Bank accounts for free zone companies
Free zone companies open accounts every day. Banks focus on the business and owners more than on the zone.
What helps
- A resident owner or manager with a UAE visa
- A physical office or real operations, not only a flexi-desk
- A licence activity that matches the real business
- A specific business plan and documented source of funds
What makes it harder
- No UAE visa holders connected to the company
- Vague activities such as "general trading" without detail
- Counterparties in higher-risk countries
- Very new companies with no track record and complex ownership
Common questions
Are some free zones preferred by banks?
Established zones with strong compliance, such as DMCC, DIFC and ADGM, are well regarded. Other zones are widely accepted too when the application is strong.
Official sources
We check our guidance against these official sources. Always confirm current fees and rules before acting.