How To Open A Business Bank Account In The UAE For Entrepreneurs

Author: Melban Mascarenhas
Published: December 16, 2021
Category: Entrepreneurship

Introduction

When starting up your dream business, it is crucial for all documentation and legal procedures to be in order, to ensure the smooth flow of operations. One of the major requirements every business must follow is opening a business bank account. This business bank account will not be in the name of the entrepreneur but rather in the name of the company itself. The business bank account will handle all bank related transactions the business may deal in.

Growing a business in the UAE without a corporate bank account is nearly impossible, and having one proves itself to be a stable medium through which cash flow and other balances can be observed. In this article, we explore how you can open a business bank account for your business easily.

The Importance of a Business Bank Account

Having a business bank account is crucial to running a business for a multitude of reasons:

Eligibility Criteria to Start a Corporate Bank Account in the UAE

There are a few criteria involved in determining whether a business is eligible to create a business bank account:

1. Minimum Deposit

Before creating a corporate bank account, you will have to deposit a certain amount of money as an initial deposit. This is done to show banks that your business has the adequate amount of funds needed to start and run operations smoothly. Each bank has different requirements regarding the amount to be deposited and can even vary depending on whether your company is a mainland business, or one set up in a free zone business. Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone provides assistance with setting up business bank accounts along with a zero-paid-up capital policy.

2. Minimum Average Balance

In order to maintain a business bank account, you will need to show consistent bank balances to banks. The average balance is generally determined by the bank you are working with.

3. Know Your Customer (KYC)

You must provide your bank with an accurate profile of your existing and potential customers and clients. This aids the bank in understanding your business better and can result in your application process for various bank services being streamlined onto a fast track.

Process of Starting a Business Bank Account

The process of opening a business bank account can be done online as well as in person at the bank. For both, you'll be required to follow the same procedure and submit the following basic documents:

Required Documents

Document Type Description
Company Trade License Official business license
Memorandum of Association Company formation document
Passport, Visa, and Emirates ID Required for all partners
Office Tenancy or Ejari Contract For physical office (if applicable)

Application Process

These are the most basic documents that you will be mandated to submit along with your application. The requirements may slightly vary depending on whether your business is in a free zone, is a foreign entity, or is an offshore entity.

Getting Assistance with Business Bank Account Setup

Starting a business bank account can be intimidating, especially if you are new to the field of business. Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone offers expert consultation services to help entrepreneurs navigate the business bank account opening process.

Contact Information:

The consultants can break down what your business needs to do to start a business bank account with ease.

Key Takeaways

Related Resources


This guide is provided by Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPCFZ), a free zone authority in the UAE offering business setup and support services for entrepreneurs.