Introduction:
The UAE is one of the hottest up-and-coming countries for people to move to and attracts roughly 200,000 newcomers every year. It’s a place where you can enjoy the ocean, fast-paced city life, and so much more all in one place!
If you’re going to move to the United Arab Emirates, however, you need to have a bank account. Having a bank account (or several bank accounts) will make it easier for you to move money around and pay for goods and services in your new country.
To make things easier for you, we’ve put together a quick guide on how to open a bank account in UAE. Let’s dive in to learn everything you need to know about the UAE’s many banking services!
Key Points:
- 1. Types of Bank account in UAE
- 2. How to choose a Right bank account in UAE
- 3. Corporate Bank account in UAE
- 4. Key steps to open a bank account in UAE
- 5. Benefits of opening bank in UAE
Types of Bank Accounts in the UAE:
The next thing to know about before looking into bank account opening in the UAE is what types of bank accounts you can open. There are several different types of bank accounts, which cater to both non-residents and residents of the UAE.
Current Accounts:
An Emirates Islamic Current Account is a transaction account, which comes with a checking option for the accountholder. An Emirates Islamic Current Account comes with Debit card facilities, check-book, along with many other banking benefits.
A current account is ideal for transfers and transactions made on a daily basis. Your current account will come with a check-book, which is great for issuing rent checks to your landlord.
Banks in the United Arab Emirates usually allow you to open two types of current accounts. One type comes with salary transfers while the other does not.
If you have a job in the UAE, you can open an account at your employer’s bank to get your salary faster. If you use a different bank from your employer, it could take up to a few days for your salary to arrive.
You can open an Emirates Islamic Current Account for several major currencies, including USD*, GBP, AED, Euro, Yen, Saudi Riyal, Kuwaiti Dinar, Canadian Dollar, Qatari Riyal, Bahraini Dinar and Omani Riyal. However if you open your Current Account in a different currency it will not offer debit card and cheque book facility options.
When opening a Current Account the minimum balance requirement must maintain at least AED 3,000 in the account. However when your salary is transferred to the Current Account, the minimum balance requirement is waived.
Savings Accounts:
Many people in the UAE open a savings account so that they can get the most out of their money. Savings accounts offer higher interest rates than checking accounts do, but provide limited access to funds. They also can cause penalties for withdrawals.
Savings accounts usually operate on either a variable or fixed interest rate. Within your savings account you can choose which currency you’d like to denominate your funds in.
Savings accounts can also be used as salary accounts. However, savings accounts do not usually come with a check-book, which can make them a little inconvenient for this type of use.
When opening a savings account is important to choose the right bank. The interest rate, minimum deposit and fees for your savings account will differ from bank to bank. While these amounts may be minor they can add up over an extended period of time, costing you money.
Investment Accounts:
Another type of service you can take advantage of when opening a bank account in the UAE is an investment account. In the UAE, you can sign an investment agreement with any bank, which allows you to open an investment account.
The investment period for these usually ranges from 12 months to 10 years, but they can be longer, too. The investment agreement gives you a minimum assured ROI of 3-7% annually.
Just note that investment accounts come with minimum balances. The minimum required balance will vary depending on which bank you choose to partner with.
Offshore Accounts:
The UAE is a haven for expats, which is why the nation offers offshore banks from jurisdictions the world over. This is especially true in Dubai, where many expats choose to live and work.
In the United Arab Emirates, anyone who holds a valid residence visa is eligible to open an offshore account and use it to import and export their funds. It’s considered to be a secure, stable, and reliable way of moving money and usually involves lower taxes than other banking options.
Offshore banking encompasses many different services in the United Arab Emirates. A few of these services include:
- – Asset protection
- – Wealth management
- – Portfolio management
- – Private bank accounts
- – Company formation
- – Inheritance planning
How to Choose the Right Bank Account in UAE:
As an expat, it can be nerve-wracking to open a bank account in the UAE. You might be worried that you won’t be able to get all the services you need because you’re a foreigner.
The good news is that roughly 85% of the UAE’s population are expats, meaning that banks are more than used to dealing with your needs. They’ll have the resources needed to make sure that you get the assistance you require in opening your account.
Either way, there are a few questions you can ask to help you make sure that you’re opening a bank account with a good financial institution. Some key questions to ask include:
- 1. Do you have a required minimum balance and if so, what is it?
- 2. What fees and penalties are associated with the account?
- 3. Do you have requirements for salary transfers?
- 4. What is the monthly withdrawal limit?
- 5. What ATM cards, debit cards, and new checkbook fees should I be aware of?
- 6. Do you offer international transfer services and if so, where to and how long do they take?
- 7. How many ATM locations do you have and where are they?
- 8. What happens if my account has an outstanding loan and I lose my job?
Getting the answers to these questions will help you figure out whether or not this bank can meet your needs.
In addition to these questions, you should check to see if your employer banks with your chosen financial institution. This can make it easier for you to get access to your salary. You can also check out what other colleagues, friends and reviewers have to say about the bank. This will give you a good idea of what it’s like to bank with this company.
Manage Your Money With Ease in UAE: Knowing how to open a bank account in UAE is important for living and working in this beautiful country. With this handy guide, it’s easy to open a bank account and control your finances.
Corporate Bank Account in UAE:
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a global business hub known for its strategic location, tax benefits, and economic stability. As a result, it has become a popular destination for businesses looking to expand their operations in the Middle East. To facilitate business activities, opening a corporate bank account in the UAE is a fundamental step. In this blog, we’ll explore the process, requirements, and benefits of opening a corporate bank account in the UAE.
Why Open a Corporate Bank Account in the UAE?
- Strategic Location: The UAE’s strategic location provides easy access to markets in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia.
- Tax Advantages: Many free zones and financial centers offer tax benefits and incentives, making it an attractive choice for businesses.
- Stability: The UAE is politically stable with a robust economy, making it a secure environment for business operations.
- Business Opportunities: The country offers a wide range of business opportunities, including trade, finance, and services.
- Access to International Banking: UAE banks have a strong international presence, facilitating global financial transactions.
Key Steps to Open a Corporate Bank Account in the UAE:
- Choose the Type of Bank Account: Decide whether you want to open an account in a local or an international bank, depending on your business needs.
- Select the Appropriate Jurisdiction: The UAE has several jurisdictions, such as free zones and mainland areas. Choose the one that aligns with your business activities.
- Gather Required Documents: Prepare the necessary documents, which typically include:
a. Trade license and company registration documents.
b. Passport and visa copies of the company’s shareholders and directors.
c. Proof of address for all shareholders and directors.
d. Business plan or purpose of the account.
e. Bank account application form.
- Choose the Right Bank: Research and select a bank that suits your business’s needs, offering the required services and financial products.
- Visit the Bank: Schedule an appointment with the chosen bank and visit their branch in the UAE.
- Account Opening Process: Complete the account opening application, submit the required documents, and fulfill any additional requirements as per the bank’s policy.
- Due Diligence: The bank will conduct due diligence, including background checks on shareholders and directors.
- Initial Deposit: Deposit the initial funds required to activate the account. The minimum deposit varies from bank to bank.
- Bank Account Activation: Once the bank approves your application and conducts the necessary checks, your corporate account will be activated.
Benefits of Opening a Corporate Bank Account in the UAE:
- Tax Efficiency: Many free zones offer 0% corporate tax, making it a tax-efficient choice for businesses.
- Currency Options: UAE banks offer multi-currency accounts, facilitating international transactions.
- Access to Finance: Easy access to business loans, credit facilities, and other financial services.
- Asset Protection: The UAE’s legal system provides robust asset protection, ensuring your funds are secure.
- Global Banking Services: UAE banks are well-connected globally, making international transactions and trade easier.
Conclusion:
The launch of the ‘Dubai Unified License’ marks a significant milestone in the digitalization of government services in Dubai. This forward-thinking initiative is poised to transform the business landscape by simplifying processes, enhancing transparency, and promoting a more efficient and competitive business environment. As Dubai continues to position itself as a global business hub, the DUL stands as a testament to the city’s commitment to innovation, excellence, and economic growth.
WhatsApp +971-52-846-1732 to know more…
