Procedure per Central Bank of the UAE (centralbank.ae). Fees and timelines change — check the authority's website. We don't invent numbers.
How to open your account
- 1
Choose a bank
You can open an account with local or international banks operating in the UAE. Many of them allow you to apply online, through their mobile app, so compare what each offers before you commit.
- 2
Prepare the required documents
Have your paperwork ready before you start. Most commonly required documents are your Emirates ID, a valid UAE residence visa, your passport or family book, a salary certificate or employment letter, and proof of address in some cases.
Documents:Emirates IDValid UAE residence visaPassport or family bookSalary certificate or employment letterProof of address (in some cases) - 3
Submit the application
You can open an account by either visiting a bank branch or applying through the bank's website or mobile application. Some banks offer digital account opening, where identity verification is done through the app.
- 4
Account activation
Once your application is approved, your bank account is activated. You will receive a debit card and you can access online and mobile banking services.
Fees and timelines may change, verify with the official source.
Who provides this service in Dubai
Real companies from Google Maps, live ratings and reviews.
Shuraa Business Setup (Main Branch Dubai & UAE)
4.7(3060)Sheikh Zayed Road, 5th Floor - Aspin Commercial Tower - المركز التجاري الأولي - دبي - United Arab Emirates
ADCB - Dubai Mall Branch
4.8(3355)Financial Centre Road, Dubai Mall, Ground level Dubai - برج خليفة - وسط مدينة دبي - دبي - United Arab Emirates
Bankbychoice
4.5(2221)319 Al Nasr Plaza Office Tower - عود ميثاء - دبي - United Arab Emirates
SRTIP Accelerator Dubai | Free Zone Company Formation
4.7(327)ROLEX TOWER - Level 9B Sheikh Zayed Rd - Trade Center Second - DIFC - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
HSBC Customer Service Centre Dubai Mall
4.0(559)Unit LG - 059 - شارع الشيخ زايد - Burj Khalifa - Downtown Dubai - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Emirates NBD - Dubai Mall Branch
4.6(2573)Lower Ground Floor, Dubai Mall - Emaar Blvd - Burj Khalifa - Downtown Dubai - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Prefer to skip the paperwork?
Our relocation team helps expats open a UAE bank account from start to finish, choosing the right bank, getting your documents in order, and guiding you through the online application. Tell us where you are in the process and we'll take it from there.
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