Open International Bank Account Online Free in UAE

Opening an international bank account in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) can be a good strategic financial move for individuals and businesses seeking to expand their global reach. The UAE has emerged as a leading financial hub in the Middle East, offering a stable and secure banking system that is renowned for its high security and efficiency. 

With a range of local and international banks operating in the UAE, you can enjoy access to a wide range of banking services and products such as multi-currency accounts, investment options, and credit facilities. 

Additionally, the UAE's tax-free environment and the relaxed regulatory framework make it an attractive destination for investors seeking to diversify their portfolios and maximise their returns. By opening an international bank account in the UAE, you can benefit from the country's competitive interest rates, low fees, and convenient online banking services, all while gaining access to a thriving business community and a range of investment opportunities.

Major International Banks in UAE

The UAE is home to 26 foreign banks in total. Many of these licences were issued before the UAE Central Bank was founded. Seven banks are from the UK, France, and the US, while the remainder of the international financial institutions are from the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. HSBC, Citibank, Standard Chartered, Bank of Baroda, and Habib Bank AG Zurich are a few financial institutions that provide personal banking services.

The existence of foreign banks in Dubai is a sign of the city's appeal as a hub for international finance. International banks are certainly in a good position to assist everyone in achieving their objectives as they have an in-depth knowledge of local markets and solid relationships with important stakeholders. For more than 50 years, HSBC, for instance, has been conducting business in Dubai. 

In Dubai, while some banks may provide special services in different fields, most of these multinational banks provide a wide range of services to both businesses and individuals. They can meet the demands of practically any consumer, offering everything from personal banking and borrowing to corporate banking and financial services. As a result, these institutions are essential in assisting in the growth and success of investors as well as enterprises. They also provide important banking solutions for individuals, helping them to live while employed in Dubai.

All these banks, however, have to abide by local laws as set forth by the UAE Central Bank. As a result, they adhere to general regulations regarding business hours, maximum charges, and safety precautions but may have limitations for minimum balances.

In total, there are 86 branches run by international banks in the UAE. This is primarily de to the fact that each one is limited to eight branches. However, they make up for those restrictions with service counters in high-density areas like well-known retail centres.

Here is the list of the major foreign banks operating in the UAE - 

• HSBC Middle East
• Standard Chartered Bank
• Citibank N.A.
• Credit Suisse AG
• Habib Bank A.G. Zurich
• Royal Bank of Canada
• BNP Paribas Middle East
• Arab African International Bank

Services Offered by International Banks in the UAE

The majority of banks typically provide a variety of services to businesses in the emirate - this includes trade financing, commercial lending, investment banking, and more. They can also provide services for account management and currency exchange. Most foreign banks in Dubai also offer one-stop shopping for all corporate banking needs. Your decision, when choosing a bank, will eventually depend on the business banking and financial management services that you require. 

A financial institution that can assist you is an excellent bank for you to develop - 

• Develop your company
• Deliver the funds you need to grow your operations
• Enter new markets

Top International Bank Accounts in the UAE 

The following is the list of top international bank accounts in the UAE - 

1. HSBC Overseas Account

With this international bank account, you can easily manage your money globally and make the most use of your finances. Here are the salient features of this HSBC international bank account -

• Open a second account in more than 30 locations - both inside and outside the UAE.
• Set up a credit card check-in at your new location.
• Manage all of your accounts online in one place and send money between them without paying HSBC fees.
• Take advantage of value-added services such as worldwide special offers and tax solutions.

How to Apply for an Overseas Account?

• Decide where you want to go.
• If you are at least 18 years old and have a good cause for opening an account abroad, you may apply for the same. Based on where you are interested in creating an account, different eligibility requirements will be in effect. 
• The bank will inform you of the best method of application and the requirements after you've begun. You can complete the process in a branch, online, or through the bank's global banking centre.

You can open this international bank account in any of the following countries -

• Argentina
• Bahrain
• Bermuda
• China
• Jersey
• Greece
• India
• Macau SAR
• Malta
• Mexico
• Oman
• Qatar
• Singapore
• Taiwan
• The UAE
• The USA
• Australia 
• Bangladesh
• Canada
• Egypt
• France
• Hong Kong SAR
• Indonesia
• Malaysia
• Mauritius
• New Zealand
• The Philippines
• Saudi Arabia
• Sri Lanka
• Turkey
• The UK
• Vietnam

2. Standard Chartered Bank

As part of priority banking, Standard Chartered Bank offers International Banking Services. You can manage your global finances easily across the bank’s international network. 

Listed below are the key features of global banking services -

• International Banking Relationship - With the global footprint of Standard Chartered Bank, you can access your funds anywhere in the world and make the most of the global opportunities.
• International Funds Transfer and Payments - You can send or receive funds easily and safely from anywhere in the world. 
• International Investments - You can easily invest as per your financial requirements from anywhere - at home, overseas, or while relocating - all thanks to the bank’s comprehensive investment solutions. 
• International Banking Service - With Standard Chartered’s international bank account, you can easily meet your global banking requirements in the world’s fastest-growing markets.
• International Mortgage - International bank account enables you to get financing for overseas properties easily.

Global Indian

This program enables you to access your finance in India. Here are the features of the Global Indian Program -

• Choose from an array of wealth management products, with investments in mutual funds, stocks, and bonds.
• Transfer your funds back home and enjoy competitive exchange rates.
• Attend events and seminars tailored to Global Indians in the UAE.
• The bank brings convenience to your life by assisting you in financing the property of your choice from the comfort of your home.
• Keep track of the accounts and investments across several markets in a single view.

Global Traveller

With this international bank account program, you can use the extensive global network to seamlessly manage your financial requirements. Check out the key features of the Global Traveller Program below -

• Standard Chartered Priority Banking Visa Infinite Credit Card is accepted globally and rewards you with unsurpassed privileges and benefits.
• Cash withdrawals are free of charge at Standard Chartered and Visa/MasterCard ATMs worldwide.
• Enjoy emergency cash services with a daily withdrawal limit of up to USD 5,000.
• Assistance upon arrival by a Guest Services Agent at Dubai International Airport and departure and arrival at Abu Dhabi International Airport and much more
• Emergency cash service is available at Standard Chartered Bank’s Priority Banking centres or branches in about 20 countries upon the verification of your identity. 

Global Citizen

Standard Chartered Bank’s Global Citizen offers an integrated approach to financial services that are customised for you, no matter wherever you live. With this service, you can effortlessly manage your finances from anywhere in the world. 

Discussed below are the major features of the Global Citizen international bank account Programme -

• When you qualify as a Priority Banking client in one country, your status automatically extends to worldwide coverage, which enables you to enjoy all the priority banking privileges globally.
• You can effortlessly link and get a view of several accounts in different nations in a single view with Global Link. Moreover, you can easily transfer funds between the accounts with just a click of a button.
• From everywhere in the world, you may send and receive money fast, safely, and effortlessly.
• Get emergency cash assistance with a USD 5,000 daily withdrawal cap.
• With the Global Citizen program, you get the convenience of filling in the account opening application form from the bank’s designated offshore bank without the need to travel. 

3. Citibank International Banking - Offshore Account

With Citibank International Banking-Offshore Account, you get to experience the luxury and personalised benefits of offshore banking. You also gain access to the leading markets globally and cater to your financial needs. 

Here are the top banking and investing services of this international bank account in the UAE -

• Diversify your investments across a larger range.
• Seek enhanced privacy and financial autonomy.
• Keep some of your assets outside the UAE.
• Citi offers access to the major financial centres across the world with the International Personal Bank, which allows you to invest through safe and regulated locations like London, Jersey, and Singapore.

Note - Clients must have a minimum balance of USD 200,000 in order to take advantage of this facility.

Here are the key benefits of this international bank account from Citibank -

• If you have financial requirements that span the globe and are seeking the best venues to hold your funds outside of your place of residence, offshore investment is suitable for you.
• Get access to stock trading services - shares, ETFs, securities, and international markets (24 different nations) - with a Citi offshore bank account. Even more stock markets—up to 37—are open for investment.
• You can manage your funds in 21 distinct foreign currencies using a Citibank offshore account. You can also make use of your debit card at any of your nearby network of ATMs to access your money from your multi-currency account anywhere in the world.
• The Citibank Global Transfer service is also included with Citibank offshore accounts. Using this function, you can swiftly arrange an international bank transfer between Citibank accounts in more than 20 different countries without paying any transaction fees.
• You can be confident that you will get all the help you require because the customer service crew is multilingual and speaks a wide range of languages including English, Russian, Arabic, Turkish, and others.
• The ideal location of the country allows trading hours to coincide with those in North America, Europe, and Asia. Your assignment can be finished using your Citi International bank account as the bank's booking centres may give you a time-zone advantage compared to your home country.

4. Emirates NBD Bank

Beyond Personal Banking Package

With this Emirates NBD banking package, you get an opportunity to earn a reward for your loyalty to the services and products the bank offers. The following are the main features of this international banking account package - 

• Minimum balance required - For non-salary transfer: AED 100,000; salary transfer: AED 15,000
• Free account opening
• When you apply for personal, vehicle, and house loans within six months of acquiring the Beyond banking package, you may receive up to AED 5,000 in cashback.
• With the insurance product package offer, you can reduce your joining costs for a Skywards, U By Emaar Visa, or Marriott Bonvoy credit card by AED 3,000.
• On the Beyond Rewards app, you can avail yourself of more than 1,000 deals for restaurants, experiences, shopping, wellness, and other special offers.
• Chance to enter a drawing each month to win AED 2,000 in cashback.
• Through mobile and online banking, both domestic and international transfers are free.
• 10 free transactions at the teller every month
• Benefits and transaction banking services are free.
• A free chequebook is provided every year.
• Over $300 in cash withdrawals from an international ATM are free.

Plus Package from Personal Banking

When you open an international bank account with Emirates NBD, you get access to the Plus banking package that is loaded with advanced transactional and service benefits. Here are the banking benefits and features of the Emirates NBD Plus Package -

• Minimum Balance Required - For Non-Salary Transfer Account - AED 3,000; for salary transfer account - AED 5,000
• No fees are charged for opening the account
• Complimentary local and global transfers via mobile and online banking 
• Complimentary 8 teller transactions per month
• With exclusive deals on debit cards, you can save up to AED 4,000.
• Complimentary debit cards offered - Visa Classic, Manchester United Platinum, Go4it, and Ladies Banking Platinum

Classic Personal Banking Package 

This Emirates NBD Personal Banking package is designed to meet your fundamental banking requirements. To avail of the benefits, you need to maintain a minimum balance of AED 3,000 per month. Keep in mind that if the monthly balance goes below the minimum amount, a monthly charge would be applicable. 

Here are the main features of the Classic personal banking packages -

• Option to open a variety of current, savings, and deposit accounts
• No chequing facilities
• Access to services and facilities like international ATMs, phone banking, mobile banking, online banking, and debit cards
• Get a complimentary internationally valid debit card that is loaded with privileges and benefits. 
• Practise local and international remittances
• Perform teller transactions at a nominal fee

5. Al-Hilal-Nomo Bank and ADCB-Nomo Bank Accounts

Nomo Bank, a digital bank from the UK, has teamed up with Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) and its Islamic-banking subsidiary - Al Hilal Bank - to expand its footprint in the UAE. This collaboration will allow Nomo Bank to offer its services to users in the region, providing a fresh and innovative approach to banking that is entirely digital.

Through the partnership, Nomo Bank will use ADCB's robust infrastructure and Al Hilal Bank's strong local presence to provide a seamless and secure banking experience for the two banks’ customers. This will include an array of features such as digital account opening, international money transfers, and real-time spending alerts.

How to Open an International Bank Account Online?

You can easily open an international bank account online via Policybazaar.ae, which is a third-party aggregator that hosts the top international bank accounts in the UAE from the major financial institutions in the country. The website is easy to use and enables you to apply for an international bank account within a few minutes.

To apply for a bank account via policybazaar.ae, simply click on the ‘Bank Account’ tab present on the homepage or select the relevant option from the Banking Products option on the menu bar. You will be directed to the lead form - fill it out accurately and click on the ‘Proceed’ button. This will lead you to our bank account quotes page, where you can browse through the best international bank accounts in the UAE and compare the features offered. 

Once you have selected the option that meets your requirements, click on the ‘Apply Now’ tab and follow the instructions thereon. 

FAQ's for International Bank Account