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Business bank account opening in the UAE
Ask the questions every founder asks. Tap one in the chat and see the answer, then carry on with a real adviser on WhatsApp.
- Mainland and Freezone companies
- Conventional and Islamic banks
- One adviser from first message to active account
How business account opening works in the UAE.
To open a business bank account in the UAE, a licensed company applies to a bank with its incorporation documents and its partners' identity documents and bank statements. The bank then runs a compliance review before it approves the account.
Common causes of rejection and delay are applying to a bank that does not accept the company's activity, and an incomplete file. My Eloah Business Hub shortlists the banks that fit, prepares the file and handles the bank's follow-up questions.
- Who
- UAE Mainland and Freezone companies, new or established
- Timeline
- 2 to 3 working days at the fastest banks, 5 to 7 business days at most, for standard profiles
- Banks
- FAB, Emirates Islamic, Emirates NBD, Mashreq NeoBiz, RAKBANK, ADCB, ADIB, DIB, Sharjah Islamic Bank, NBF and UBL
Entry-level business accounts, side by side.
The starting account at each bank, with what it costs to keep and how long it usually takes to open.
| Bank and account | Minimum balance | Monthly fee | Opening time | Multi-currency | Branch visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)Basic Account | AED 10,000 | AED 250 | 2–3 working days | AED at opening | No |
| Emirates IslamicBusiness Digital | AED 10,000 | AED 236.25 | 2–3 working days | Yes | No |
| Emirates NBDBusiness Connect | None | AED 261.45 after the first 30 days | 5–7 business days | Yes | No |
| Mashreq NeoBizNeoBiz Lite | None | AED 200 | 5–7 business days | Yes | No |
| RAKBANKRAKstarter | None | AED 25 | 5–7 business days | Ask us | Ask us |
| ADCBBusiness Choice Silver | AED 10,000 | AED 150 | 5–7 business days | Yes | Yes |
| ADIBBusiness One | AED 5,000 | AED 450 | 5–7 business days | Yes | Yes |
Figures are taken from each bank's published schedule of charges, checked September 2026. Banks change their charges, so we confirm the current figure before you apply. Opening times are for standard profiles with a complete file. Branch visit shows whether signing in person is required when all partners are UAE residents.
What the bank will ask for.
Tick what you already have. Send us the rest as it comes in and we check each item before it goes to the bank.
Five steps to an active account.
You deal with one person. We deal with the bank.
Start on WhatsApp →Send your trade licence
A photo on WhatsApp is enough for us to read your activity and structure.
We shortlist the banks
Only banks that accept your activity, with the minimum balance, fees and timeline for each.
We prepare the file
Every document is checked and the business profile is written the way compliance teams read it.
Submission and follow-up
We submit the application and answer the bank's questions so nothing sits waiting.
Account active
You receive your account details and online banking access, and can start trading.
Why business account applications get stuck.
Four common causes of delay. We deal with each one before the file is submitted.
The bank does not take your activity
Some banks do not open accounts for general trading, e-commerce or gold trading. We apply only where your activity is accepted.
Missing UAE address proof
Resident partners need Ejari or a recent utility bill in their own name. It is easy to leave out.
Source of funds is unclear
Banks want to see where the money comes from. Statements and matching invoices answer the question up front.
No clear business profile
A short profile naming your suppliers, customers and expected turnover lets the reviewer approve without a round of questions.
One fee, agreed before we start.
You get a written quote for your bank and profile before any work begins.
- Bank shortlist for your activity
- Document review and file preparation
- Submission and follow-up with the bank
The final fee depends on the bank and your company profile. Bank charges such as minimum balance and monthly fees are separate and paid to the bank.
Get my quote →Business bank accounts in the UAE, answered.
Ask anything else on WhatsApp and we will reply with the answer for your company.
How long does it take to open a business bank account in the UAE?
For standard company profiles, FAB and Emirates Islamic usually take 2 to 3 working days and most other banks take 5 to 7 business days once the file is complete. Higher-risk profiles take 7 to 10 business days, and companies with a corporate shareholder or in gold trading can take 3 to 4 weeks.
Which UAE bank is fastest for a business account?
FAB and Emirates Islamic are the fastest for standard profiles at 2 to 3 working days. FAB opens an AED account first and adds other currencies after 3 to 6 months, while Emirates Islamic offers multi-currency from the start.
What documents do I need to open a business bank account in the UAE?
Three sets: all incorporation documents of the company, every partner's passport, visa and Emirates ID copies, and every partner's personal bank statements for the last six months. UAE-resident partners also need address proof such as Ejari or a utility bill dated within three months.
Can a Freezone company open a bank account with any UAE bank?
Yes. Both Mainland and Freezone companies can open accounts at UAE banks, subject to each bank's rules on business activity. The bank must recognise the Freezone authority that issued the licence.
Do I have to visit a branch?
Not always. FAB, Emirates Islamic, Emirates NBD and Mashreq NeoBiz can be opened digitally when all partners are UAE residents. ADCB, ADIB, DIB, Sharjah Islamic Bank and NBF need signatures in person, and ADCB and ADIB also verify the office of a Mainland company.
Can I open a business account with no minimum balance?
Yes. Emirates NBD Business Connect, Mashreq NeoBiz Lite and RAKBANK RAKstarter have no minimum balance. They charge a monthly fee instead.
Can I hold USD and other currencies?
Yes. Emirates Islamic, Emirates NBD, Mashreq NeoBiz, ADCB, ADIB, DIB, Sharjah Islamic Bank and NBF offer multi-currency accounts. FAB opens in AED only and adds other currencies after 3 to 6 months of satisfactory transactions.
Which banks offer Sharia-compliant business accounts?
Emirates Islamic, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) and Sharjah Islamic Bank are Islamic banks. National Bank of Fujairah offers an Islamic option alongside conventional accounts.
Is approval guaranteed if I apply through My Eloah?
No. Every application is decided by the bank after its own compliance review. Our role is to match you to banks that accept your activity, prepare a complete file and answer the bank's questions quickly, which removes the usual causes of delay.
How much does My Eloah charge for business account opening?
Our fee starts at AED 1,200 and depends on the bank and your company profile. It covers consultation, document review and submission. The bank's own charges, such as minimum balance and monthly fees, are separate and paid to the bank.
What usually comes after the account.
Send your trade licence. Get your shortlist.
We reply with the banks that fit your company, what each one costs to keep and how long it should take.