UAE Flag
+971 58 539 7665
Singapore flag
+65 9616 5641
Indian flag
+91 78994 42930
Colour Logo of Fortius Consulting Services

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

  1. Business bank accounts meet the requirements of business owners for easy regular withdrawals and transfers.
  2. 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.
  3. Holding a business account in the company's name offers good control over financial operations with effortless funds management.
  4. Having a business bank account in the United Arab Emirates simplifies applying for and receiving business loans at low-interest rates.
  5. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) allows unlimited daily transactions for business bank accounts.
  6. Most business bank accounts accept a variety of foreign currencies, including US Dollars, British Pounds, Euros, and UAE Dirhams, simplifying international transactions. 
  7. A business bank account in the UAE makes it easy and safe to pay salaries for employees.
  8. Increased purchasing power and the ability to make timely investments are easy with a business bank account.
  9. Customers' money is safe in banks since it is insured against both individual and business liabilities.
  10. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

Security Aspects for Non-Residents Opening a Business Account in the UAE

When creating a business bank account for non-residents in the UAE, banks follow security procedures. Customers must provide certain information in order to comply with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) rules. A certified copy of an individual's passport, driver's license, utility bill, or bank statement is required for KYC. To open an account, some financial institutions may need customers to present government-issued photo identification containing a microchip, facial recognition, or biometric verification. Before permitting a firm to open a business bank account for a non-resident, local and foreign banks operating in the UAE undergo the security identification requirements mentioned above.

The takeaway

The UAE is a great place to open a business bank account since it is easily affordable. Another convenience in UAE is that multiple banks make it easy to open an account offline and online. However, applicants must submit supporting documentation detailing the company's stockholders and operations. After presenting the necessary documents, the UAE bank will set up the business bank account in a few days. Get in touch with Fortius Consulting Services if you want to open a business bank account effortlessly with professional guidance from experts offering business incorporation services.

 

 

Share the Post :
Fortius Consulting Services is a trusted name for business consulting and CFO services in the UAE, Singapore and India. Through our expert consulting and advisory services,we assist organisations across the UAE & Asia to boost their profitability, improve operational effectiveness, increase management capability, institutionalise strategies, and upgrade their internal structures.
TALK TO AN EXPERT

SERVICES

CFO Services
Tax Planning
Business Advisory
Management Consultancy
Financial Reporting & Compliance 
Cashflow Management
Mergers & Acqusition (M&A) Advisory

CONTACT

Email Us

info@fortius.consulting

Call Us

UAE  +971 58 539 7665   

SINGAPORE  +65 9616 5641 

INDIA  +91 78994 42930

envelopephone-handsetcrossmenuchevron-down