How to Open a Bank Account with Emirates NBD in 2025

So, you’ve landed in the UAE or maybe you’re planning to and opening a bank account is one of those things on your ever-growing to-do list. It might sound like a daunting task at first, especially if you’re new to the country or dealing with business setup, whether it’s a mainland business setup in UAE or a business set up in UAE free zone, but honestly? It’s way more straightforward than you’d expect—especially if you’re going with Emirates NBD.

Let’s walk through it together, step-by-step. I’ll break down everything you need to know, no jargon, no fluff—just real talk.

Why Emirates NBD?

Alright, so first off: why choose Emirates NBD out of all the banks in the UAE?

Well, for starters, it’s one of the biggest names in the region. We’re talking about a bank that’s not just big, but also modern, think slick mobile apps, tons of ATMs, strong security, and a bunch of account options whether you’re a freelancer, salaried employee, or business owner.

It is regulated by the UAE Central Bank, which sets strict standards for customer protection and banking operations

What Kind of Accounts Can You Open?

Here’s a quick breakdown so you can figure out what suits your needs best.

For Individuals:

• Current Account: Great for daily stuff, shopping, paying bills, sending cash. Comes with a debit card, cheque book, and online banking.
• Savings Account: You still have access to your money, and it may earn interest or profit depending on the account type. For Islamic banking, returns are typically based on Shariah-compliant profit-sharing structures. Perfect if you’re planning to tuck some cash away.
• Fixed Deposit: Got money you won’t need for a while? Lock it in and earn higher returns.
• Zero Balance Account: Some digital banking platforms, such as Liv. by Emirates NBD, offer options with no minimum balance requirements—subject to eligibility.

For Businesses:

• Business Current Account: Basic but powerful—ideal for handling your day-to-day business needs.
• SME Accounts: Tailored for small and mid-sized businesses. You get perks like POS (Point of Sale) services and trade finance.
• Corporate Accounts: Built for big players who need things like multi-currency support, treasury services, and even dedicated relationship managers.
• Islamic Banking: Shariah-compliant options for those who prefer that route.

Who Can Apply?

Let’s talk about eligibility. Here’s what you’ll need, depending on whether you’re an individual or a business.

If You’re an Individual:

• You’ve got to be at least 18.
• UAE residents? You’re good. Some non-residents can also apply, depending on Emirates NBD’s policies.
• For salary accounts, your income usually needs to be AED 5,000/month or more.

If You’re a Business:

• Whether you are engaged in a mainland business setup in UAE or operating through a Free Zone, you’ll need to be a registered entity with the Department of Economic Development (DED) or a Free Zone.
• Expect to show your trade license, MoA (Memorandum of Association), and similar docs.

Paperwork Time – What You’ll Need

Let’s keep this part simple:

For Personal Accounts:

• Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
• Emirates ID (if you’re a resident)
• Proof of address (like a utility bill or lease)
• Salary certificate or job letter (for salary accounts)
• Residence visa (for expats)

For Business Accounts:

• Trade license
• MoA and shareholder info
• IDs and passport copies of all partners
• Tenancy contract or Ejari (your business address proof)

How to Open an Account – Step-by-Step

Here’s where the magic happens:

1. Pick your account type. Personal? Business? Take your pick.
2. Get your documents in order. Trust me, it’s smoother if everything’s ready upfront.
3. Apply. You can do this online or pop into a branch if you prefer the face-to-face route.
4. Verification. They’ll review your documents and confirm the details.
5. Initial deposit. Some accounts may ask for one. Depends on what you’ve chosen.
6. Once approved, your account will be activated. You’ll receive your account number, debit card, and a welcome package.

What About Fees?

Let’s talk about money—what’s it going to cost?

• Opening the account? Often free for basic personal accounts, but this can vary by account type and bank policy. Always check the latest fee schedule on the Emirates NBD website.
• Minimum balances: Minimum balance requirements typically range from AED 3,000 to AED 5,000 for personal accounts. Fall-below fees (such as AED 25/month) apply if your balance drops below the minimum. These rates are subject to change—please refer to the official Schedule of Charges.

Important: These figures are based on the latest available data but are subject to change. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the Emirates NBD Schedule of Charges.

• Fall-below fees: If your balance drops, expect a monthly fee (AED 25 for personal, AED 150+ for business).
• International transfers: Varies by destination, currency, and amount. Best to check their latest fee chart online.

Perks & Extras

There’s more than just a place to stash your cash. Emirates NBD also throws in:

• 24/7 mobile and online banking – Check balances, pay bills, transfer funds, all from your phone.
• Multi-currency support – Perfect if you deal with international payments.
• Credit cards, loans, and rewards – Lots of value-adds if you qualify.
• Wealth management – For high-net-worth folks, there are investment advisors on standby.
• Dedicated relationship managers – Especially for business or premium clients.

A Quick Note for Non-Residents

Non-residents may be eligible to open certain accounts, such as savings or fixed deposits, but this depends on current Emirates NBD policy and Central Bank regulations. Additional documentation may be required. Things like a reference letter from your bank back home or proof of income might be needed. Also, there might be a few limits on what you can do with the account, based on local regulations.

Final Thoughts

Opening an account with Emirates NBD in 2025? Totally doable. As long as you have the right documents and know what to expect, you’ll be all set. And with how much effort the bank’s putting into making everything smooth and digital, it’s one less thing to stress about when setting up your life (or business) in the UAE.

Got questions along the way? Their customer service is actually helpful—seriously, give them a ring if you’re stuck.

Disclaimer:

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or banking advice. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by Emirates NBD. For accurate and current information, consult the official Emirates NBD website or a licensed financial advisor.

Sources:

1. UAE Central Bank Consumer Protection Standards, 2021 
2. Emirates NBD Current Account
3. Liv. Digital Bank
4. Emirates NBD Salary Transfer Requirement
5. Emirates NBD Schedule of Charges
6. UAE Central Bank Regulations on Non-Resident Accounts

FAQ

1. What types of accounts can I open with Emirates NBD?

Emirates NBD offers a diverse range of accounts tailored to fit different lifestyles and business needs. For individuals, you can choose from Current Accounts—perfect for daily transactions, Savings Accounts that may earn you profit or interest, Fixed Deposits if you want to lock away funds for higher returns, and even Zero Balance Accounts through their digital banking platform, Liv. 

For businesses, there are Business Current Accounts for everyday operations, SME Accounts with perks like POS services, and Corporate Accounts designed for larger companies requiring multi-currency support and dedicated relationship managers. Plus, they offer Shariah-compliant Islamic Banking options for both individuals and businesses.

2. What documents are required to open an Emirates NBD account?

Getting your paperwork in order is key, but Emirates NBD keeps it pretty straightforward. For personal accounts, you’ll generally need a valid passport, Emirates ID (if you’re a resident), proof of address like a utility bill or tenancy contract, and proof of income such as a salary certificate or job letter. For business accounts, expect to provide your trade license, Memorandum of Association (MoA), passports or IDs of all partners, and proof of your business address (like Ejari or tenancy contract). Having these ready upfront smooths the process considerably.

3. Can non-residents open an Emirates NBD account?

Yes, non-residents can open certain accounts with Emirates NBD, but there are some caveats. Typically, non-residents may qualify for Savings Accounts or Fixed Deposits, but the eligibility depends on current bank policies and Central Bank regulations. Additional documents might be required—think reference letters from your home bank or proof of income. Also, there might be some restrictions on account usage, such as limits on transfers or services accessible to you, so it’s wise to check the latest updates directly with Emirates NBD.

4. Is there a minimum salary requirement to open an account?

For salary transfer accounts, Emirates NBD usually requires a minimum monthly salary of AED 5,000 or more. This threshold helps qualify you for certain account benefits and services tailored to salaried individuals. However, other account types, especially Savings or Fixed Deposit accounts, might not have strict salary requirements. Always double-check specific criteria when applying, as policies can evolve.

5. How long does it take to open an Emirates NBD account?

Opening an account with Emirates NBD can be surprisingly quick, especially if you have all your documents ready. Online applications may be approved within a few hours to a couple of days, depending on the account type and verification processes. If you prefer visiting a branch, the in-person process could take a little longer, but generally, it’s streamlined to get you started as soon as possible. Keep in mind, any additional checks or specific business account setups might add some extra time, but overall, Emirates NBD strives to make account opening hassle-free.