Banks · corporate account

ADCB business banking for a new free zone company.

What the bank publishes about products, eligibility and the process, and where the research found no answer.

Typical opening time: 7-15 working days for clean files with UAE-resident shareholders; 4-8 weeks for non-resident or offshore-owned files

Free zones accepted or refused

All free zones accepted; no specific refusals noted. Examples: DMCC, JAFZA, DAFZA, Meydan, RAKEZ.

Digital experience

ADCB ProCash web and mobile app for business banking; also personal internet banking for Business Choice accounts. Considered better than many traditional UAE banks but not as polished as digital-first banks like Wio.

Products for a new company

Product	Minimum balance	Monthly fee	Source
Smart Start Account	0	105 (including VAT)	source
Business Choice Silver	10,000	150 if below minimum	source
Business Choice Gold	50,000	200 if below minimum	source
Business Choice Platinum	100,000	300 if below minimum	source
e-business Account (for online business entities)	0	1,800 per annum collected upfront	source

Eligibility

UAE-incorporated business entity with valid commercial license source
Free zone companies accepted with additional documents (free zone licence, Certificate of Formation, NOC) source
Non-resident shareholders allowed but subject to enhanced due diligence source

Documents

Trade License and commercial registration source
Passport or Emirates ID of authorized signatories and partners (including UBOs) source
Company address proof (e.g., tenancy contract) source
Partnership Deed, Memorandum of Association (MOA) source
Board Resolution authorizing account opening source
Power of Attorney (if applicable) source
For free zone companies: free zone licence, Certificate of Formation, No Objection Certificate confirming good standing source
For non-resident/offshore: source of wealth/source of funds documentation, bank statements, contracts, ownership structure chart (as per agent guidance) source

The process

step 1
Initial enquiryremote or not, not stated
step 2
Document collection (submit complete file)can be done remotely
step 3
Branch visit for signatory verification and signing of account-opening formsin person
step 4
Internal compliance reviewremote or not, not stated
step 5
Account number issuanceremote or not, not stated
step 6
Digital banking activation (ADCB ProCash)remote or not, not stated

Nationalities or activities restricted

Higher-risk activities: cryptocurrency, money services, jewellery trading may face delays or enhanced scrutiny.
Non-resident shareholders subject to enhanced due diligence; no specific nationality bans mentioned.

Pain points founders report

Mandatory in-person branch visit for all signatories
No fully remote account opening for new-to-bank companies
Longer processing times for non-resident shareholders (4-8 weeks)
Strict compliance review; incomplete files cause delays
SmartStart account limited to AED and domestic transactions only
Monthly charges apply if minimum balance not maintained

What the research does not settle

Official fee details for ADCB BusinessEdge account not found in provided sources
No information on partner program for formation providers
Specific list of restricted nationalities not available
Remote availability for process steps other than branch visit not explicitly stated

Sources

Business Account FAQhttps://www.adcb.com/en/get-in-touch/faqs/accounts/business-choice-account-faqread 2026-10-20

Business Account - Silver | ADCBhttps://www.adcb.com/en/personal/business-accounts/bca-silverread 2026-10-20