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Emirates NBD account opening: сomplete guide to requirements, costs, and benefits

Emirates NBD 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
Dec 11, 2025
Users most often choose Emirates NBD for everyday tasks and business. This solution has many obvious advantages. In this article, we will discuss these advantages, provide a step-by-step plan for opening a bank account and share useful information to know beforehand.

Why choose Emirates NBD for banking in the UAE?

Emirates NBD it's a government-owned bank in Dubai and one of the biggest banking groups in the Middle East. This has several benefits for account holders:

  • Established reputation: Highly trusted and stable financial institution.

  • Extensive network: Huge network of branches, ATMs, and cash deposit machines (CDMs) all over the UAE.

  • Advanced digital services: Award-winning digital banking platforms, including the ENBD X mobile app and businessONLINE for corporates.

  • Expat-friendly services: Banking packages and services tailored to the unique needs of the diverse expat community in the UAE.

  • Islamic Banking: for those seeking Shari'ah-compliant products

That is why opening a bank account is one of the first things you need to do in the UAE

Opening a bank account is the first step to organizing your life in the UAE. It allows you to:
  • Receive your salary, which is often a legal requirement for visa-holders.
  • Make it easy to pay bills and send local and international transfers.
  • Access a chequebook, which is often required for renting a place or making other large transactions.
  • Building a credit history in your country is key if you want to apply for loans and credit cards in the future.
To open an account at this bank (or any other bank in the UAE), you'll need to gather some documents. To make it easier and save time, you could hire a professional to help you collect all the paperwork. This will increase your chances of getting it right the first time.
Delegate to pros

Types of personal accounts available at Emirates NBD

Emirates NBD offers a variety of personal accounts to suit different financial needs.

  • Current account

    Best for daily transactions, managing your income, and making payments.
    • Key features: It comes with a cheque book facility and a debit card, and often allows for an overdraft facility.
    • Requirement: Typically requires a minimum salary transfer or a minimum average monthly balance.

  • Savings account

    Designed for saving and earning interest or profit on your balance.
    • Key features: Free debit card with interest-bearing or profit-sharing for Islamic accounts.
    • Note: Savings accounts usually don't come with a checkbook.

  • Salary account

    Specifically for people who will be sending their monthly paycheck to the bank.
    • Key features: Often comes with a lower minimum balance requirement than regular accounts and access to some great loan and credit card deals.

  • Zero balance account

    Designed for younger customers or anyone who prefers a fully digital experience with no minimum balance requirements.
    • Key features: It is a digital-first, user-friendly mobile app that is typically aimed at a younger demographic.
    • Note: It is offered primarily through the digital banking platform Liv. by Emirates NBD.

Who can open an Emirates NBD personal account?

  • UAE national

    Must possess a valid UAE Emirate ID or passport.

  • UAE resident (Expat)

    You must possess a valid Emirates ID and residence visa. You must usually be 21 years old or older, though minor accounts are available.

  • Non-resident

    You can open a non-resident account, which often requires a higher minimum balance and stricter documentation, like a bank reference from your home country.

Requirements for opening an Emirates NBD personal account

Documents required

Need some help with filling out forms or getting documents? We can talk about it and figure out a way to solve your issue.
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Minimum salary and minimum balance for opening an Emirates NBD personal account

Requirements depend heavily on the banking plan you choose, but here's the general idea for a standard account:

Step-by-step process for opening an Emirates NBD personal account

The bank has both physical branches and online options for opening a personal account.

How to open account online

Emirates NBD allows for instant account opening for eligible residents, often via their mobile app.
  • Download the mobile app: ENBD X available for both Android and iOS.
  • Select 'New customer': Choose the option to open a new account.
  • Scan documents: Use the app to scan your original Emirates ID and your valid passport.
  • Enter details: Fill in your personal info, contact details, and job info. That includes how much you expect to make each month.
  • Set up banking: Select your preferred account type and banking package.
  • Video verification: For some accounts, you may need to complete a brief video call for final verification, which is a common KYC (Know your customer) practice.
  • Activate: Once you've been approved, your account will be activated, and your welcome package (debit card and checkbook) will usually arrive within 3-5 business days.

📱Why use the Emirates NBD mobile app or online banking?

The ENBD X app is the cornerstone of the digital experience offered by Emirates NBD, allowing you to:
  • View all account balances and transaction history.
  • Make local and international transfers. This includes the DirectRemit service for 60-second transfers to specific countries.
  • Pay your utility, mobile, and government service bills.
  • Manage and activate debit and credit cards.

Cost of opening an Emirates NBD personal account

There is typically no account opening fee for standard personal accounts. The main cost to consider is the minimum monthly balance requirement, which helps you avoid the fall-below fee.
💡 Note: We are not financial advisors; we simply provide general information for reference purposes. All fees and minimum balance requirements can change and depend on the banking package you choose. Always check the official schedule of charges (SOC) on Emirates NBD's website.

Benefits of opening an Emirates NBD personal account

  • DirectRemit: This popular service allows you to send 60-second international money transfers to many countries at no transfer fee.

  • Exclusive deals: Receive access to a variety of offers, discounts, and rewards through dining, travel, and shopping programs such as Good Times.

  • Convenience: Cardless cash withdrawals, mePay for easy transfers to friends, and 24/7 banking via the modern mobile app.

  • Wealth management: Access to investment products, insurance plans, and special services like priority banking for high-net-worth individuals.

Emirates NBD account opening for expats and non-residents

The process is tailored to the needs of the UAE's huge expat community, but non-residents face tougher requirements:

  • For expats (residents)

    The process is straightforward and only requires a valid Emirates ID and residence visa. A salary letter is essential for opening a Current account.

  • For non-residents

    You can open a Non-Resident Savings Account (NRSA). The documentation is more rigorous and typically includes:
    • Proof of employment and income (one of these: pay stub, 6-month bank statement, or salary slip).
    • Proof of residential address in your home country (e.g., utility bill).
    • Original passport copy.
    • Higher minimum balance requirements often apply.
    • Professional license for self-employed individuals whose profession is not mentioned in their passport or residency document.

For personal use and more: Here's how to open a business account at Emirates NBD

If you need a business account, Emirates NBD can help. Opening a corporate account requires a different set of documents and is a more extensive process than opening a personal account.
  • Check eligibility
    Ensure your company has a valid Trade License or Certificate of Incorporation from a UAE issuing authority (Mainland or Free Zone).
  • Gather documents
    Prepare the core documents:
    • Valid trade license.
    • Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Article of Association.
    • Board resolution authorizing the opening of the bank account and listing the authorized signatories.
    • Passports and Emirates IDs of all partners/owners/directors and authorized signatories.
    • Power of attorney (if applicable).
  • Select package
    Choose a suitable business banking package, such as Proprietor, Prime, or Preferred. These packages have varying minimum monthly average balance requirements (e.g., AED 50,000 for a Prime or Proprietor account).
  • Apply online or in branch
    The application can be initiated online via the bank's website.
  • Due diligence
    Bank will do a full KYC procedure and due diligence check, which often includes looking at the company's business plan, customer base, and where the money comes from.
Starting a business can be challenging. There is a lot of paperwork, the little details of local laws, and everything. We started movingo to make it easier and smoother for people to start their businesses. Not only do we help you get the documents you need to open an account, we also help with all the paperwork and licenses for your company.
So why not give us a call? We can help you find the best way for you.
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How to activate your Emirates NBD credit card?

Once your new credit card arrives, activating it is quick and can be done through several channels:

  • Via mobile or online banking (recommended):

    • Log into the ENBD X App or online banking.
    • Navigate to the Cards section.
    • Select the card you want to activate.
    • Follow the on-screen prompts to enter the expiration date of your card and set your four-digit PIN.
    • Use your Smart Pass PIN or a one-time password (OTP) to confirm the action.

  • Via SMS:

    • Send an SMS with the text ACT to 4459 from your registered mobile number.
    • You will receive a call back with additional instructions for completing the activation process and setting your PIN.

  • Via Emirates NBD ATM/CDM:

    • Insert your new Emirates NBD credit card into any ATM or Cash Deposit Machine (CDM).
    • The screen will prompt you to activate the card.
    • Follow the instructions to enter an OTP (sent to your registered number) and set your new PIN.

FAQs about Emirates NBD account opening

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