UAE business banking

UAE non resident bank account

verified by : Elena Ovchinnikova

04 Jan 2024

Non resident bank account - who can open?

UAE offers non resident bank accounts for businesses and individuals. In order to open a corporate bank account, business setup in Dubai will be required. Personal account can be opened under the personal name of an individual.

If you want to open a bank account as a physical person, you need to visit the UAE in order to make an account application.

Citizens of all countries can apply with the exception of some sanctioned and banned in the UAE countries such as:

  • Iran
  • Israel
  • North Korea

There are also a few high risk countries. Nationals of those are free to apply but the approval process might be longer and more documents will be required.

How to open bank account in UAE for non residents?

In order to apply for the account as a non resident, you have to visit UAE bank of your choice with the following set of personal documents:

  1. Original passport
  2. Proof of address - a utility bill or a confirmation of your address by a city council or municipality
  3. Personal bank statements for the past 3-6 months - this will work as your proof of funds
  4. CV with your personal and professional background

The bank will take copies of those documents and your signatures on the application forms. Account opening will take about 3-4 weeks depending on the bank. 

Upon account approval, the bank will send you a formal email with your account details and online banking instructions. 

Non resident bank account - what will you get

Once your non resident account is opened, you will be eligible for the following:

  • Online banking

  • Debit card

In case you apply for the account with a UAE residence visa as a local resident, you also will be able to apply for a bank loan after some time. 

You will need to show the source of your income and regular incoming transfers to the bank in order to become eligible for the loan. 

Bank account for non residents in UAE - what problems it solves:

  1. If you come from a country with restrictions on international transfers
  2. If you cannot operate in a foreign currency from your country 
  3. If your country does not have a local reliable banking system
  4. If you want to receive income and make long term savings with interests

Open bank account in Dubai and start easier and customer friendly banking on a global scale!

Keep in mind, that the opening of a bank account in UAE as a non resident you remain a tax resident of a country where you spend more than 183 days during a year. It means that if you receive any income to your UAE bank account, you still may need to pay taxes back home on that income. 

Non-resident bank account benefits

  • Dirham - stable currency
  • Debit card
  • Online banking
  • Easy withdrawals
  • Quick transfers

Open non resident bank account now

Top questions about UAE non resident bank account

  • The best bank in UAE to open non resident account?

    Almost all UAE banks offer a non resident category of the accounts. We recommend approaching big banks such as Emirates NBD, Emirates Islamic, RAK BANK and other government banks. Your funds are safe and international transactions fast and easy.

  • How long to open non resident bank account?

    Normally, opening personal accounts of non residents take 3-4 weeks depending on the bank.

  • What do you need to open a non resident bank account?

    You need a 1-2 days visit to the UAE with your personal documents: passport, bank statement, utility bill and CV.

How can we contact you?