What Documents Are Required to Open a FAB Business Account in 2025?

Are you planning to start a business in the UAE or expand your existing one? If you’re looking into First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) for your business banking needs, you may be wondering what documents are necessary to open a business account.

This process can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure of the requirements or where to begin. The good news is, opening a FAB business account is straightforward, provided you have the right documents.

Let me guide you through the essential paperwork and requirements, so you can get your business account up and running smoothly.

What Documents Are Required to Open a FAB Business Account? (Quick Answer)

Opening a FAB business account requires several documents, including proof of identity, business-related paperwork, and financial statements. These typically include your trade license, company’s legal documents, a copy of the passport, and proof of business address. Specific documents may vary depending on your business type and structure.

Understanding FAB Business Accounts

FAB offers a range of business banking services designed to meet the needs of various business types, from startups to established enterprises. Whether you’re a sole proprietor, limited liability company (LLC), or another business structure, FAB provides tailored solutions to help you manage finances, pay suppliers, and grow your business.

When you open a business account with FAB, you gain access to a broad array of services, including corporate banking products, digital banking solutions, and merchant services. To ensure a seamless account opening process, you’ll need to provide specific documents that verify your business’s identity, financial standing, and legal status.

Key Features of FAB Business Accounts

Before delving into the documentation requirements, it’s helpful to understand the key features of a FAB business account:

Feature	Details
Types of Accounts	Current accounts, savings accounts, and specialized accounts for SMEs and large businesses
Online Banking	Access to FAB’s business online banking platform for managing transactions, payments, and statements
Merchant Services	Solutions for accepting payments, both online and in-person, via POS (Point of Sale) systems
ATM and Debit Cards	Issuance of business debit cards for easy access to funds
Overdraft Facilities	Access to credit facilities depending on the business needs
Cheque Book	Ability to issue cheques for business transactions

What are the Documents Required to Open a FAB Business Account?

The process of opening a FAB business account requires you to provide documentation that verifies the identity of the business owners, directors, and the business itself. Depending on your business type, the documents may differ slightly, but the following are generally required:

1. Proof of Identity

Each individual involved in the company, such as the business owners or directors, must provide personal identification. This typically includes:

• Passport: A copy of the passport (for expatriates) or UAE national ID (for UAE nationals).
• Emirates ID: This is mandatory for UAE residents and nationals.
• Photograph: Passport-size photos of the account holders.

These documents are essential for verifying the identities of all individuals who will have access to the business account.

2. Proof of Business Registration

FAB will require documentation that proves your business is legally registered and operational. The following documents are usually required:

• Trade License: This is issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) and must show that your business is legally registered to operate in the UAE.
• Certificate of Incorporation: For limited liability companies (LLCs) or other corporate entities, the certificate of incorporation confirms your company’s legal standing.
• Memorandum of Association (MOA): This document outlines the purpose of the business and the ownership structure. It is a key document for LLCs.
• Commercial Registration Certificate: This applies to businesses that are involved in commercial activities and need to prove their legitimacy.

These documents verify that your business is recognized by the local authorities and is allowed to operate legally.

3. Proof of Business Address

FAB will require proof of your business’s physical location. You may need to provide:

• Utility Bills: A recent utility bill, such as electricity, water, or telephone bill, that shows the business address.
• Tenancy Contract: A valid lease agreement or contract that confirms your business location.

These documents ensure that the business has a legitimate place of operation and will be used for official correspondence.

4. Financial Statements (for Established Businesses)

For existing businesses that are not startups, FAB will need to verify the company’s financial status. The following documents may be requested:

• Audited Financial Statements: The last two years of audited financial statements for businesses that have been operating for a while.
• Bank Statements: Recent bank statements (typically 3 to 6 months) showing the business’s financial activities.

These documents help FAB assess the financial health of the business and understand the cash flow, liabilities, and other financial details that could affect the approval of your account.

5. Board Resolution (for Corporations)

If your business is a corporation or has a board of directors, you may need to provide:

• Board Resolution: A formal resolution passed by the board of directors that authorizes specific individuals to open and manage the business account. This document is important for corporations, partnerships, and joint ventures to ensure that the right individuals are entrusted with the financial operations of the business.

6. Additional Documentation for Specific Business Types

Certain types of businesses, such as non-profit organizations, may need to provide additional documents, including:

• Charter or Memorandum: Non-profits will need to provide a charter or memorandum that outlines the purpose of the organization.
• Registered Charity Status: For charities, proof of registration with the relevant authorities is necessary.

How to Submit Documents for FAB Business Accounts?

The process of submitting documents for opening a FAB business account is simple. You can submit your documents in person at any FAB branch or via the bank’s digital channels, such as online banking or mobile banking platforms, depending on the services you are registering for.

Steps to Open a FAB Business Account:

1. Choose the Account Type: Decide on the type of business account you wish to open, such as a current account, savings account, or a specialized account for SMEs.
2. Gather Required Documents: Collect all the required documentation listed above.
3. Visit FAB Branch or Apply Online: You can either visit a FAB branch to submit your documents in person or start the process online.
4. Submit the Documents: Provide the necessary documentation to FAB for verification.
5. Account Activation: Once the documents are verified, FAB will activate your account, and you will receive your bank details, debit card, and other relevant materials.

Timeframe for Opening a FAB Business Account

The time it takes to open a FAB business account depends on several factors, such as the completeness of the documentation and the type of business you operate. Typically, the process takes around 5 to 7 business days, provided all documents are submitted correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What documents are required to open a FAB business account?

You will need to provide a trade license, company’s legal documents (such as the MOA), a copy of your passport/Emirates ID, proof of business address (e.g., utility bills), and financial statements if applicable.

Q. Can I open a FAB business account online?

Yes, FAB allows you to initiate the process of opening a business account online through their digital banking services. However, certain documents may need to be submitted in person.

Q. What types of business accounts does FAB offer?

FAB offers various business accounts, including current accounts, savings accounts, and specialized accounts tailored for SMEs, large businesses, and corporations.

Q. Do I need to submit audited financial statements?

Audited financial statements are required for established businesses that have been operational for a few years. Startups may not need to submit these documents.

Q. How long does it take to open a FAB business account?

It typically takes 5 to 7 business days to open a FAB business account, depending on the completeness of your documentation.

Q. Can I open a FAB business account if I am a non-resident?

Yes, FAB allows non-residents to open business accounts in certain cases. You will need to meet additional requirements and provide specific documentation.

Final Thoughts

Opening a FAB business account is a straightforward process, provided you have all the necessary documentation. From proof of identity to your business’s legal and financial documents, ensure that everything is in order to avoid delays. Whether you are a startup or an established business, FAB offers tailored solutions to meet your financial needs. Be sure to contact FAB directly or visit a branch for personalized assistance in getting your business account up and running.