UAE banks offer a range of business loan products for SMEs and corporates, but eligibility requirements are stricter than in many Western markets. Here is what you need to qualify for UAE business finance.
Standard UAE Business Loan Requirements
| Requirement | Typical Threshold |
|---|---|
| Business vintage (years in operation) | Minimum 2 years |
| Annual revenue | AED 1M+ (AED 3M+ for larger loans) | 12 months with the lending bank preferred |
| Trade licence validity | At least 6 months remaining |
| No bounced cheques | Zero CBI (Al Etihad Credit Bureau) bounced cheque records |
| No credit bureau defaults | AECB score 700+ preferred |
Documents Required for UAE Business Loan
- Last 2 years’ audited financial statements
- Last 12 months’ bank statements (all business accounts)
- Current trade licence and MOA
- Proof of company address (tenancy contract)
- Owner’s passport and UAE residence visa copies
- Owner’s personal bank statements (for personal guarantee)
- Description of loan purpose and repayment plan
UAE SME Loan Products in 2025
Working Capital Loan: AED 100K–5M, 1–3 years tenor, unsecured (for established businesses), interest rate 8–12% per annum. Asset Finance: AED 50K–10M, secured against the asset being financed, 3–7 years tenor. Invoice Finance (Factoring): Advance of 70–90% of invoice value, fee 2–4% of invoice value, available from FAB, ADCB, and RAK Bank. Government Scheme Loans (Mohammed Bin Rashid Fund, Khalifa Fund): AED 50K–3M at preferential rates (4–6% p.a.) for qualifying UAE SMEs and entrepreneurs — check fund eligibility for your business type.