Corporate bank account in Dubai
A Dubai company opens its corporate bank account once it is licensed. The bank carries out due diligence on the company, its shareholders, ultimate beneficial owners and signatories, and usually asks for the trade licence or certificate of incorporation, memorandum and articles of association, a board resolution, passports and Emirates IDs, and proof of address. Under the Central Bank of the UAE’s SME Market Conduct Regulation (April 2021), banks should complete an SME account opening within three business days where the business presents a low money-laundering and terrorism-financing risk. The bank always makes the final decision.
Documents banks usually ask for
Each bank publishes its own list. These are the documents most corporate account applications need.
- Trade licence (or certificate of incorporation for an offshore company)
- Memorandum and articles of association, and the certificate of incorporation where issued
- Board resolution or power of attorney naming the authorised signatories
- Passports and Emirates IDs of shareholders, ultimate beneficial owners and signatories
- Proof of the company’s address, such as the Ejari or free zone lease
- Tax registration certificate, where the company is registered
- A short business profile: activity, expected turnover, main customers and suppliers, countries dealt with
What the bank checks
Banks must complete financial-crime due diligence and sanctions screening before they allow transactions. Opening the account does not mean transactions are permitted until that work is done, so a complete, consistent file is the fastest route.
- Who owns and controls the company, down to the ultimate beneficial owners
- Source of funds and source of wealth
- The business model, expected transactions and counterparties
- The company’s presence in the UAE: licence, premises and people
How the account is opened
Prepare the file
Licence, constitutional documents, IDs and business profile, checked for consistency.
Choose the bank
Match the bank to your activity, currencies and transaction profile.
Apply and meet the bank
Submit the application; the bank may interview the signatories.
Compliance review
The bank completes due diligence and screening. For a low-risk SME with a complete file, CBUAE expects this within three business days.
Account active
The bank activates the account and online banking.
How THAJ helps
- Assemble and check the document pack
- Prepare the business profile the bank will ask for
- Introduce you to banks that suit your activity
- Follow up on the bank’s questions
THAJ does not decide or guarantee account approval; that is always the bank’s decision.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to open a corporate bank account in the UAE?
CBUAE’s SME Market Conduct Regulation requires banks to complete an SME account opening within three business days where the business presents a low money-laundering and terrorism-financing risk and due diligence is complete. Higher-risk profiles take longer.
Can a free zone company open a UAE bank account?
Yes. Free zone companies open accounts with UAE banks on the same due diligence basis as mainland companies.
Can an offshore company open a UAE bank account?
The Jafza offshore regulations allow an offshore company to hold an account with a UAE bank; each bank decides under its own due diligence. See offshore companies.
Why are corporate bank accounts rejected?
Usually because ownership, source of funds or the business model are unclear or inconsistent across documents. A complete, consistent file avoids most delays.
Can THAJ guarantee my account will be approved?
No. The bank makes the decision. We prepare the file and help you answer the bank’s questions.
Official sources
Facts on this page were checked against these sources on 27 October 2026. Rules and fees can change; the authority’s current page always prevails.
- CBUAE issues SME Market Conduct Regulation (4 April 2021) — Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE)
- CBUAE Rulebook — account opening — Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE)
- Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority Offshore Companies Regulations 2023 — Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (Jafza)
Prepare a bank-ready file
Tell us your structure and activity. We will prepare the pack the bank expects.