Who this is for
- Newly licensed mainland and free zone companies
- Overseas-owned UAE companies whose shareholders are not resident
- Businesses in sectors that banks review more closely
- Companies whose earlier application was declined for incomplete information
What Scaleon helps with
- Understanding your business model and expected account use
- Preparing a bank-specific document checklist
- Drafting a business profile and expected transaction-flow summary
- Guidance on presenting source-of-funds and source-of-wealth information
- Assembling and reviewing the application materials
- Following up on bank queries and additional document requests
Why preparation matters
Banks assess risk based on the information in front of them. Applications are often delayed because the business description is vague, expected transaction volumes are missing, or the ownership chain is unclear. A well-organised pack helps the bank's compliance team understand the business quickly, though the final decision always remains with the bank.
Typical bank document checklist
- Trade licence, certificate of incorporation and memorandum or articles
- Shareholder register, share certificates and an ownership structure chart
- Passports, visas and Emirates IDs of shareholders, managers and signatories
- Proof of business address, such as an Ejari or lease agreement
- Business plan or company profile, contracts, invoices or letters of intent
- Personal bank statements or CVs of key shareholders, if requested
Business profile and transaction flows
We help you describe your products or services, main customers and suppliers, the countries you will deal with, expected monthly incoming and outgoing volumes, and the payment methods you will use. Showing realistic figures, rather than optimistic ones, generally makes for a more credible application.
Source of funds and source of wealth
Source of funds explains where the money for the company and its initial transactions comes from, for example shareholder capital from salary savings or the sale of another business. Source of wealth explains how the beneficial owners built their overall wealth. Banks may ask for supporting evidence for both, especially for higher-risk profiles. We guide you on what to gather; we do not verify or certify it.
Choosing which bank to approach
Banks differ in their appetite for certain sectors, free zones, nationalities and transaction profiles, and in minimum balance or fee requirements. We help you think through practical fit based on your profile. Any account conditions, fees or minimum balances are set by the bank and should be confirmed directly with it.
Information usually needed
- Trade licence and company constitutional documents
- Shareholder and beneficial owner details and identification
- Proof of business premises
- Business plan, profile or website, and sample contracts or invoices
- Information on expected transaction volumes and counterparties
- Source-of-funds and source-of-wealth supporting documents
What you receive
- A bank document checklist for your profile
- A written business profile and transaction-flow summary
- A reviewed application pack ready to submit to the bank
- Support responding to bank follow-up questions
What affects the fee
- Complexity of the ownership structure
- Number of shareholders and whether they are UAE resident
- Business sector and cross-border transaction profile
- Number of banks you wish to approach
Quotations are itemised, with government fees shown separately from professional fees.
How the process works
- 1
Business review
We discuss your business model, ownership and expected use of the account.
- 2
Checklist and gathering
We issue a checklist and review documents as you provide them.
- 3
Profile drafting
We prepare the business profile, transaction summary and supporting explanations.
- 4
Submission support
You submit to the bank or meet its relationship team with a complete pack.
- 5
Follow-up
We help you respond to queries and requests for additional information.
Frequently asked questions
Can you guarantee a UAE bank account?
No. Every bank makes its own decision based on its risk assessment. We help you present a clear and complete application.
Why do banks ask about source of wealth?
Customer due diligence rules require banks to understand who owns and controls a company and, for higher-risk profiles, where their funds and wealth come from.
Do shareholders need to visit the UAE?
Requirements vary by bank. Some prefer to meet signatories in person or require a UAE resident signatory; we help you understand this before you apply.
What is the minimum balance for a business account?
Minimum balances and fees are set by each bank and change over time. Please confirm current terms directly with the bank.