How to Open an Emirates NBD Account in UAE: 2025 Guide

Eligibility criteria

Who can open an account?

• Residents and non-residents: Both groups can open Emirates NBD savings accounts. For current accounts, a residence visa is required.
• Salaried individuals/self-employed/business owners: Salary transfer accounts are available for those employed in the UAE. Self-employed individuals and company representatives can open business accounts with relevant documentation.

General requirements

• You must be at least 18 years old.
• A UAE mobile number is required.
• You’ll need your passport and Emirates ID.

Required documents

For salaried individuals:

• Original copy of passport and Emirates ID
• UAE resident visa
• Salary transfer letter (no more than 30 days from the date of issue)
• Appointment letter or contract
• Payslip (no older than one month)
• Previous salary statements

For non-residents:

• Passport and visa
• Utility bill (no older than three months)
• Bank statements (last three months)
• Reference letter from a bank in your home country (minimum 12 months)

For self-employed/companies:

• Passport and Emirates ID of the shareholders
• Trade license
• Memorandum and Articles of Association
• Board resolution
• Bank statements
• Business profile
• Proof of address
• Ownership structure
• Power of Attorney

Step-by-step process to open an account

Opening via Emirates NBD mobile app or online banking (for individuals)

1. Download the Emirates NBD app – available on both Android and iOS.
2. Prepare the documents – passport, Emirates ID, and a UAE mobile number are mandatory. If employed, you’ll also need a salary transfer letter.
3. Complete the application in-app – upload your documents and follow the guided steps. Your account will be activated instantly with limited functionality.
4. Verification – once the bank verifies your documents (usually within 1–2 working days), you gain full access to the account, including debit card usage, online transfers, loans, and investment services.

Opening in a branch (for corporate and business accounts)

Business accounts require an in-person application and a wider set of documents:

• Valid business license
• Company documents (Articles of Association, Memorandum, etc.)
• Shareholder details – passports, visas, and Emirates IDs (if applicable)
• Bank statements from the company or shareholders
• Proof of office lease
• Business profile or company activity summary

Once the documents are submitted, the bank performs compliance checks and internal approvals. The process typically takes 5–10 working days before the account is fully activated.

Fees, minimum balance & charges

• Account opening: Free of charge.
• Maintenance fee: Waived if a regular salary transfer is maintained or if the minimum balance requirement on a savings account is met. Otherwise, AED 26.25 per month applies.
• Cash deposits and withdrawals: First 6 transactions free, thereafter AED 10.50 per transaction.
• Teller transactions: Up to 10 free teller transactions per month.
• Cheque book: First cheque book (10–25 leaves) is free. Additional cheque books cost AED 10.50 each and are delivered within 1–2 working days.
• Debit card: Issued instantly upon account opening, free of charge.

Balance and salary requirements

Salary accounts

• No minimum balance is required if a monthly salary transfer is maintained (with a salary of no less than AED 5,000 per month).
• Without a salary transfer, a minimum balance of AED 3,000 is usually required; otherwise, a monthly maintenance fee applies.

Corporate accounts

• Higher balance thresholds apply due to the nature of business banking.
• Minimum monthly average balances typically start from AED 50,000 and can reach AED 500,000 or more, depending on the account type and banking services requested.

Expert tips for a smooth application

Before approaching a bank in the UAE to open a business account, it is crucial to undergo a pre-approval process. This step helps determine the specific documents required, the likelihood of successfully opening an account with that particular bank, and additional insights that can enhance the chances of approval.

Pre-approval allows businesses to avoid potential rejections, which can negatively impact future attempts to open accounts with other banks in the UAE. In some cases, maintaining a certain deposit level or agreeing to certain investment terms can also improve the bank’s willingness to take on the account.

Engaging a business consultant with established relationships across multiple banks can be instrumental in navigating this process. They can ensure that the client is fully prepared, significantly increasing the likelihood of a successful account opening while minimizing risks.

How to activate a credit card

If you are a new client.  New customers can activate their cards through the mobile app or by visiting the nearest ATM or branch.

If you are an existing customer: You can activate your new credit card directly via the app or through online banking.

If you are a supplementary cardholder. You can activate your card by following the steps in the app, just like primary account holders.

Get professional assistance

Now that you're familiar with the details of opening an Emirates NBD account, it's time to get started. Whether you're a resident or non-resident, salaried or self-employed, Emirates NBD offers a simple and smooth process to help you handle your finances efficiently. Download the app and start your banking journey today! And if you have questions regarding Emirates NBD account opening or need help with company formation in UAE and any other business-related issues, contact our business consultants for assistance.