How to open a FAB account online?

Download the FAB Mobile app and check out the 'Instant Account Opening' feature.

What is the minimum salary to open a FAB account?

The minimum salary for many accounts is typically AED 10,000, but for a basic savings account or the iSave digital account, there may be no minimum salary requirement if you are a resident of the UAE.

Can I open a zero balance account in FAB?

Yes, the FAB iSave account is a true zero-balance digital savings account with no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements.

Can non-residents open a FAB account?

Yes, some accounts are available for non-residents.

What is the minimum balance in a FAB current account?

For a standard Personal Current Account, the minimum monthly average balance requirement is AED 3,000.

How long does it take to open a FAB account?

Via the mobile app, using an Emirates ID, an account can often be opened instantly. However, for non-residents or branch applications, the verification process usually takes 3 to 5 business days.

Can a foreigner open a UAE bank account?

Yes, foreigners are welcome to open a bank account in the UAE. Expats can get full access to all the services, but non-residents are limited to just savings and investment accounts.

How can I open a non-resident account in FAB?

Non-residents generally need to visit a FAB branch in person.

How much money is required to open a bank account in the UAE?

There is no 'opening fee', but you should have enough to meet the initial minimum balance (e.g., AED 3,000 for FAB Current or AED 10,000+).

Can I open a bank account in the UAE with a passport?

You can open a non-resident savings account with just your passport and supporting documents.

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FAB account opening: Complete guide 2026

FAB account opening: сomplete guide to requirements, costs, and benefits

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Anastasia Davidova

Co-Founder & CEO movingo

Editor

Author

Iakov Kukushkin

Copywriter, Journalist

April 06, 2026

If you're looking for a business banking solution in the UAE, FAB might be an option for you. Over the past year, the bank has seen a significant increase in its customer base, growing by approximately 20%. This growth shows the interest in the bank's services among businesses. In this article, we'll explore the advantages of opening an account with FAB and guide you through the account opening process.

Why choose FAB for banking in the UAE?
Why open an account with FAB?
Types of accounts available at FAB
Current accounts
Saving accounts
Islamic accounts
Who can open an FAB account?
Documents required for FAB account opening
FAB account opening minimum salary and balance
How to open FAB Bank account online (Step-by-step)

FAB zero balance account opening online
Cost of opening an FAB account
Benefits of opening an First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) account
FAB account opening for expats and non-residents
How to open an FAB business account?
FAB Business Account Opening for Companies
FAQs about FAB account opening FAQ

Why choose FAB for banking in the UAE?

First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) is the one of the largest bank in the UAE. In terms of global safety and reliability rankings in the MENA region, it is among the highest. The banking group operates in over 20 countries worldwide.

Why open an account with FAB?

Safety first: This is a well-established and reliable bank in the Middle East that has strong government backing.
Rewarding lifestyle: FAB Rewards is one of the most flexible loyalty programs. You can redeem points for anything from utility bills to flights.
Global reach: FAB has an extensive international network. This makes it ideal for expats who need to move money across borders.

A bank account is an essential part of any business, even for freelancers. It's best to have a separate business account to make financial transactions easier. For companies, having a business account is simply a must. We can help you open one to speed up the process and save you time.

Get assistance

Types of accounts available at FAB

Current accounts

Current Account

A versatile account with a free card and daily transaction limits.
FAB One Account
A current account that offers lifestyle perks and zero-balance flexibility, provided your salary requirements are met.
For salaried customers: minimum monthly salary is AED 10,000.
For non-salaried customers: minimum initial deposit AED 10,000
Elite Current Account
Account designed for high-net-worth individuals, providing a dedicated relationship manager and exclusive lifestyle benefits.
Multi-currency accounts with no minimum balance required.
High daily transaction limits and ATM withdrawal limits.

Saving accounts

Personal Savings Account

A standard savings account with a minimum monthly balance of AED 3,000 or its equivalent.
iSave Account (Zero Balance Account)
A high-interest digital-only savings account with a zero minimum balance.
Instant account opening through the FAB Mobile app or online banking.
No restrictions on the number of withdrawals.
Elite Savings Account

Multi-currency savings accounts with no minimum balance requirements and higher interest rates.

Islamic accounts

Islamic Current Account

Multi-currency Islamic account for daily purchases.
Islamic Savings Account

Islamic savings accounts based on the Shariah principle of Mudarabah with a minimum required balance of AED 3,000.

Who can open an FAB account?

UAE residents

Both UAE nationals and expatriates living in the country.
Non-residents

Primarily for savings or investment purposes. They are subject to stricter Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures.
SMEs and business owners

Those with a valid UAE trade license.

Documents required for FAB account opening

Documents requirements

Passport:

Original and a clear copy (including the signature page).
Emirates ID:

The holy grail of UAE life — you'll need the original for the digital scan.
Visa:

Your valid UAE residency visa.
Proof of income:

A salary certificate issued within the last 30 days or a recent pay stub.

Paperwork can be tedious, especially when setting up a new businesses. To save time and money, consider delegate it to professionals who specialize in helping businesses in the UAE with their paperwork.

Delegate to pros

FAB account opening minimum salary and balance

The minimum salary requirement for the many accounts is typically AED 10,000.

Minimum balance:

iSave account: AED 0.
Personal current account: The typical average monthly balance is around AED 3,000. This is to avoid a "low balance" fee of about AED 25.
Corporate accounts: AED 10,000+

How to open FAB Bank account online (Step-by-step)

FAB zero balance account opening online

Download the FAB Mobile App

Available on the App Store, Google Play, and AppGallery.
Scan your ID

Follow the instructions to scan your Emirates ID card (both front and back).
Facial verification

The app will ask you to take a quick selfie or perform a "liveness check".
Enter details

Fill in your employment and contact information.
Submit

Once approved (usually within 24-48 hours), your account will be active!

Cost of opening an FAB account

Opening an account is technically free, but please be aware of the maintenance rules.

Not sure about the details of opening an account or other paperwork? We're here to help - just let us know.

Talk with movingo

Benefits of opening an First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) account

Instant remittance

Fast transfers to several home countries.
Lounge access

Most FAB debit cards offer free airport lounge access across the MENA region.
High interest

The iSave account currently offers attractive promotional rates (up to 4% or higher on new deposits).

FAB account opening for expats and non-residents

Expats find it easier as long as they have a visa. Non-resident (tourist) customers can open "Savings" or "Call" accounts, but they may need to meet a higher minimum balance requirement (often AED 10,000+), and there may be more paperwork required at a physical branch.

How to open an FAB business account?

Choose a tier

Options range from Business Basic (starts at AED 50) all the way up to Advantage and Preferred.
Documents
You will need the following documents:
- trade license
- Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association (MOA/AOA)
- passport/visa copies for all partners
Application

You can start the process online, but it usually requires a meeting with a business relationship manager to complete the KYC process.

FAB Business Account opening for Companies

Once you get your shiny new card, activate it right away, it's pretty easy:

💬 Via SMS

Send
CACT <space> Last 4 digits of card <space> Your 4-digit PIN
to 2121 from your registered mobile number.

Example: CACT 1234 9988
📱 Via app

To activate your FAB mobile card, just log in to the app and go to the "cards" section. Then, find your card and tap on "activate".