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With our online services, applying for your business account is hassle-free and convenient. You can do this from anywhere and at any time.
- We work with almost all banks in the UAE
- Free zone, mainland and offshore companies supported
- Zero-balance and digital options available
- Dedicated account officer from start to finish
Get Your Free Bank Account Consultation
Free. No obligation. We reply within [30 minutes] during working hours.
Everything You Need to Open a Business Account in the UAE
Eligibility & Documents.
Find out who can apply and what to prepare before you start.
Check requirements →Choose Your Bank.
We work with almost all banks in the UAE. Find the one that fits your business.
Compare banks →Our Services.
From application to approval, see how we handle everything for you.
See our services →We Open Business Accounts With the UAE’s Leading Banks
Every business is different. We compare your company type, activity, and needs against each bank’s requirements, and recommend the best match, so you avoid rejections and wasted time.
We are an independent service provider and are not affiliated with or owned by any bank. Bank names and logos belong to their respective owners. Account approval is at each bank’s sole discretion.
Emirates NBD Business Account
Best for: Established SMEs and corporates that want a large branch network
One of the UAE’s biggest banks, with a wide range of business accounts, cards, financing, and a full online banking platform. A strong choice for companies that value an established name and in-person support.
- Wide branch and ATM network across the UAE
- Online business banking and cash management tools
- Account options for SMEs, mid-sized firms and corporates
Mashreq Business Account
Best for: Startups and SMEs that want digital-first banking
Mashreq is known for its digital approach to business banking, including its NEO BIZ proposition for small businesses. Suited to companies that prefer mobile banking and quick set-up.
- Strong digital and mobile banking experience
- Options designed for small businesses and startups
- Support for free zone and mainland companies
RAKBANK Business Account
Best for: Small businesses, startups and free zone companies
RAKBANK is popular with small and medium businesses, with simple account packages and a focus on helping new companies get started.
- Packages built for small and growing businesses
- Free zone and mainland companies considered
- Simple banking products and clear pricing
Wio Business Account
Best for: Startups, freelancers and tech-friendly SMEs
Wio is a digital bank with a mobile-first platform. A good fit for entrepreneurs who want fast, paperless banking and modern money-management tools.
- Digital-first, app-based banking
- Built with startups and small businesses in mind
- Simple, fast onboarding for eligible companies
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) Business Account
Best for: Businesses that need Sharia-compliant banking
ADIB offers Islamic business banking solutions for companies that want their banking to follow Sharia principles, with accounts, financing and trade services for different business sizes.
- Sharia-compliant business accounts
- Financing and trade solutions for companies
- Suitable for SMEs and larger corporates
Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) Business Account
Best for: Dubai-based companies that prefer Islamic banking
The world’s first full-service Islamic bank offers business current accounts and related services, with a strong presence in Dubai.
- Islamic banking solutions for businesses
- Strong presence and branch network in Dubai
- Accounts, cards and financing support
First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) Business Account
Best for: Larger companies, trading firms and international business
FAB is the UAE’s largest bank and is a strong choice for companies with international trade, higher volumes, or complex needs.
- Strong for international and trade banking
- Suited to larger and well-established companies
- Extensive corporate and treasury services
Still not sure which bank fits your business? Let our expert choose for you →
Who Can Open a Business Bank Account in the UAE?
If your business meets the points below, you are ready to start. If not, we will tell you what is missing and how to fix it.
| # | Requirement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | UAE-registered business | Your company must be legally registered in the UAE (mainland, free zone, or offshore, depending on the bank). |
| 2 | Valid trade licence | A current trade licence or certificate of incorporation. |
| 3 | Clear ownership | Individual shareholders and sole owners are simplest. If a company owns your company, we will guide you on the extra papers. |
| 4 | Valid IDs | Passports and Emirates IDs (or entry stamps) for all owners and authorized signatories. |
| 5 | Company documents | Memorandum of Association or Articles of Association, and a Board Resolution if required. |
| 6 | Business proof | Lease or Ejari, business plan or company profile, and past bank statements if your company is already operating. |
Still not sure which bank fits your business? Let our expert choose for you
Which Bank Is Right for Your Business? A Quick Comparison
| Bank | Best for | Banking style | Min. balance | Free zone friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emirates NBD | Established SMEs, corporates | Traditional + digital | [Check] | [Yes / Case by case] |
| Mashreq | Startups, SMEs | Digital-first | [Check] | [Yes / Case by case] |
| RAKBANK | Small business, startups | Traditional + digital | [Check] | [Yes / Case by case] |
| Wio Bank | Startups, freelancers | 100% digital | [Check] | [Yes / Case by case] |
| ADIB | Sharia-compliant needs | Islamic | [Check] | [Yes / Case by case] |
| DIB | Dubai Islamic banking | Islamic | [Check] | [Yes / Case by case] |
| FAB | Large and trading firms | Traditional + corporate | [Check] | [Yes / Case by case] |
*Requirements and fees are set by each bank and may change. We confirm the latest details for you before you apply.
Open Your Business Account in 4 Simple Steps
| Step | Title | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Free Consultation | Tell us about your business. We check your eligibility and recommend the best bank for your needs. (About 15 minutes) |
| 2 | Share Documents | Send us your documents on WhatsApp or email. We review them and fix any gaps before submitting, so the bank gets a clean file. |
| 3 | We Submit & Follow Up | We prepare and submit your application, and handle all follow-ups and bank questions for you. (Typically [X–Y working days]) |
| 4 | Account Activated | Once approved, we guide you through activation and online banking so you can start receiving payments. |
Documents Required to Open a Business Account in the UAE
Requirements differ slightly by bank and company type. Here is a general checklist to get started. We will give you the exact list after your free consultation.
Free zone company
- Trade licence and certificate of incorporation
- Memorandum or Articles of Association
- Share certificate and lease or flexi-desk agreement
- Passports, visas and Emirates IDs of owners and signatories
- Company profile or business plan
Mainland company
- Trade licence and Ejari (tenancy contract)
- MOA / Articles of Association
- Passports, visas and Emirates IDs of owners and signatories
- VAT certificate (if registered)
- Previous bank statements (if the business is operating)
Non-resident owner or offshore company
- Passport copies and proof of address
- Certificate of incorporation and registers
- Company profile and proof of business activity
- Source of funds and wealth documents
Banks may ask for extra documents at their discretion.
Business Bank Account Opening in the UAE for High-Risk Nationalities
UAE banks apply extra checks to company owners from some countries, which can cause delays or rejections. We help you open a business bank account (not a personal account) with a complete, compliance-ready application, matched to the bank most likely to accept your profile.
Nationalities we commonly assist:
Don’t see your country? Contact us, as we assist many other nationalities too.
How we help:
- Choose the right bank for your nationality and company type
- Prepare source-of-funds and compliance documents
- Handle bank questions and follow-ups for you
- Re-apply to another bank if the first one declines
For corporate and business accounts only. Approval is decided by the bank, and we do not guarantee it.
Why Was Your Business Bank Account Application Rejected in the UAE?
Rejection is common, and the cause is often fixable. These are the most frequent reasons:
Incomplete or incorrect documents.
Missing pages, expired IDs or an outdated licence.
Unclear business activity.
The bank cannot see what you do or who your customers are.
No proof of source of funds.
Banks must know where your capital comes from.
Nationality or country risk.
Owners or partners linked to high-risk countries face extra checks.
Complex ownership.
Multi-layered structures or unclear beneficial owners.
No real UAE presence.
No office, lease or Ejari can make a company look like a shell.
High-risk activity.
Crypto, forex, gold, money exchange and general trading get stricter review.
Poor banking history.
Past defaults or bounced cheques.
Wrong bank choice.
Each bank has its own risk appetite.
Too many applications.
Applying to many banks quickly looks suspicious.
Inconsistent information.
Details that don’t match across your licence, documents and website.
What to do next: we find out why your application was declined, fix the gaps, and re-submit to a bank that suits your business.
Get a Free Application ReviewBanks make the final decision, and we do not guarantee approval.
Why Business Owners Trust Buraqs to Open Their Bank Account
Right bank, first time.
We match you to the bank most likely to approve you, which reduces the risk of rejection.
Faster process.
Clean, complete applications move faster.
One point of contact.
One account officer handles everything. No chasing multiple people.
Reply in minutes.
Quick answers on WhatsApp, call or email.
Honest advice.
If your profile is not ready, we tell you straight and show you how to fix it.
All business types.
Free zone, mainland, offshore, startups and non-residents.
What Our Clients Say
Real feedback from business owners who opened their UAE business accounts with our help.
I had been rejected by two banks before contacting them. They reviewed my documents, told me exactly what was missing, and recommended the right bank. My account was active within days. Very fast and clear.
Ahmed K.
As a non-resident founder, I thought opening a UAE account would be impossible. They explained every document, handled the follow-ups, and answered my WhatsApp messages within minutes. Highly recommended.
Sarah M.
Honest advice from the first call. They told me which bank suited my startup and which one to avoid. One account officer handled everything, so I never had to chase anyone. Smooth experience.
Rohan P.
Ready to Open Your Business Account?
Book a free consultation and find out which bank is best for your company. It takes just 15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Business Bank Account Opening in the UAE
1. How long does it take to open a business bank account in the UAE?
The timeline depends on the bank, your company type, and how complete your documents are. Many applications take around [X–Y working days]. Complex structures or non-resident owners can take longer. We will give you a realistic estimate after reviewing your file.
2. What documents are required to open a business bank account in Dubai?
Typically you need your trade licence, incorporation documents (MOA/AOA), passports and Emirates IDs of owners and signatories, proof of address or Ejari, and a company profile. Banks may ask for more.
3. Can I open a business account for a free zone company?
Yes. Many UAE banks accept free zone companies. Requirements vary by bank and by free zone, and we will match you with the bank that suits your licence.
4. Can non-residents open a UAE business bank account?
In many cases, yes, particularly for UAE-registered companies. Banks usually ask for more compliance documents from non-resident owners. Contact us to check your situation.
5. Which is the best bank for a small business or startup in the UAE?
There is no single best bank. Digital-first banks like Wio and Mashreq NEO BIZ often suit startups, while RAKBANK is popular with small businesses, and Emirates NBD and FAB suit larger companies. We will help you choose based on your needs.
6. Is there a minimum balance requirement for a business account?
It depends on the bank and the account type. Some offer low or zero minimum balance options, and others charge a fee if you fall below the required average balance. We will tell you the current details for each bank.
7. Do you guarantee my account will be approved?
No. Account approval is always decided by the bank, and no honest service can guarantee it. What we do is improve your chances by choosing the right bank and submitting a complete, clear application.
8. Do I need to visit the bank in person?
This varies. Some banks, especially digital ones, let you apply largely online, while others may need a signing visit or a video call. We will tell you exactly what is required for your bank.
9. Can I open an Islamic business account?
Yes. Banks like Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) and Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) offer Sharia-compliant business accounts. We can help you apply.
10. What happens if my application is rejected?
We will find out the reason from the bank, fix the issue where possible, and help you apply to another bank. Our Premium package includes re-application support.
11. How much do your services cost?
Our fees depend on the package you choose. Bank fees are separate and are paid directly to the bank.
12. Can you also help me set up my company?
Yes. If you do not have a company yet, we can handle company formation and your bank account together. Ask about our setup bundle.
13. Are you affiliated with the banks?
No. We are an independent service provider. We help you prepare and submit your application, and the bank makes the final decision.
Open Your Business Bank Account With Confidence
Talk to a specialist today. We will review your business, recommend the right bank, and handle the process from start to finish.
Buraqs is an independent business services provider and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of Emirates NBD, Mashreq, RAKBANK, Wio Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Dubai Islamic Bank, First Abu Dhabi Bank, or any other bank. All bank names and logos are trademarks of their respective owners and are used for identification only. Account approval, terms, fees and requirements are determined solely by each bank and may change without notice.
