How to Open a Non-Resident Bank Account in UAE

Whether you are moving to the UAE for personal or professional reasons, you need a bank account to manage and protect your monetary assets, which is possible only if you open a bank account. Banks and other financial institutions in the UAE offer a wide range of bank account options for non-residents with various exciting features and benefits.

While UAE residents need to meet specific eligibility criteria to open a bank account, non-residents can open a bank account online. However, one needs to be present in the country to open a bank account online or offline. 

In the UAE, opening a bank account online for non-residents can become problematic if you do not follow the correct process. We are here to take you through all the basic requirements and a simple process for opening a bank account online for non-residents with great ease.

 

 

Features and Benefits of Non-Resident Bank Accounts in UAE

Here are the major features and benefits of a non-resident bank account in the UAE.

1. Online Banking

Non-resident bank accounts in the UAE can be opened and operated through an online banking portal. The account holders can log in to their online banking portal using their banking credentials and access their account details with great ease. With online banking, they can make quick fund transfers, order a chequebook, request a debit card replacement and more, depending upon their requirements.

2. Mobile Banking

Non-resident bank account members can also operate their bank accounts using the bank’s mobile banking app. They can download the mobile app from their chosen app store and register on the same with their bank account number to create their unique ID and password. They can then use these credentials to log in to the mobile app and access their account details.

3. Debit Card

Most banks in the UAE offer free debit cards to non-resident bank account holders. The account holders can use these debit cards at ATMs to withdraw funds from their bank accounts. Additionally, they can use these debit cards to shop at over 20 million retail stores around the world.

4. Fund Transfers

With non-resident bank accounts, the account holders can make easy fund transfers. They can log in to their bank account through an online or mobile banking portal and make quick transactions in just a few clicks.

5. Full-time Help and Support

Banks in the UAE offer full-time help and support services for non-resident bank account holders. They can get in touch with the bank’s helpdesk anytime to find answers to their queries.

6. E-Statements

Non-resident bank account holders can use the monthly e-statement facility to keep track of their transactions and other banking activities. With these statements, they can avoid making unnecessary transactions and grow their savings.

7. Quick Account Opening Process

Banks in the UAE allow opening a bank account online for non-residents. The applicants can simply visit the bank’s website and fill in the online application form to open the bank account. They can upload all the required documents online and have the welcome kit delivered to their doorstep in no time. 

8. Multiple Currencies

Non-resident bank accounts can be opened and operated in multiple currencies. With this facility, the account holders can make quick fund transfers in their preferred currency with great ease.

9. Standing Instructions

With non-resident bank accounts in the UAE, the account holders can set up standing instructions for recurring payments. This helps them make their bill payments on time without worrying about remembering to pay every month.

10. Initial Deposit

Some non-resident bank accounts have an initial deposit or minimum balance requirement. The account holders need to meet these requirements in order to keep their bank accounts active.

Requirements for Opening a Non-Resident Bank Account in UAE

Here are a few major requirements for opening a non-resident bank account in the UAE.

• A valid passport with a UAE entry page
• Address proof – Utility bills/an address confirmation by municipality or city council
• A reference letter from the previous bank from the country of origin where the applicant has an active bank account
• Curriculum vitae (CV) with updated personal and professional background
• Personal bank statements for the last three to six months (as required by the chosen bank)
• Signature of the applicant

Once all the documents and details are provided, the bank takes up to two weeks to open a bank account for non-residents. Upon approval, the bank sends the confirmation through a formal email sent to the applicants’ registered email address. The applicants also get online instructions for logging into their newly-opened bank account in this email.

How to Open a Bank Account Online for Non-Residents in UAE?

Here are a few simple steps to open a bank account online for non-resident applicants in the UAE.

1. Explore Your Options

First, the applicants must explore the available non-resident bank account options. They can visit our website and go to the bank accounts section to find the best-fit options with detailed features and benefits. This helps them make the right decision based on their financial needs.

2. Choose the Bank Account

The applicants must consider the interest rates, minimum balance requirements and other benefits before choosing to open a bank account. Most banks in the UAE offer higher interest rates on the account balance maintained by the account holders. The applicants must choose the bank account with the best interest rates. This helps them grow their savings in a short period.

3. Check the Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for non-resident bank accounts may vary from bank to bank. The applicants must go through the eligibility criteria for their chosen non-resident bank account and ensure that they meet all the basic requirements. They must also check the list of required documents and organise them in a folder before applying for their preferred bank account.

4. Provide Your Details

Once the applicants find that they are eligible and have all the required documents in place, they can go ahead and fill out the online application form for their chosen non-resident bank account. In the form, they need to provide details like their name, postal address, mobile number, email address, monthly income, etc. as per the required fields. 

5. Submit the Application

After filling the online application form, the applicants need to upload all the essential documents and submit the application for their preferred non-resident bank account. Once done, they need to wait for one of the bank’s representatives to contact them, verify their details, and process the application. It takes up to two weeks for the bank to open a bank account for non-residents from the application approval date.

Top Banks for Opening a Non-Resident Bank Account in UAE

Here is the list of top banks in the UAE that allow opening a bank account online for non-residents.

1. Emirates National Bank of Dubai

Emirates National Bank of Dubai allows opening a bank account online for non-residents in just a few clicks. All that the applicants need to do is fill in the online application form and upload all the essential documents. 

Here are the features and benefits offered by the Emirates NBD non-resident bank accounts.  

• Free and instant money transfers
• Visa Electron Card
• Free online and mobile banking services
• Quick account opening process
• Free ATM card
• Personalised chequebooks
• Online fund transfers
• Available in multiple currencies
• Standing instructions
• Easy cash withdrawals
• Higher interest rates
• International debit card
• Flexibility and support

2. First Abu Dhabi Bank

First Abu Dhabi Bank is one of the leading banks in the UAE that allows to open a bank account online for non-residents. The new applicants can visit the bank’s website and existing customers can log in to their online banking account to open a non-resident bank account with great ease.

Here are the features and benefits offered by the First Abu Dhabi Bank non-resident bank accounts.

• Free and instant money transfers
• Free online and mobile banking services
• Quick account opening process
• Online fund transfers
• Free FAB MasterCard debit card
• Personalised chequebooks
• Standing instructions
• Minimum income requirements
• Easy cash withdrawals
• Higher interest rates
• Average monthly balance requirements
• Available in multiple currencies
• Full-time help and support
• Complimentary airport lounge access

3. Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank

Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank offers the most convenient process for opening a bank account online for non-residents. The bank enables account holders to enjoy a wide range of reliable financial solutions to grow their savings in no time.

Here are the features and benefits that the Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank non-resident bank accounts offer.

• Quick account opening process
• Instant money transfers
• Online and mobile banking services
• Online fund transfers
• Convenient ATM withdrawals
• Free debit card
• Standing instructions
• Available in multiple currencies
• Exciting reward programs
• Minimum income requirements
• Higher interest rates
• Average monthly balance requirements
• Full-time help and support
• Free e-statements

4. Dubai Islamic Bank

Dubai Islamic Bank offers a wide range of non-resident bank account options. The applicants can open these bank accounts both online and offline. To apply for a non-resident bank account online, the applicants need to fill in the application form and submit the same with all the essential documents.

Here are the features and benefits of the Dubai Islamic Bank non-resident bank accounts.

• Available in multiple currencies
• Quick account opening process
• Instant money transfers
• Electronic banking
• Online fund transfers
• Higher interest rates
• Convenient ATM withdrawals
• Debit card
• Standing instructions
• Full-time help and support
• Minimum income requirements
• Average monthly balance requirements
• Free e-statements

The Bottom Line

We hope this article helps you understand almost everything you need to know before opening a bank account online for non-residents. In case you need any further assistance, you can always contact our help and support team and explore your options. Our financial experts take you through a detailed comparison between your shortlisted bank accounts to help you choose the one that best fits your requirements. Do not hesitate to call us and open a bank account with great ease today.