Bank Accounts in the UAE for Non-residents

There can be plenty of reasons why a non-resident of UAE wants to open a bank account in the UAE like if they spend a significant amount of time in the UAE or if they get paid in dirhams quite often, or it can also be a part of their savings plan. Despite the various reasons, banks in the UAE provide a facility to open a savings account in their banks for non-residents as well.

Check: How to choose the right bank account

Here’s the list of banks in UAE that offer Non-resident savings accounts 

Mashreq 

Mashreq offers a different savings account to the non-residents. 

• Basic Savings Account 
• Easy Saver Account 
• Max Saver Account 

Features and Benefits of the account 

• Provides a debit card instantly 
• Quick processing of the application 
• Free internet banking, phone banking and mobile banking facilities 
• Flexibility to use the debit card at 1.8 million ATMs worldwide  
• Can avail fund transfer facility for low/ no charges 
• Provides profit on the balance maintained on the account 
• Should make an initial deposit while opening the account 
• Can maintain in multiple currencies 

Emirates NBD 

Non-residents can avail two different accounts at Emirates NBD. 

• Standard Savings Account
• Tiered Account

Features and Benefits of the account 

• Can get a monthly statement of the account 
• Can get a good interest rate on the balance maintained in the account 
• Get a free debit card what can be availed at international locations 
• Can get access to the account easily through online and phone banking 
• Can avail the account in multiple currencies 

Also, check: 8 reasons why one should have a Savings Account/

FAB (First Abu Dhabi Bank) 

Non-residents of the UAE can get a Personal Savings Account at the First Abu Dhabi Bank. 

Features and Benefits of the account 

• The account will be available in multiple currencies 
• Need to maintain a monthly average balance 
• Can get interest rate on the account balance 
• Free FAB Mastercard Debit Card is provided 
• Can get access to airport lounges for free 
• The account holder must be of 18 years or above 

Documents required 

There are certain mandatory documents that need to be provided by the bank account applicants who are not UAE residents. Like, 

• UAE Visit or Transit Visa 
• 3-6 months bank statements of their home country 
• Passport copy 
• Latest Utility bills 
• Reference letter from bankers of your home country 
• Income proofs 

Apart from these, banks may request further documents depending on the applicant’s profile. 

Things to be noted

While getting a bank account in the UAE, a non-resident applicant must be aware of certain things like, 

• Non-residents can only get a savings account in the UAE. They are not eligible for the current account.  
• The applicant must possess a visit visa or transit visa 
• The applicant must visit the bank in person. They can’t apply online for the non-resident bank account. 
• Some of the non-resident accounts are to be maintained with a minimum balance in the account. The account holder must check that before opting for an account. 
• Some of the non-resident accounts are to be opened with an initial deposit. 
• Banks offer debit cards on the non-resident account that can be used at international locations. The cardholder must note the charges on using the card at international locations.

The account opening process in the UAE is very simple and hassle-free. The accounts come with various benefits that attract applicants. Other than savings accounts, non-residents are eligible for offshore business accounts as well to run the business transactions smoothly. Finally, the applicant needs to make sure they have all documents to open the account which will help in finishing the account opening process at ease.