Setup Zo | Navbar
Contact Now WhatsApp Us
Book a Demo
Home
About Us
Services
Blog
Contact Us
Apply Now Book a Demo Contact Now WhatsApp Us

Bank Account Opening

Bank Account Opening Dubai, UAE with Setupzo – Fast & Hassle-Free

Opening a bank account in Dubai, UAE, is essential for anyone living, working, or running a business here. A UAE bank account offers financial security, credibility, and convenience for managing local and international transactions.

At Setupzo, we make bank account opening in Dubai and across the UAE smooth and hassle-free. Whether you are an expatriate, a resident, or a business owner, our team guides you through the requirements, documents, process, and charges so you can open your account quickly and confidently.

Apply to Open Bank Account in UAR

Types of Bank Accounts in Dubai, UAE

When considering opening a bank account in Dubai, you should first decide on the type of account that best fits your needs:

Personal Accounts

Savings accounts: Ideal for managing savings with interest options.
Current accounts: For day-to-day transactions, salary deposits, and bill payments.

Business or Corporate Accounts

Designed for companies registered in Dubai or the wider UAE. These accounts allow smooth international transfers, payroll processing, and trade finance.

Islamic vs. Conventional Accounts

Islamic banks operate under Shariah law, offering interest-free solutions. Conventional banks follow standard international practices.

Who Can Open a Bank Account in UAE?

Here are some options:

UAE Residents

Anyone with a valid UAE residence visa and Emirates ID can open a personal or corporate account.

Non-Residents / Foreigners

Some banks allow non-residents to open savings accounts with higher minimum balances and limited services.

Companies

Businesses with a valid trade license, office lease, and legal documents can apply for a corporate account.

Expatriates

Most expats open personal accounts for salary deposits and daily expenses once they receive their residence visa.

Bank Account Opening Requirements

Banks ask for specific documents and eligibility checks to ensure compliance with UAE banking regulations.

Documents Required

  • Valid passport (original + copy)
  • Valid UAE residence visa (for residents)
  • Emirates ID (or application receipt if pending)
  • Proof of address (Ejari, utility bill, or tenancy contract)
  • Salary certificate or employer letter (for salaried individuals)
  • Bank reference letter or proof of funds (often required for non-residents)
  • Trade license, Memorandum of Association, and shareholder details (for companies)

Eligibility Criteria

  • Minimum age: 18 years or above
  • Salary or deposit requirement (varies by bank)
  • Some banks require a minimum balance (e.g., AED 3,000–10,000 for personal accounts, higher for businesses)

Process of Bank Account Opening in Dubai, UAE

Setting up a bank account is straightforward if you follow the proper steps:

1

Choose the Bank and Account Type

Research different banks to find one that fits your needs, such as:
• A basic savings account
• A zero-balance account
The bank can be local (Emirates NBD, ADCB, Mashreq) or international (HSBC, Citibank).

2

Gather Documents

Scan and upload your required documents, such as:
• Passport
• Visa
• Emirates ID
• Proof of address
• Salary certificate
• Business license

3

Provide Personal Details

Enter your personal and financial information as requested in the application form.

4

Compliance Checks

Banks perform Know-Your-Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) verification.

5

Complete Verification

Your identity will be verified through a process that may include uploading your documents and taking a selfie.

6

Approval and Account Activation

Once approved, you will receive your IBAN, debit card, and online banking access.
Contact Setupzo today to open your bank account in Dubai and across the UAE with hassle-free and fast service.

Detailed Document Checklist

Here's a quick comparison for different applicants:

Document Residents Non-Residents Businesses
Passport ✓ ✓ ✓
Residence visa ✓ Sometimes ✓
Emirates ID ✓ — —
Proof of address ✓ ✓ ✓
Salary certificate/bank statements ✓ ✓ —
Trade license/company documents — — ✓
Source of funds/bank references Case-by-case Required Required

Charges, Fees & Minimum Balance

The cost of opening a bank account in the UAE varies depending on the bank and the type of account.

Account Fees

  • Account opening fees: Most banks do not charge, but some corporate accounts may have setup fees.
  • Minimum balance: Typically AED 3,000–10,000 for personal accounts; AED 25,000–150,000+ for corporate accounts.
  • Penalties: Falling below the minimum balance usually incurs a fee (AED 25–100/month).
  • Maintenance fees: Some accounts have monthly fees unless salary transfer or balance criteria are met.
  • Transaction charges: Fees for international transfers, cheque books, and currency exchange.

For further information, contact Setupzo for any queries.

Advantages of Opening a UAE Bank Account

  • Easy salary deposits for residents and expatriates.
  • Access to online banking and mobile apps.
  • Credibility for business transactions.
  • Multi-currency account options.
  • Eligibility for loans, credit cards, and investments.

How Setupzo Helps with Bank Account Opening

At Setupzo, we provide end-to-end assistance for both individuals and businesses:

Document Review

Document review and preparation to ensure all requirements are met.

Expert Guidance

Guidance on choosing the right bank and account type for your needs.

Bank Coordination

Coordination with bank officers for faster approval.

Compliance Advisory

Compliance and KYC advisory for non-residents and startups.

Our expertise ensures a smooth and hassle-free UAE bank account opening process, saving you time and effort.

Setupzo: Your Trusted Partner for Opening a Bank Account

Opening a bank account in Dubai, UAE, may seem complex, but it becomes simple and efficient with the proper guidance. Whether you are a resident, an expatriate, or a business owner, at Setupzo, we ensure you meet the requirements, prepare documents correctly, and avoid costly delays.

Contact Us Now Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Find answers to common questions about opening a bank account in Dubai, UAE

Yes. Non-residents can open savings accounts, though restrictions and higher balance requirements may apply.

Typically: passport, residence visa, Emirates ID, proof of address, and salary certificate (or trade license for companies).

For residents, it may take 1–3 working days. For non-residents and corporate accounts, it may take up to 1–2 weeks, depending on compliance checks.

Yes, for residents. Non-residents without an Emirates ID may need additional documents, like bank references.

Most personal accounts require AED 3,000–10,000. Corporate accounts may require AED 25,000 or more.

Yes. Companies typically require a trade license, shareholder documents, a Memorandum of Association, and, in some cases, audited financial statements.

Opening a bank account in the UAE can range from no direct cost for certain zero-balance accounts to a minimum initial deposit of several thousand dirhams (AED), such as AED 3,000 for some Al Islami Current Accounts or Mashreq Current Accounts.
Some specialized accounts may involve a joining fee, and account maintenance costs, including monthly fees or minimum balance charges, can apply if balance requirements are not met.

The customer must be at least 21 years old and reside within the UAE. The ADCB Hayyak Zero Balance Account may only be opened by the customer and not by a third party. To open an Account, you must first deposit a minimum amount as specified by the Bank (AED 1,000 as per the current orders).

Emirates NBD is the first-ranked financial institution in the UAE. It is also regarded as one of the United Arab Emirates' most dependable and secure banks.

Salaried individuals, non-salaried individuals, students, freelancers, company employees, and small business owners are eligible to open a zero-balance account in the UAE, subject to specific terms and conditions.

Yes, Mashreq offers zero-balance account options, such as the NEO Salary Account, which requires no minimum balance when your salary is transferred. Other zero-balance solutions include the Mashreq Noon VIP Savings Account and the Easy Saver account, which have no minimum balance requirement or monthly fees and are available for eligible customers.
Here are some examples of Mashreq's zero-balance or low-fee accounts:
NEO Salary Account: This account waives the minimum balance requirement, typically AED 3,000, if you transfer a minimum salary of AED 5,000 to the account.
Mashreq Noon VIP Savings Account: This savings account features no minimum balance and no monthly fee for qualifying customers, who need a minimum monthly income of AED 5,000.
Easy Saver Account: This savings account, part of the Mashreq Al Islami NEO range, has no minimum balance and zero monthly fees, making it ideal for those who want to save without worry.
Lite (Business Account): For businesses, Mashreq offers the Lite account under NeoBiz, which has a zero balance requirement but comes with a monthly fee of AED 200.

Emirates NBD's minimum balance requirement varies by account and package. Still, a common requirement for a basic savings or current account is AED 3,000, with a monthly fee charged if this average balance is not maintained.
However, some packages, like the UAE National or Plus package, have different minimums, such as AED 100,000 for the savings variant of the Beyond/UAE National package or no fee for salary transfer packages specialized accounts like their Liv. An account and a Connect business account may have zero balance requirements.

ADCB (Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank) has no minimum balance; it varies by account type. For example, the ADCB Active Saver Account has no minimum balance requirement and no monthly fees.
At the same time, the ADCB Millionaire Destiny Savings Account requires a minimum average monthly balance of AED 5,000 to enter prize draws. The ADCB Business Choice Account requires a 10,000 AED minimum average balance to avoid monthly charges.

No, opening a bank account with a salary of AED 2,000 is unlikely, as most banks require a minimum monthly salary of AED 3,000 to AED 5,000 or more to open a current or salary account.
While a few banks may offer basic current accounts with no salary requirement, they may have lower service levels, and you should inquire directly with individual banks about their specific policies and account types.

SetupZo Company Location