Everything you need to know about opening a bank account in Dubai. Compare banks, understand requirements, and learn about digital banking, transfers, and financial services.
Dubai's banking sector is modern, sophisticated, and expat-friendly, with most banks offering services entirely in English. The UAE has over 50 banks including local, regional, and international institutions, all regulated by the Central Bank of the UAE.
Opening a bank account is essential for receiving salary, paying rent (post-dated cheques), setting up utilities, and managing daily finances. While the process has become more streamlined, understanding requirements and choosing the right bank can save time and money.
| Account Type | Minimum Balance | Monthly Salary | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Savings | AED 0-3,000 | No requirement | Students, low income |
| Standard Current | AED 3,000-5,000 | AED 5,000+ | Regular employees |
| Premium/Gold | AED 10,000-25,000 | AED 15,000+ | Mid-level professionals |
| Platinum/Priority | AED 50,000-100,000 | AED 25,000+ | High earners |
| Private Banking | AED 350,000+ | AED 50,000+ | High net worth |
| Islamic | Varies | Varies | Sharia-compliant banking |
Top Local Banks:
Emirates NBD
Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB)
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB)
FAB (First Abu Dhabi Bank)
Mashreq Bank
Research banks, compare features, check employer preferences
Collect all documents, get employer letters, make copies
Book appointment, submit application, provide biometrics
Pay minimum balance, activate salary transfer
Receive account number, temporary debit card/PIN
Register for online/mobile banking, set up security
Collect debit card, credit card (if approved), cheque book (after first salary)
| Service | Standard Account | Premium Account |
|---|---|---|
| Account Maintenance | AED 25-50/month | Free with minimum balance |
| Debit Card Annual | AED 100-300 | Free |
| ATM Withdrawal (Own) | Free | Free |
| ATM Withdrawal (Other) | AED 2-5 | Free (limited) |
| International Transfer | AED 50-150 | AED 25-75 |
| Cheque Book | AED 50-100 | Free |
| Statement Request | AED 25-50 | Free |
| Balance Below Minimum | AED 25-100/month | AED 50-200/month |
Online Banking Features:
Mobile Banking Apps:
Digital Payment Methods:
Bank Wire Transfers:
Exchange Houses:
Digital Transfer Services:
Factors to Consider:
Credit Card Requirements:
Credit Limit:
Popular Credit Card Benefits:
Personal Loans:
Key Principles:
Islamic Account Types:
Major Islamic Banks:
Considerations:
Account Management:
Saving Money:
Before Leaving Dubai:
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Generally no. Most banks require a residence visa. However, some banks offer "visitor accounts" with restrictions (no cheque book, limited services) requiring passport, proof of home country address, and reference letter from home bank. These are becoming increasingly rare due to regulations.
Basic account opening can be instant to 2-3 days with all documents ready. Full activation with online banking takes 3-5 days. Cheque books are issued after first salary credit (1 month). Credit cards take 7-14 days for approval and delivery.
Banks usually give 1-3 months grace period to find new employment. Without salary transfer, account may be downgraded with fees applied. Clear any loans/credit cards immediately as these become due. You can maintain the account without salary but with limited services.
Yes, there's no limit on the number of bank accounts. However, salary can only be transferred to one bank. Multiple accounts may affect credit applications. Each bank will check your credit bureau report showing other bank relationships.
Yes, the UAE Deposit Protection Scheme covers eligible deposits up to AED 200,000 per depositor per bank. This covers current, savings, and time deposits in local and foreign currencies. Investment products are not covered.
Write cheques dated for future rent payment dates (monthly, quarterly, or annually). Give them to landlord at lease signing. Bank will only honor them on the specified date. Ensure sufficient funds before each date to avoid bouncing (criminal offense).
Yes, expats can get mortgages up to 75-80% of property value (vs 80-85% for UAE nationals). Minimum salary usually AED 15,000-25,000. Maximum term is typically age 65-70. Interest rates range from 2.5-5% variable or fixed.
Compare total costs between banks, exchange houses, and digital services like Wise. For regular transfers, set up standing orders with exchange houses for better rates. Digital services often offer best rates for large amounts. Banks are convenient but expensive.
Dubai's banking sector is modern, sophisticated, and expat-friendly, with most banks offering services entirely in English. The UAE has over 50 banks including local, regional, and international institutions, all regulated by the Central Bank of the UAE.
Opening a bank account is essential for receiving salary, paying rent (post-dated cheques), setting up utilities, and managing daily finances. While the process has become more streamlined, understanding requirements and choosing the right bank can save time and money.
| Account Type | Minimum Balance | Monthly Salary | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Savings | AED 0-3,000 | No requirement | Students, low income |
| Standard Current | AED 3,000-5,000 | AED 5,000+ | Regular employees |
| Premium/Gold | AED 10,000-25,000 | AED 15,000+ | Mid-level professionals |
| Platinum/Priority | AED 50,000-100,000 | AED 25,000+ | High earners |
| Private Banking | AED 350,000+ | AED 50,000+ | High net worth |
| Islamic | Varies | Varies | Sharia-compliant banking |
Top Local Banks:
Emirates NBD
Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB)
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB)
FAB (First Abu Dhabi Bank)
Mashreq Bank
Research banks, compare features, check employer preferences
Collect all documents, get employer letters, make copies
Book appointment, submit application, provide biometrics
Pay minimum balance, activate salary transfer
Receive account number, temporary debit card/PIN
Register for online/mobile banking, set up security
Collect debit card, credit card (if approved), cheque book (after first salary)
| Service | Standard Account | Premium Account |
|---|---|---|
| Account Maintenance | AED 25-50/month | Free with minimum balance |
| Debit Card Annual | AED 100-300 | Free |
| ATM Withdrawal (Own) | Free | Free |
| ATM Withdrawal (Other) | AED 2-5 | Free (limited) |
| International Transfer | AED 50-150 | AED 25-75 |
| Cheque Book | AED 50-100 | Free |
| Statement Request | AED 25-50 | Free |
| Balance Below Minimum | AED 25-100/month | AED 50-200/month |
Online Banking Features:
Mobile Banking Apps:
Digital Payment Methods:
Bank Wire Transfers:
Exchange Houses:
Digital Transfer Services:
Factors to Consider:
Credit Card Requirements:
Credit Limit:
Popular Credit Card Benefits:
Personal Loans:
Key Principles:
Islamic Account Types:
Major Islamic Banks:
Considerations:
Account Management:
Saving Money:
Before Leaving Dubai:
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Generally no. Most banks require a residence visa. However, some banks offer "visitor accounts" with restrictions (no cheque book, limited services) requiring passport, proof of home country address, and reference letter from home bank. These are becoming increasingly rare due to regulations.
Basic account opening can be instant to 2-3 days with all documents ready. Full activation with online banking takes 3-5 days. Cheque books are issued after first salary credit (1 month). Credit cards take 7-14 days for approval and delivery.
Banks usually give 1-3 months grace period to find new employment. Without salary transfer, account may be downgraded with fees applied. Clear any loans/credit cards immediately as these become due. You can maintain the account without salary but with limited services.
Yes, there's no limit on the number of bank accounts. However, salary can only be transferred to one bank. Multiple accounts may affect credit applications. Each bank will check your credit bureau report showing other bank relationships.
Yes, the UAE Deposit Protection Scheme covers eligible deposits up to AED 200,000 per depositor per bank. This covers current, savings, and time deposits in local and foreign currencies. Investment products are not covered.
Write cheques dated for future rent payment dates (monthly, quarterly, or annually). Give them to landlord at lease signing. Bank will only honor them on the specified date. Ensure sufficient funds before each date to avoid bouncing (criminal offense).
Yes, expats can get mortgages up to 75-80% of property value (vs 80-85% for UAE nationals). Minimum salary usually AED 15,000-25,000. Maximum term is typically age 65-70. Interest rates range from 2.5-5% variable or fixed.
Compare total costs between banks, exchange houses, and digital services like Wise. For regular transfers, set up standing orders with exchange houses for better rates. Digital services often offer best rates for large amounts. Banks are convenient but expensive.