• International Removals
  • Car Shipping
  • Faster Shipping
  • Safer Packing
  • Smarter Pricing
  • Destinations
    • Argentina
    • Australia
    • Brazil
    • Canada
    • Caribbean
    • China
    • Cyprus
    • Dubai
    • Greece
    • Hong Kong
    • Jamaica
    • Japan
    • Malta
    • New Zealand
    • Qatar
    • Saudi Arabia
    • Scotland
    • Singapore
    • South Africa
    • Thailand
    • Turkey
    • United States
Search
  • Contact Us
  • Get a Quote
1st Move International 1st Move International 1st Move Blog
  • International Removals
  • Car Shipping
  • Faster Shipping
  • Safer Packing
  • Smarter Pricing
  • Destinations
    • Argentina
    • Australia
    • Brazil
    • Canada
    • Caribbean
    • China
    • Cyprus
    • Dubai
    • Greece
    • Hong Kong
    • Jamaica
    • Japan
    • Malta
    • New Zealand
    • Qatar
    • Saudi Arabia
    • Scotland
    • Singapore
    • South Africa
    • Thailand
    • Turkey
    • United States
Home Moving Guides How to Open a Bank Account in Dubai (From Overseas)

How to Open a Bank Account in Dubai (From Overseas)

15th July 2020
UAE Dirhams - How to open a bank account in Dubai from overseas

If your you’re ready to start your long-term trip or life in the UAE, you’ll be full of questions, doubts and excitement. One thing you don’t want to leave to chance is setting up your bank account and ensuring access to money. In this article, we’ll explore how easy opening a bank account in Dubai from the UK is, and which bank will suit your needs.

The UAE has the most diversified economy in the Gulf Cooperation Council and the second-largest economy in the Arab world (after Saudi Arabia), and that brings a well-developed banking sector with it. Both Dubai and Abu Dhabi (the two largest cities in the country) are significant economic hubs, so regardless of where you choose to stay, there’ll be plenty of banking options to satisfy your needs. Whether you need a non resident bank account in Dubai or something to support your life there longer-term, you won’t be disappointed.

Can I Open an Account From Abroad?

The UAE is quite a unique country, in that its citizens only make up around 15 per cent of the population. The majority of those living, working and banking in the UAE are expatriates, so the economy and banking systems are well set-up to cope with foreign workers opening bank accounts. It’s certainly worth doing if you can manage it, as you can arrive knowing that your money is safe and secure, and that you’ll have access to it from day one.

Opening an account from outside of the country will not be particularly easy, as many accounts require a signature in the presence of a bank officer. Alternatively, you can open an account remotely, by giving a financial advisor legal permission to act on your behalf. Not all banks will accept this solution, so call first to find out. A final option is to use an online bank account like Ally Bank, which offers access to your money wherever you are in the world (no access to a physical office is an obvious drawback).

Opening a Bank Account in Dubai for Non Residents and Residents

If you are staying or visiting the UAE and don’t intend to apply to be a resident, then you canstillopen anon resident bank account in Dubai. The standard documentation requirements for opening an account are your passport, a letter from your employer, your UAE identification card, a copy of your visa and a local utility bill with your address.

If you have your residence permit, this will be a simple process, and you should walk out of the bank with your account ready to go. For non-residents, several of these documents are unobtainable, but given the number of expatriates living in the UAE, most banks are still able to open accounts for non-residents. The background and financial checks will likely take longer, but with a little patience, you’ll still have an account up and running before you know it.

Which Bank to Choose?

For long-term stays in the UAE, it’s worth thinking about using a national/local bank to have greater access and more control over what’s happening with your money.

These are some of the most popular banks in the UAE and their locations in Dubai, the largest city:

  • Emirates National Bank of Dubai (Emirates NBD) – 250 ATMs and branches
  • First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) – Over 100 ATMs and branches
  • Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) – 11 ATMs and branches
  • First Gulf Bank (FGB) – 14 ATMs and eight branches
  • Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) – 10 ATMs and branches
  • Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) – More than 700 ATMs and 80 branches across Dubai

You’ll also find some well-represented international banks in Dubai:

  • HSBC – 67 ATMs and 10 branches
  • Standard Chartered Bank – 14 ATMs and five branches
  • Citibank – 48 ATMs and two branches

The Emirates NBD Standard Current Account offers a free debit and credit card, and you can open the account using any approved foreign currency. The account comes with an easy-to-use mobile application, and you can get pre-approved overdraft services too. If you want an account that can be more flexible to your needs, the FAB Personal Current Account could be a good fit. You’ll need to be a resident to apply, but you’ll gain access to a free MasterCard debit card and premium lounge access at certain airports.

For those seeking freedom to move their money, the ADCB Current Account is perfect, with free internal transfers, a mobile application and plenty of online banking options too. If cash is king for you, then the FGB Current Account will be appealing. Unlimited cash withdrawals and access to an impressive number of partner ATMs mean with FGB, you’ll be able to find cash quickly and easily.

If you want your bank to help you organise your life, the DIB Al Islami Current Account offers bill paying facilities for DEWA or SEWA (water and electricity) utilities, as well as a free chequebook.

The ADIB Current Account is another of the banks that’s ideal for people who want to have increased access. Their 700 ATMs and higher withdrawal limits combine with one of the easiest mobile applications to use in the UAE banking system.

Bank Charges

While many of the ATMs around the country from your chosen bank will be free, one of the important charges to be aware of is around minimum balance requirements. The minimum balance for several of the above accounts is around 3,000 United Arab Dirham (AED) which equates to around £628. Allowing your account to dip below this amount can lead to hefty charges, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your account balance and understand your own bank’s charge system.

Opening a bank account in Dubai from the UK won’t be difficult as long as you have all the correct paperwork. The large non-Emirati population living in Dubai and Abu Dhabi mean banks are used to foreign nationals looking to open a non-resident bank account in Dubai. For residents, the process is even simpler and quicker. A more significant challenge will be to move all your belongings over and negotiate the airports, taxi and trains that will get you there. Instead, get in touch with 1st Move International, and let them use their expertise and experience to make your move stress-free and straightforward.

Are you moving to Dubai or the UAE in general? Did you know that the easiest and most hassle-free way to transport your belonging is by ship? At 1st Move International, we are experts in helping people move abroad. Call now or contact us here and let us take one more thing off your to-do list.

  • TAGS
  • dubai
  • bank account
Facebook
Twitter
    Adam

    RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

    The Top 5 Best Places for Expats Living in Canada

    The Ultimate Checklist for Moving Abroad During the Pandemic

    The Best Places to Move to in Australia for Professionals

    Categories

    • Moving Guides259
      • Australia63
      • Canada34
      • Cyprus12
      • Dubai6
      • Malta4
      • New Zealand41
      • Singapore4
      • South Africa19
      • USA49
    • Other Articles89

    Recent Posts

    • The Top 5 Best Places for Expats Living in Canada
    • The Ultimate Checklist for Moving Abroad During the Pandemic
    • The Best Places to Move to in Australia for Professionals
    • Everything You Need to Know About Shipping Belongings Overseas
    • The 10 Best Places for Digital Nomads to Live After COVID

    Popular Posts

    New Zealand Landscape - shipping to New Zealand

    Shipping to New Zealand: What You Can and Can’t Bring

    29th May 2020
    Visa stamp in passport

    Other Visa Options for New Zealand

    23rd October 2012
    Wellington cable cars

    Things to do in Wellington, New Zealand

    21st December 2015
    School Children

    Education in Australia – UK Comparison

    3rd December 2018

    Latest Expat Guides

    The Top 5 Best Places for Expats Living in Canada

    6th April 2021

    The Ultimate Checklist for Moving Abroad During the Pandemic

    17th March 2021

    The Best Places to Move to in Australia for Professionals

    2nd March 2021

    Recent Posts

    • The Top 5 Best Places for Expats Living in Canada
    • The Ultimate Checklist for Moving Abroad During the Pandemic
    • The Best Places to Move to in Australia for Professionals
    • Everything You Need to Know About Shipping Belongings Overseas
    • The 10 Best Places for Digital Nomads to Live After COVID

    Popular Posts

    New York Harbour

    UK Expat Accounts Under Threat in the US

    1st July 2016
    Brisbane, Australia

    The Best Australian Cities for Quality of Life

    13th September 2018
    Living in Dubai - Burj Khalifa

    Pros and Cons of Moving to Dubai

    12th April 2019
    1st Move International Logo
    ABOUT US
    1st Move International Removals are a specialist overseas moving company offering bespoke packing and fast weekly shipping services for personal effects and household goods. Direct from the UK to over 6500 worldwide destinations, you can be assured of a Faster, Safer, Smarter move.
    FOLLOW US
    • PRIVACY & COOKIE POLICY
    • SITEMAP
    © 2020 1st Move International
    Edit with Live CSS
    Save
    Write CSS OR LESS and hit save. CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete.