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Complete Guide to Opening a Business Bank Account in the UAE
May 10, 2023
Fortius Team
A business woman is trying to open a business bank account using her laptop.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a prime trading hub, and its stable government and trade regulations make it an attractive place to do business. Therefore, many business people pick the United Arab Emirates as their location. However, expanding a company without the aid of banks and the guidance of business setup services might be difficult. Banks in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) recognize this need, and as a result, they facilitate the opening of commercial bank accounts for local entrepreneurs. Opening a business bank account in the United Arab Emirates is an important step in registering a company. But it can be difficult, time-consuming, and even frustrating at times. In order to open an account, you must follow the financial institution's specific guidelines. To successfully complete this process, you should familiarize yourself with the documentation involved, identify any roadblocks, and investigate doable alternatives. Features, Benefits & Challenges of Business Banking Accounts in the UAE Bank account setup services in the United Arab Emirates are in high demand due to the banks' stringent privacy policies. You can be 100% assured that your money is safe in the UAE banking system because of the banking sector's dedication to keeping customer information private. You may be sure that your confidentiality as an investor will always be protected. Increased protection & security Protecting your personal assets from business debts is crucial to saving yourself from liabilities. Therefore, it is essential to maintain a separate business account. The services offered to business account holders will provide an extra layer of protection to transactions and data. Enhanced capacity to purchase Establishing a solid business credit score requires using a business account that offers credit services. This makes it simple to obtain larger loans and make major initial expenditures. Flexibility in maintaining a minimum balance Most banks in the UAE allow individuals to hold a low minimum balance. Some UAE banks even offer zero-balance business checking accounts, making it simpler for startups and small businesses to get off the ground and keep track of their funds.  Competitive interest rates UAE banks' business accounts offer attractive interest rates, adding value for startups and helping them reach their full financial potential. Currency support Businesses in the UAE are able to operate internationally and draw customers from all over the world because banks there accept a wide variety of currencies, including the US dollar, British pound, and the Euro, along with the local dirham. Easy access to checks All banks in the United Arab Emirates allow you to open a business account and issue company checks, simplifying the process of paying for goods and services. Quick access to online funds Online banking services are designed to be user-friendly, so business account holders can access their company's funds whenever and wherever they like. This enables them to conveniently use their funds with less effort from any part of the world at a rapid pace. It can be challenging for entrepreneurs to open a business bank account in the United Arab Emirates. Some essentials to keep in mind are as follows: The United Arab Emirates determination against financial crimes like money laundering makes opening a business bank account challenging. Applicants must establish their credibility with the bank by displaying their expertise in their respective fields and explaining why a bank account is necessary for the business's daily operations. For opening a business bank account in the United Arab Emirates, the resident must be physically present in the country and possess a valid resident visa. UAE banks often demand that businesses have a permanent place to operate, and in some situations, an inspector may visit the office to ensure its legitimacy. If your company does business in a location or country with high risks in business-related operations, you may have trouble opening a corporate account in the United Arab Emirates. Opening a business bank account requires a minimum deposit between AED 25,000 and AED 50,000. Essentials for Opening a Business Bank Account in the UAE The following are things to think about when creating a bank account: A Free Zone, LLC, an Offshore firm in the UAE, or a company with a branch or subsidiary in the UAE can open a corporate account at a UAE bank. As the bank's authorized signatory, your physical presence is required for both the application submission and passport verification. Your physical presence is only necessary for a few hours or a day at most. Your company activities, the experience level of the management team, the number of shareholders, and the goals for the new UAE organization should all be considered when preparing the documents.  In order to open a business account in the UAE, you'll need to provide certain documents. This may change based on the nature of the client's business and the bank you are approaching.  Memorandum of Association (MoA) copy Trade license Shareholders' passport copy Incorporation certificate Visa and Emirates ID, if shareholders are UAE residents Office lease agreement Company share certificate CV Proof of address or utility bill Last six months' bank statements Business Strategy List of partners or suppliers Name of prospective or existing clients Step-by-Step Guide to Opening a Corporate Bank Account in the UAE Understanding the steps required to open a bank account in the United Arab Emirates is crucial. The steps you must follow are discussed below. Business license You'll need a valid business license in order to open a business bank account. You cannot create a business bank account since banks will not consider you a legitimate company without this license. Legal & corporate documents Legal and corporate documents need to be prepared so that everything is organized perfectly before submission. You will also have to attach photocopies of your business plan, Emirates ID, and the Memorandum of Association. Visa requirements Make sure all stockholders have permanent residence visas. Certain banks may ask for evidence of citizenship or permanent residency from one or all shareholders for record-keeping procedures. Bank choice Choose the banks that best serve your
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Exploring the Requirements for UAE Business Accounts
May 5, 2023
Fortius Team
Team of Arab businessmen filling out forms for opening a business bank account in the UAE.
In the dynamic business landscape of the UAE, it's no wonder that companies are thriving and growing. As a regional business epicenter, this vibrant country offers an environment that is conducive to success. However, to keep operations running smoothly, businesses require efficient fund management and frequent transactions. This is where a robust banking system comes into play, providing the security and reliability that enterprises in the UAE need. General bank accounts simply don't cut it when it comes to handling the vast number of daily transactions that businesses deal with. Recognizing this need, financial institutions have introduced specialized business bank accounts tailored to meet the unique requirements of companies operating in the UAE. The banking system in the UAE is truly world-class, equipped with all the latest facilities that modern businesses demand. Not only that, but these banks also have stringent regulations in place to safeguard against illegal activities like money laundering and data theft. This ensures that your financial transactions are conducted in a secure and protected environment. Now, let's delve into the essential requirements for opening a business bank account in the UAE. To get started, you'll need to follow a few key steps and ensure you have the necessary documentation ready. Your eligibility for a company bank account in the UAE will depend on several factors, including the type, ownership structure, and location of your corporation. If you're considering setting up a business in the UAE, it's advisable to seek the expertise of business incorporation services like Fortius Consulting Services.  Unveiling the Benefits of Opening a Business Bank Account in the UAE Business bank accounts meet the requirements of business owners for easy regular withdrawals and transfers. The banks provide a wide range of account options, from accounts for small enterprises to hold less money to accounts for big companies to hold vast amounts. Holding a business account in the company's name offers good control over financial operations with effortless funds management. Having a business bank account in the United Arab Emirates simplifies applying for and receiving business loans at low-interest rates. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) allows unlimited daily transactions for business bank accounts. Most business bank accounts accept a variety of foreign currencies, including US Dollars, British Pounds, Euros, and UAE Dirhams, simplifying international transactions.  A business bank account in the UAE makes it easy and safe to pay salaries for employees. Increased purchasing power and the ability to make timely investments are easy with a business bank account. Customers' money is safe in banks since it is insured against both individual and business liabilities. A digital business bank account makes managing finances a breeze no matter where you are. Key Requirements For Opening A Business Bank Account in the UAE When opening an UAE company bank account, your options will be determined by your decisions on few key factors:   Type of business Identify if your company operates on the mainland, offshore, or free zone. Location Check whether your company is based in any part of the Emirates or in one of the free zones that provide preferential tax treatment is a crucial consideration. Incorporation type Find out the incorporation type, whether it is a partnership, Limited Liability Company (LLC), or sole owner.  Bank choice Look into the UAE financial institutions that provide business bank accounts before shortlisting the one for you. You should look into their costs, conditions, and services. Remember that your business may need to meet certain requirements set forth by certain banks before receiving a loan. These factors may consist of the following: Initial deposit level: Each bank has different minimum requirements for the initial deposit before deciding whether or not to review your application for an account. Minimum account balance requirement: Depending on the company's trading history and creditworthiness, the bank might demand a positive balance to be kept consistently in the business bank account. Current and savings account requirement: A few banks may make it compulsory to have a specific portion of deposits in saving accounts that are inaccessible for an allotted time period. KYC (Know Your Customer) - To be in accordance with legal requirements, businesses must have their founders fill out a Know Your Customer (KYC) form when opening a company bank account. Documentation The United Arab Emirates (UAE) requires a number of documents to be submitted during the application process for a business bank account. The bank may require approvals from authorities and government entities, so having all the appropriate paperwork ready is crucial. The following are the typical forms of identification and documentation needed to open a business bank account in the United Arab Emirates: Address proof of all employees and shareholders Original passport of company director, workers, and shareholders Original and photocopy of the representative's or shareholder's Emirates ID Trade license from the Department of Economic Development that is valid Outline of the company's activities, finances, expected trends, and target market Articles & Memorandum of Association Details concerning the business bank account functions Incorporation Document Financial records of the shareholders for the last six months. Company registration & incorporation documents Funding source information Shareholders registry Certificate of good standing Reference letter by business partners List of present customers, investors, and potential customers The bank might require additional documents and details about your business and its operations. If you want to open your business bank account effortlessly, consider hiring business incorporation services. Business bank accounts in the UAE can be opened quickly and easily online through websites and official portals in a few basic steps.  Application submission The bank may ask for additional data and records relevant to your firm and its activities in addition to those already listed above. Hiring a professional business agent can be a huge time saver. Additionally, several UAE banks allow business banking account applications to be submitted online. You can visit the bank's official website and fill out the application in a few minutes. Also Read: A Guide to UAE’s Financial Year & The Tax Planning Strategies Security
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A Guide to UAE’s Financial Year & The Tax Planning Strategies
April 30, 2023
Fortius Team
Banknotes of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of different types and years illustrate UAE’s financial year & tax planning strategies.
An Overview The start or end of every fiscal year or financial year is a busy time for organisations as they gear up to prepare financial statements according to their country's standards. In Dubai, limited liability companies are required to prepare financial statements according to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). It is mandatory for all holding enterprises to present comprehensive financial statements in accordance with IFRS by the end of every financial year. However, consolidation is not required for transitional holding companies. Official accounting criteria mandate that the holding company should prepare consolidated financial statements under the official accounting criteria. Dubai-based businesses can start preparing their annual financial statements before the end of the fiscal year so they have enough time to make modifications and rectify any mistakes. Let’s learn more about UAE’s financial year and how they should plan their tax strategies. UAE’s Financial Year: A Closer Look At the Details Like the calendar year, a fiscal or financial year covers a period of twelve months. During this time period, organisations must complete a full accounting cycle. Not all financial years are the same as the calendar year. However, the UAE financial year is an exception- It commenced on January 1st and ends on December 31st. It should also be noted that the UAE Ministry of Finance (MOF) announced a federal corporate tax (CT) for financial years beginning on or after 1 June 2023. Which are the businesses that must submit annual financial statements? All businesses operating in UAE’s free zone must prepare their annual financial statements as per the IFRS. Company or partnership limited by shares other than those with other obligations in the UAE may prepare their financial statements in accordance with any generally accepted format. However, IFRS is the most common format. All other subsidiaries of listed companies in other jurisdictions can prepare financial statements according to the structure used by their parent companies. All Dubai-based companies listed on the stock exchange must also perform annual audits. As per the UAE law, annual audits are mandatory for the following: Organisations with joint stock Limited liability companies Partnerships or affiliations limited by shares Businesses mandated by law Supervisory units or financial institutions Businesses with special requirements Set of Accounts in an Annual Financial Statement Generally, organisations based in Dubai will prepare annual financial statements comprising a set of accounts that include: The income statement This report will have all the details about the income and expenditure of a business for the fiscal year. It will also have all the details about the activities of the organisation. The balance sheet The balance sheet is an important financial statement comprising the organisation’s liabilities, assets, and equities. It talks about the cash flow within the company and evaluates its capital structure. The cash flow statement This document shows how the company used the cash for a specific period and includes various financial notes. The statement of shareholder’s equity This report is all about the transactions implicating the equity accounts for a specific period. It also includes vital information about dividends given to shareholders. January 1, 2023, signalled the start of a new fiscal year in the UAE. If you are a UAE-based business, it is time to invest in firms that offer tax planning services to help with your tax planning strategies. These efforts will mitigate your tax liabilities and increase your profits. Fortius Consulting suggests some effective tax planning strategies for the new fiscal year in the UAE. 8 Tax Planning Strategies For UAE-based Organisations 1. Know your tax laws and regulations. This, of course, is the first step to executing proper tax planning. UAE has various tax rates, deductions and exemptions. You ought to know what your business is eligible for. Additionally, you must update yourself with any changes to the tax laws and regulations that may affect your strategies. 2. Maintain accurate and detailed financial records. Your financial records are the building blocks that help optimise your tax planning strategies. They also indicate your company’s financial health. Moreover, maintaining accurate financial records enables you to file your taxes without any hassles and eliminates any discrepancies that could land you in trouble with the Inland Revenue Department (IRD). 3. Evaluate tax planning techniques. Consider all kinds of tax planning tactics that will help your company sail smoothly without any financial hiccups. For example, you can carry forward any expenses incurred in the upcoming fiscal year. It may reduce your taxable income in the current year. In another scenario, the income that may be derived in the next financial year may allow you to pay less tax in the current year. 4. Consider implementing structuring options. Tax planning is the time to consider harnessing the support of structuring options like: Joint venture Limited liability companies Holding companies This will help minimise your taxes and capitalise on tax incentives and exemptions available for UAE businesses. Also Read: Key Advantages of Conducting a Financial Health Check for Your Business 5. Make tax pooling arrangements. Tax pooling is a great way to avoid tax liabilities and pay lower interest rates. Banks also encourage tax pooling because it allows you to: Consolidate tax obligations with other associated taxpayers. Manage cash flow Mitigate tax-non compliance and impending penalties 6. Prepare and plan for capital expenses. Unplanned capital expenditures can significantly impact your business tax liabilities. Hence, every capital expense should be well thought out and executed perfectly. Also, all capital expenses, whether big or small, should be planned to give you leeway to optimise tax exemptions or incentives that may be accessible, such as: Accelerated depreciation of assets Ability to claim tax credits for capital expenditures 7. Utilise all available tax deductions and credits. Taking advantage of whatever tax deductions and credits you are eligible for is advisable. Look out for expenses like: Rent Utilities Salaries Research & development Sustainable energy investments like windmills and solar power The hiring of local employees. 8. Hire professional tax planners. Unless you understand the intricacies of
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