foreign shareholders or complex ownership, expect more compliance hoops.

It’s not personal — it’s about risk. Banks are under pressure to stay compliant with international regulations, and they’d rather say no than take a risk.

Timeline: How long does it really take?

If all your documents are in order, and you’ve chosen a bank that fits your profile, account opening can take 7–14 working days.

But — and this is a big BUT — if the bank requests more information, needs internal approval, or flags something in your structure, it can easily stretch to 3–4 weeks, sometimes more.

So, don’t count on having an account by next Tuesday. Plan for delays.

Minimum balance requirements

This is one area where many new business owners get caught off-guard. Most UAE banks require you to maintain a monthly average balance, or they’ll slap you with hefty charges.

Here’s a ballpark:

Low-risk accounts: AED 25,000 to AED 50,000

Mid-size companies: AED 100,000

Premium accounts: AED 250,000+

If your business doesn’t expect to keep that much idle money in the bank, choose carefully. Some banks offer flexible or zero-balance accounts — but with limited features.

Can you open an account remotely?

Technically, yes — especially if you work with a consultant who handles the coordination. But in most cases, at least one director or shareholder will need to be physically present for an in-person verification at the bank. That’s just how it works here.

Final words

Opening a Corporate bank account in dubai is doable — but don’t go in blind. What works for one business may not work for another. The rules aren’t written on websites, and the process isn’t “plug and play.” It depends on you — your structure, activity, and preparedness.

That’s why at Money Dila; we take the guesswork out of it. We know what each bank looks for, which industries they prefer, and how to position your business in the best light. Whether you’re a startup or expanding from abroad, we’ll help you open your corporate account — quickly, cleanly, and with zero drama.