Bank account in the UAE — corporate
A UAE company account with a guarantee: if the bank refuses, the fee is refunded or credited to another bank. The bank is matched to your business profile, and the document pack is prepared for the compliance check. The price of the service depends on the bank chosen.
- Free zone companies
- Mainland LLCs
- International payments
What a UAE bank checks before opening an account
UAE banks operate under supervision and anti-money-laundering rules. So they check every client and may refuse without giving reasons.
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The application is reviewed by the bank's compliance department. It looks at the type of activity, the countries of counterparties, the ownership structure and the origin of funds. A weak point in any of these brings a refusal.
A refusal here is common. The outcome depends on how the document pack is assembled and presented, and on how clear the source of the money is to the bank.
The terms the expert works on
Refunds the fee if the bank refuses
Under the contract, the expert refunds the full service fee or credits it towards opening an account with another bank.
Bills in stages
You do not pay the whole sum up front: invoices come in instalments as each stage closes.
Fixes the price in the contract
The cost is locked in and does not grow as the work goes on. Prices on the site are indicative — the final figure comes after your case is reviewed.
Charges no hidden fees
No penalties or surcharges beyond the contract. No Pactors markup either: you pay the expert their own price.
Works with lawyers of 8+ years in UAE law
The licence for your activity is matched, and the requirements worked through, by qualified lawyers.
Thinks a step ahead
Picks the zone and the licence so that a year from now you do not hit a limit and have to redo the whole thing.
Deals with authorities directly
Handles government bodies, free zones and UAE banks personally — no chain of subcontractors.
Bank account opening in the UAE: comparing the options
The difference is not the price — it is who each option suits. The “Best for” column is the business profile the option is built around.
| Option | Best for | Timeline | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| A UAE bank account — personal | Receiving a salary in the UAE, opening a brokerage or investment account later, holding an account in a currency pegged to the dollar | 1–4 weeks | from $1,000 |
| Bank account in the UAE — corporateyou are here | Free zone companies, mainland LLCs, international payments | 2–4 weeks | from $2,000 |
Why UAE banks refuse to open an account
Main reasons
This option- An incomplete set of documents
- The activity falls into a higher-risk category
- An unclear origin of funds
- An ownership structure the bank cannot verify
What lowers the risk
- Reviewing the case against risk parameters before filing
- Choosing a bank to match the specific type of activity
- A prepared explanation of the source of funds
- A clear chain of beneficial owners
Opening takes from 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the bank and the complexity of the case.
What servicing the account costs and whether a minimum balance is required
For most types of activity there is no requirement to keep a minimum balance. It is imposed for activity in the higher-risk category — that is a decision of the individual bank.
The monthly fee depends on the bank and starts from AED 49 (≈$13). Where turnover or the balance is sufficient, the bank often does not charge it.
What the service includes
| Choosing a bank to match the profile | |
| Preparing the compliance pack | |
| Support at the interview | |
| Guarantee: a refund or credit to another bank if the bank refuses | |
| The bank's minimum deposit— billed separately |
Documents and programme requirements
- 1The company's incorporation documents
- 2A UAE residence visa (Emirates ID) for whoever will operate the account
- 3A UAE mobile number
How the process runs
2–4 weeks- Step 1We break the case down into its risk parameters: the type of activity, the countries of the counterparties, the ownership structure.
- Step 2We select a bank that works with this profile.
- Step 3We prepare the pack and the explanation of the source of funds.
- Step 4We submit the application — online or in person at a branch.
- Step 5Review by the compliance department.
- Step 6The account is opened and access is activated.
Frequently asked questions
Is a minimum balance required on a corporate account?
What does servicing the account cost?
How long does opening an account take?
What happens if the bank refuses?
Is an Emirates ID needed to open a company account?
Related breakdowns
A bank account in the UAE: checks and reasons for refusal
A UAE account needs an Emirates ID, a local number and proof of the source of funds. Timelines, bank requirements and the usual reasons for refusal.
Opening a company in Dubai in 2026: steps and prices
A licence in 5 minutes for AED 1,370, the Invest in Dubai single window and what the Unified Licence really is. The real steps and the ones needing a trip.
UAE or Hong Kong: residency for an entrepreneur
A UAE golden visa from AED 2m against Hong Kong: an entrepreneur visa with no threshold and an investment scheme from HKD 30m. Taxes and timelines compared.
We'll check your case before you pay
Send an enquiry — we will check your case and help you arrange “Bank account in the UAE — corporate” in UAE. No markup on top.
We'll cover: whether you qualify, the full cost with fees, realistic timelines, the document list. If it's not for you, we'll say so.