How to Open an Emirates NBD Account: A Step-by-Step Guide

Emirates NBD: your trusted banking partner in the UAE

Whether you act as an individual or as a company in the United Arab Emirates, having a bank account is essential. It's one of the first steps you should take to establish your financial presence in the country. In Dubai, there’s a wide array of trusted banks, both local and international, catering to various needs. However, one bank stands out for its credibility and robust offerings.

Emirates NBD is not only one of the largest banks in the Middle East, but it also boasts a long-standing reputation for reliability and customer service. They offer services tailored to both individuals and businesses, including savings and current accounts, credit cards, personal loans, and business financing options.

What sets Emirates NBD apart is its commitment to innovation and technology. The bank provides state-of-the-art online banking solutions, allowing you to manage your finances from anywhere in the world. This is particularly beneficial for expatriates and business owners who may not always be physically present in the UAE.

Whether you are looking to open a personal bank account or a corporate account, Emirates NBD offers a trustworthy solution.

Emirates NBD account: key features

Before diving into the steps, let’s quickly review what makes accounts in Emirates NBD stand out:

Who can open an account?

• Residents and non-residents: Both groups can open 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.

How to set up an account?

• Application form: You can apply via the bank's website, mobile app, or by visiting one of their branches. individual accounts can be opened online, while companies must apply to the bank office in person.
• Mobile and online banking: Emirates NBD offers a seamless experience through its digital platforms, where you can manage everything remotely. You can set up an account instantly via app. You just need to take a few simple steps.

Why apply to Emirates NBD?

• You can open your personal account immediately through the mobile app.
• Few documents are needed to get started. For companies the process is more complicated and involves a bank compliance procedure. However, with a personal business assistant you can get through it smoothly.
• Opening your account comes with zero fees.
• You gain access to loans, investments, deposits, and insurance directly from the app.
• You can conduct transfers and transactions with ease across multiple currencies.
• You don’t need to maintain a minimum balance if your salary is transferred into the account.

Key requirements

• You must be at least 18 years old.
• A UAE mobile number is required.
• A minimum salary of 5,000 AED for salary transfer accounts.
• You’ll need your passport and Emirates ID.

Reasons why clients choose Emirates NBD

1. Leading bank in the UAE and GCC: Emirates NBD consistently ranks as the #1 bank in the UAE due to its comprehensive range of services, advanced digital banking solutions, and strong customer support. In 2024, Emirates NBD was named “Best Bank in the UAE” by Global Finance and ranked in the top 5 banks in the GCC. The bank has over 14 million clients globally and boasts a market share of around 20% in the UAE.
2. Global recognition: Emirates NBD has also been recognized internationally, ranking among the top 100 banks worldwide according to The Banker’s 2024 list. Its assets exceed AED 750 billion, making it a major player in global finance.
3. Quick process: The mobile app allows you to open an account instantly, and you can start receiving funds and making deposits immediately.
4. Fully remote management: Manage everything from account opening to advanced banking services like loans and investments—all from the comfort of your home.
5. Reasonable fees: No fees for account setup, and maintenance fees are waived as long as you maintain the minimum balance on your current account (3,000 AED). For business accounts balance requirements can vary and are based on different factors, including your nationality, business profile and financial position.
6. Currency flexibility: Choose from a wide range of currencies for your account, including AED, USD, GBP, and many more.
7. Comprehensive banking services: Access to loans, insurance, utility payments, investment portfolios, and more, all through the app.
8. Free benefits: Enjoy a free debit card, your first cheque book, and up to 10 teller transactions per month without any fees.
9. ATM accessibility: With over 600 ATMs across the UAE, you’ll never be far from an Emirates NBD machine.

A simple process for creating an account at Emirates NBD

1. Download the bank’s app: Available on both Android and iOS.
2. Prepare documents: A passport, Emirates ID, and a UAE mobile number are mandatory. If you’re employed, have your salary transfer letter ready.
3. Follow the in-app instructions: Upload the required documents and complete the process. Your account will be activated immediately, and you can start receiving up to 5,000 AED in deposits and transfers.
4. Verification: Once your documents are verified, you’ll gain access to the full suite of banking services, including loans, investments, and more.

For business accounts the process will differ. A wider range of documents will be required. For example:

• Business license
• Company documents
• Details of the shareholders, including passports and visas
• Bank statements
• Proof of the office rent
• Business profile, etc.

You’ll need comprehensive guidance on how to open a corporate bank account and business experts can help you with that.

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.

Documents

For salaried individuals:

• Passport and Emirates ID
• UAE resident visa
• Salary transfer letter
• 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

For self-employed/companies:

• Passport and Emirates ID of the shareholders
• Trade license
• Memorandum and Articles of Association
• Board resolution
• Bank statements
• Business profile

Balance and salary requirements

For salary accounts, there’s no minimum balance requirement as long as you’re transferring your salary into the account. Otherwise, you need to maintain at least 3,000 AED per month on your account, or you’ll be charged a monthly fee of 26.25 AED.

For corporate accounts, banks may ask to maintain hefty deposit balances to mitigate risks associated with foreign business. A minimum monthly balance can range from 50,000 to 500,000 dirhams, but depends on the bank and banking services you need.

Free compliments

Once you’ve opened your current account, you’ll receive several free benefits:

• Debit card: Issued immediately.
• Cheque book: Delivered to your home within 1-2 working days.
• 10 free teller transactions: Each month, your first 10 teller transactions are free of charge.

Subsequent cheque books will cost 10.50 AED.

Banking services

As an Emirates NBD account holder, you gain access to a variety of banking services.

• Investments: Access over 11,000 stocks and ETFs across global markets, including the USA, European exchanges, and regional markets like DFM and ADX.
• International money transfers: Send money quickly and securely via SWIFT. Also, you can make 60-second transfers to some countries.
• Cardless ATM withdrawals: Use the mobile app to withdraw cash without a card at any Emirates NBD ATM.
• Mobile banking: Manage your account, pay utility bills, and open new accounts for savings or investments—all via the mobile app.
• Loans and cards: Apply for loans, balance conversions, and installment plans.
• Smart Pass feature: Enhance the security of your transactions without needing OTPs and get instant alerts for any online activity.

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.

Ready to get started?

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 bank account opening or need help with this or with business setup and any other business-related issues, contact our business consultants for assistance. 

Frequently asked questions

Can I open a zero balance account with Emirates NBD?

Yes, Emirates NBD offers zero-balance salary accounts. If your salary is regularly transferred into the account (minimum 5,000 AED), there is no need to maintain a minimum balance. For accounts without salary transfers, a minimum monthly balance of 3,000 AED is required. Falling below this amount results in a fee of 26.25 AED per month.

What is the minimum salary to open an account?

To open a salary transfer account with Emirates NBD, the minimum salary requirement is 5,000 AED. This allows you to avoid any minimum balance requirements and benefit from features like free account setup, a debit card, and additional banking services.

How do I open a business account at Emirates NBD?

Opening a business bank account with Emirates NBD is straightforward. You’ll need to provide key documents such as the trade license, Memorandum of Association, passports, Emirates IDs of the company owners, and a board resolution (if applicable). The process can be started online, through the mobile app, or by visiting one of the branches. Once the documents are verified, the account can be set up, and you’ll gain access to all business banking services.