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Corporate bank account opening assistance in Dubai, UAE
Corporate bank account opening assistance in Dubai, done right: we match your company with a bank that fits, prepare a KYC file that passes compliance and stay with you until your IBAN is active.
- From AED 5,000
- From two weeks to three months
- Mainland, Free Zone, freelancers
International team based in Dubai, transparent pricing 
Appreciated by UAE Ministry of Economy Real partners and trust 
Partner of Dubai International Chamber 4.9 / 5 
Loved by 1,000+ clients
Loved by 1,000+ clients Why UAE banks decline business account applications
Each UAE bank runs its own Know Your Customer (KYC) process and decides whether your company is a risk it is willing to take. The new AML law made banks even more careful about business bank account opening in Dubai.
The most common reasons for a refusal
Documents that do not match
Names, addresses or activities differ across the passport, trade licence, Memorandum of Association (MOA), Emirates ID and visa.
An unclear business model
No business plan, no contracts, no picture of who pays you and why.
Weak proof of money
The bank cannot trace the company's source of funds or the owners' source of wealth.
Complex ownership
Several holding layers and no transparent Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO), as defined by the UBO resolution of 2023.
No substance in the UAE
No office, no staff, no UAE visa for the signatory.
High-risk activities and nationalities
Some fall outside a bank's risk appetite, and no paperwork changes that.
We fix issues before submission and put together a complete document package to address questions that may come up during the bank’s review. We also tell you upfront if a bank is unlikely to accept your profile.
97 %approval rate from banks
In our experience, founders rank opening a bank account as their top challenge. Banks claim the process takes 1–7 days, but it can actually take up to three months. Without carefully preparing the necessary documents for the bank where you wish to open an account, there is a high risk that the process may be delayed. We work hard to keep our clients from facing delays, and as a result, we have a 97 % approval rate from banks.
What's included in our corporate bank account opening assistance
Our corporate bank account opening assistance in Dubai covers the whole process, from choosing a bank to your first transaction:
- Eligibility check and bank matchingBanks that fit your jurisdiction, activity, shareholder nationalities and turnover.
- KYC file preparationEvery document checked, plus the UBO declaration.
- Company profile and business planWhat you do and how money flows, written for the bank.
- Source of funds and source of wealthClear evidence for the company's and the owners' money.
- Document attestation and translationHandled by our PRO services team.
- Application submission and relationship manager introduction
- Bank interview preparationThe KYC interview questions, rehearsed in advance.
- Follow-up until IBAN activationOnline banking, cheque book and cards.
- Multi-currency accountsAED, USD and EUR, where the bank offers them.
- Re-application after rejectionA stronger file for a better-suited bank.
Who we help: Mainland, Free Zone, freelancers and non-resident founders
We help Mainland and Free Zone companies, freelancers and non-resident founders find and apply for a suitable UAE bank account. The right option depends on your business structure and the bank's eligibility criteria.
| Business type | Choice of banks | What the bank looks at | What we prepare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mainland company | Widest: most local and international banks | Office lease (Ejari), staff, local clients | Business plan, contracts, lease and visa documents |
| Free Zone company | Wide, depends on the bank and the Free Zone | Real activity and substance in the UAE, source of funds | Company profile, proof of activity, source of funds file |
| Non-resident founder | Fewer banks accept non-resident signatories; a deposit is required, with the amount depending on the bank | Residency, business activity, ownership and source of funds | Company and identification documents, proof of address, business profile and source of funds evidence |
| Freelancer | Most banks accept freelancers; eligibility varies by licence and bank | Freelance licence, residency status, activity and source of income | Business plan, proof of address and evidence of activity, such as client contracts or invoices |
Freelancers may be eligible for a dedicated business or freelance account, depending on the bank and their permit. Not all personal accounts permit business transactions. We also assist non-resident founders with opening a business account. The required deposit varies by bank, and a UAE residence visa for the signatory may widen the choice of banks.
Send us your trade licence and shareholder details, and we will tell you which banks are realistic for your company.
Check my bank optionsWhich type of corporate account does your business need?
Most companies start with a current account and add others as they grow.
Multi-currency account
AED, USD, EUR and more, for importers, exporters and companies with clients abroad.
Fixed deposit account
Earns interest on cash you will not need for a set period.
Islamic business account
Sharia-compliant, with profit-sharing instead of interest.
Escrow account
Releases money only when agreed conditions are met; common in real estate and large contracts.
Virtual corporate account
Virtual IBANs under one main account that sort incoming payments; useful for e-commerce and platforms.
UAE banks we work with
| Bank | Best for | Minimum balance | Typical onboarding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emirates NBDTraditional | Established Mainland SMEs and trading companies | AED 50,000 on standard business packages | 2–4 weeks |
| First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)Traditional | International payments and trade finance | ТAED 10,000 (Basic) to AED 250,000 (Business Advantage) | 2–4 weeks |
| ADCBTraditional | Service companies and growing SMEs | AED 10,000–100,000, depending on the tier | 2–4 weeks |
| ADIBTraditional, Islamic | Sharia-compliant banking | From AED 5,000 (Business One) | 2–4 weeks |
| RAKBANKTraditional | Small businesses and new companies | AED 0 on RAKstarter | 1–3 weeks |
| Mashreq NEO BIZDigital | Startups and Free Zone companies that bank online | AED 0, plan fee AED 99–199 per month | From 1 business day |
| Wio BusinessDigital | Freelancers, startups and digital businesses | AED 0, plan fee AED 99–249 per month | From 3 working days |
Traditional vs digital banks
Traditional banks
- Branches, trade finance and higher limits
- Higher balances and a longer review
Digital banks
- Open faster and often offer a zero balance business bank account
- A monthly plan fee; cash deposits and large transfers may be limited
Traditional banks offer branches, trade finance and higher limits, but ask for higher balances and review longer. Digital banks open faster and often offer a zero balance business bank account in the UAE, but charge a monthly plan fee and may limit cash deposits and large transfers. The best business bank account in the UAE is the one that fits your turnover and payment routes, and we compare them for you.
Not sure which bank fits your turnover and payment routes? We compare the options and shortlist one or two banks for you.
Find the right bank for meWhat you cannot do without a corporate account
Without a business bank account in Dubai, a licensed company cannot fully operate. You cannot:
✕
Pay salaries
Mainland employers pay staff through the Wage Protection System (WPS), via a bank or an approved exchange house.
✕
Get paid properly
Clients expect to pay into a company account, and payment gateways need a corporate bank account in the UAE to settle card payments.
✕
Pay rent and suppliers
In the company's name.
✕
Use trade finance
Letters of credit, bank guarantees and overdrafts are for corporate clients only.
✕
Join government tenders
Vendor registration requires company bank details.
✕
Keep clean books
One account for company money simplifies VAT, Corporate Tax and audit.
Documents required to open a UAE corporate bank account
The exact list of documents required to open a company bank account in the UAE depends on the bank, but most ask for these.
Company documents
6- Trade licence
- MOA and Articles of Association (AOA); see our MOA guide
- Certificate of incorporation
- Share certificate
- Office lease or Ejari
- Board resolution authorising the account and signatories
Shareholder and signatory documents
5- Passport
- UAE visa and Emirates ID, if resident
- Proof of residential address
- CV
- Personal bank statements for the last six months
Supporting evidence
4- Business plan
- Contracts or invoices
- List of main clients and suppliers
- Company website
How our corporate bank account opening assistance works
Here is how corporate bank account opening assistance in the UAE works with us. Timings are typical for a complete file.
- 01One business day
Banking assessment
We review your company and owners and confirm which banks are realistic.
- 021–2 business days
Bank shortlist
We agree one or two banks and the account type.
- 033–7 business days
KYC file preparation
Documents, attestation, business plan and source of funds file.
- 041–2 business days
Submission
We file the application and introduce you to the relationship manager.
- 051–3 weeks
Bank review and KYC interview
We prepare you for the interview and answer the bank's follow-up questions.
- 062–5 business days
Activation
You get your IBAN, online banking, cards and cheque book.
How long does it take to open a corporate bank account in Dubai?
Most companies can open a business bank account in Dubai within two to six weeks. The type of bank and the ownership structure matter most.
Digital bank, simple company, UAE-resident owner 3–10 business days
Traditional bank, Mainland or Free Zone, resident owners 2–4 weeks
Foreign corporate shareholder or several ownership layers 4–8 weeks
Non-resident signatory 4–8 weeks
Offshore company 4–8 weeks
Re-application after a rejection 3–8 weeks
Most delays come from follow-up requests for documents that could have been sent on day one. A complete file is the fastest way to open a company bank account in the UAE.
Why use bank account opening services in Dubai instead of applying alone
| Applying alone |  movingo |
|---|---|
| ✕You guess which bank might accept you | ✓We match you with banks that fit your profile |
| ✕The bank finds gaps in your file | ✓We fix gaps before submission |
| ✕Source of funds explained one email at a time | ✓A clear source of funds file from day one |
| ✕You meet the bank unprepared | ✓You know the interview questions in advance |
| ✕A rejection costs weeks | ✓Fewer rejections, and a plan B if one happens |
| ✕You chase the bank for updates | ✓We follow up until your IBAN is active |
Bank account opening assistance in Dubai does not replace the bank's decision, but it makes business bank account opening in Dubai faster: the bank decides on a complete and consistent file.
Let us prepare the file, talk to the bank and follow up until your IBAN is active.
Hand it overCorporate bank account opening assistance cost in Dubai
Our corporate bank account opening assistance starts from AED 5,000. The final fee depends on the complexity of your company and ownership structure, whether you have had previous bank rejections and whether the required documents are available. We assess your case and agree the fee upfront. The bank's own charges and any required deposit are separate.
Bank fees
Paid directly to the bank, depending on the account.
| Bank charge | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Minimum average balance | AED 0 at digital banks; AED 10,000–50,000 for standard SME accounts |
| Monthly fee | AED 0–250 on most SME accounts |
| Fall-below fee | AED 100–500 per month, depending on the tier |
| Early closure fee | AED 150–500 within six months of opening |
The final cost of bank account opening for a company depends on the jurisdiction, the number of shareholders and ownership layers, a foreign parent company, the business activity and remote opening. Banks may also check your AML policies; our AML compliance services cover them. The account is also included in our business setup in Dubai packages.
Tell us about your company and owners, and we will agree a fixed fee before any work starts.
Get a banking assessmentWhy choose movingo for bank account opening in the UAE?
We are bank account opening consultants in Dubai who also handle accounting, taxes and compliance:
Transparent pricing
A fixed fee agreed upfront, no hidden costs.
No unnecessary services
Only the bank and package you need.
Compliance know-how
KYC files prepared to the standards banks apply.
One team
Company setup, visas, accounting, VAT and Corporate Tax.
What you receive
Book an introductory call With our corporate bank account opening assistance in Dubai, you receive:
- Shortlist of banks that fit your profile
- Complete, consistent KYC file
- Preparation for the bank interview
- Support until your IBAN, cards and online banking work
What our clients say
4.9 Loved by 1,000+ clients
Loved by 1,000+ clients Sharing my good news: I've got my EIB card. I keep being amazed at how efficient they are! So the account is fully open.
No words, you are amazing! Now I'll just wait for my Wio card, and then I'm off home!
Account openedEIB cardWio card
Anastasia, everything has been opened for me: both my personal and my corporate account. Thank you so much!
Corporate accountPersonal account
Working with movingo
Of all the people and companies I reached out to, you were the most responsive and capable.
Love that your fees are transparent — refreshing. We have been through too many scams to mention.
Yesterday I was so happy I didn't thank you properly for your patience, attention to detail and professionalism. It was a pleasure working with you!
I want to thank your team: client focus, professionalism and humanity are all flawless.
More reviews from our clients about accounting, taxes, business setup and banking
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The government agency that's in charge of collecting and enforcing federal taxes.
The government agency that's in charge of boosting economic growth, creating jobs, and helping businesses develop.
It's the main economic development authority in Abu Dhabi.
The government agency that handles the issuing of visas, ID cards, and driver's licenses for expats living and working in Abu Dhabi.
The main authority for planning, supervising, and regulating commercial, financial, and industrial activities in Dubai.
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Frequently asked questions about corporate bank account opening assistance in the UAE
How much does it cost to open a corporate bank account in Dubai?
Our fee for corporate bank account opening assistance in Dubai starts from AED 5,000. Banks add their own charges: a minimum balance of AED 0–50,000 for most SME accounts, plus monthly and fall-below fees.
How long does it take to open a corporate bank account in Dubai?
Usually two to six weeks. Digital banks can open an account in 3–10 business days; complex structures and non-resident signatories take longer.
Which bank is best for opening a corporate account in the UAE?
It depends on your activity, turnover and ownership. Digital banks suit startups and freelancers; traditional banks suit trading companies that need trade finance.
Can I open a corporate bank account online or remotely?
It depends on the bank. Digital banks let you open a corporate bank account online, but most traditional banks ask the signatory to visit a branch or meet a bank officer.
What is required to open a corporate account in the UAE?
Company documents, shareholder and signatory IDs, and proof of business activity and source of funds. The full checklist is above.
Can a non-resident open a corporate bank account in the UAE?
Yes, but fewer banks accept non-resident signatories, and most ask for at least one visit to the UAE. A residence visa widens the choice.
Can a company with foreign shareholders open a bank account in the UAE?
Yes, but banks look closely at the UBO, the parent company documents and the source of funds.
Can an offshore company open a bank account in the UAE?
Yes, but only a few banks accept offshore companies, the review is stricter, and minimum balances are often higher.
Is there a zero balance business bank account in the UAE?
Yes. Digital banks such as Wio and Mashreq NEO BIZ, and starter accounts such as RAKstarter, need no minimum balance. Digital banks charge a monthly plan fee instead.
What is the minimum balance for a corporate bank account in the UAE?
From AED 0 at digital banks to AED 10,000–50,000 for standard SME accounts at traditional banks. Premium accounts start at AED 250,000.
Why are business bank accounts rejected in the UAE?
Mostly because of mismatched documents, an unclear business model, weak proof of source of funds, complex ownership or no substance in the UAE.
My application was rejected. Can I reapply?
Yes, with the same bank or another one. Find the reason first, fix the file and choose a bank whose risk policy fits your profile.
Can you guarantee that my account will be approved?
No. The decision is always the bank's. We make sure your file is complete and consistent, which gives you the best chance of approval.
Do I need to meet the bank in person?
At traditional banks, usually yes: at least one signatory attends a KYC interview or signing. Digital banks verify you through their app.
Can I open a multi-currency account in AED, USD and EUR?
Yes, most major banks and some digital banks offer AED, USD and EUR accounts under one customer profile.
Can I use my personal bank account for business in the UAE?
No. Banks usually restrict personal accounts to personal use, and mixing company and personal money complicates VAT, Corporate Tax and audit records.
Do I need a corporate bank account for VAT and Corporate Tax registration?
You can register without one, but in practice you need it: to pay tax from company funds, receive VAT refunds and keep records that match your returns.
Disclaimer: movingo is not a bank. The decision to open an account is made solely by the bank. Bank fees and minimum balances are indicative as of 15 November 2026 and may change; check the current terms with the bank before applying.