What has changed by 2026
- Banks require proof of genuine activity: contracts, clients, a website, turnover;
- The full ownership structure is vetted down to the ultimate beneficial owner (UBO);
- A brand-new business is accepted only as a mainland company. A free zone or offshore structure — only as the continuation of an existing business with a track record;
- High-risk sectors (trading desks, crypto, intermediary trade) require additional approvals;
- Statements covering prior activity must come from banks not under sanctions.
Balance requirements
The key figure to be ready for: banks expect a working balance on the corporate account. For new international clients, a realistic 2026 benchmark is 200,000 – 500,000 AED. This is not a blocked deposit — it is a balance that shows the bank the client is serious.
If such a balance is not feasible, the working option is a mainland company serving the local UAE market or low-risk destinations (Europe, parts of Asia). Operating with high-risk jurisdictions on a small balance and without a personal banker almost guarantees account closure.
Mainland or free zone: where is the account easier?
In general, a mainland company gets an account more easily: physical presence, local operations, a model the bank understands. Much depends on the specific free zone, however — companies from Meydan Free Zone, for example, successfully open accounts with Emirates NBD, Dubai Islamic Bank and CBD.
Key nuance: even a mainland company declaring purely offshore trade with no local market connection will be vetted as strictly as a free zone one. What decides is not the legal form but the substance of the business plan and how you present the activity at the bank interview.
Banks we work with
|
Bank |
Best for |
|---|---|
|
Emirates NBD |
Consulting, services and professional activities |
|
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) |
Trading companies — faster opening, fewer questions |
|
First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) |
Companies with an investment package — maximum transaction loyalty |
|
Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) |
A universal option; accepts a number of free zones well |
|
United Bank Limited (UBL) |
A new player, a working alternative |
Opening speed is comparable — the activity, ownership structure and document quality decide. Matching the bank to the company profile is the first step of our work.
Documents for a corporate account
- trade licence;
- constituent documents (MoA, share certificates);
- passports and visas of shareholders and directors;
- ownership structure down to UBOs, source of funds / source of wealth;
- business plan: activity, counterparties, payment geography, expected turnover;
- proof of existing business: contracts, statements, website (mandatory for free zones);
- office lease / Ejari (on the bank’s request).
How we open a corporate account
- Analysis of the company and beneficiaries, banking risk assessment.
- Bank selection for the activity and structure.
- Business plan and the full document package in the bank’s format.
- Bank interview preparation — the most underrated stage: a poor formulation at the interview creates risks where none exist.
- Submission, compliance review support, account activation.
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