Preparing the right documents before approaching a UAE bank for a business account saves weeks of back-and-forth. This is the definitive checklist for UAE free zone company bank account opening in 2025.
In this guide:
Core Company Documents (All Banks Require)
- Trade licence (original + copy) — must be current, not expired
- Certificate of Incorporation (COI)
- Memorandum and Articles of Association (MOA/AOA)
- Shareholder register / share certificate
- Board resolution authorising account opening and naming authorised signatories
- Specimen signature card for all authorised signatories
- Company bank account opening form (bank-specific)
Shareholder and Director Documents
- Valid passport of all shareholders and directors (minimum 6 months validity)
- UAE visa page (if UAE resident) or current entry stamp
- Emirates ID (if UAE resident)
- Proof of residence address (utility bill, bank statement, or tenancy contract) — must be less than 3 months old
- Professional CV or business profile for each director/shareholder
- For corporate shareholders: company documents of the parent/shareholder company (licence, MOA, shareholder register, director list)
Business Activity Evidence
- Business plan (2–3 pages: what you do, who your clients are, how you generate revenue, expected annual turnover)
- Client contracts or letters of intent (if available)
- Invoices or purchase orders (for existing businesses)
- Website URL and screenshots showing business legitimacy
- LinkedIn profiles of directors/shareholders
Source of Funds Declaration
- Declaration of source of initial deposit funds (salary, business sale, investment return, gift — must be documented)
- Bank statements from your existing bank (last 6 months) showing source of funds
- For significant deposits: proof of origin (sale agreement, investment certificate, inheritance document)
UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Owner) Declaration
All UAE banks are required to collect UBO information for AML compliance. Every individual who ultimately owns 25%+ of the company must provide full KYC documentation. For companies with complex ownership chains, provide a clear ownership structure diagram showing all layers to the ultimate individual beneficial owners.