Banks and compliance: accounts are opened through transparency, not connections
We prepare the banking package so the bank sees a clear structure, source of funds and the project’s economic rationale. We sequence the banks, open escrow and manage the tax framework.
How entry into the UAE banking system works
The bank performs client due diligence before opening an account: identity and UBO, account purpose, business model and expected transaction profile. A rejection at one bank complicates subsequent applications, so sequencing and package quality matter.
After passing compliance successfully for the first time, opening accounts at other banks becomes noticeably easier. We start with banks where the client’s profile passes more confidently, then expand the pool to fit the project’s needs.
Scope of work
01Bank package
- Trade licence, MoA, ownership chart and UBO
- Source of wealth and source of funds for each UBO
- Business plan, budget and project cash flow
- Land or a signed development agreement
- List of expected counterparties
02Accounts and escrow
- Bank selection and application sequence
- Corporate accounts for the SPV and developer
- Project escrow account under DLD requirements
- 30% security: bank guarantee or deposit
03Taxes and reporting
- VAT and corporate tax registration
- Tax model for the SPV and developer
- Project reporting for DLD and the bank
- Accounting and audit through partners
Stages and timeline
Timelines are indicative: the exact schedule is fixed in the contract after the strategy session.
- Data audit
Structure, owners, history of funds.
1–2 weeks - Package
Documents, business plan, supporting evidence.
2–3 weeks - First bank
Submission, interview, responses to compliance.
3–8 weeks - Expansion
Additional banks and escrow.
per project - Taxes
VAT, corporate tax, reporting.
ongoing
What you get
- A bank package reviewed before submission
- Opened corporate accounts (the decision rests with the bank)
- Project escrow account
- VAT and corporate tax registrations
- Project tax model
Roles and licences
Clear division of roles
We prepare the package, select the banks and support the submission and interviews.
The bank decides on opening accounts, guarantees and escrow. Tax reporting is handled by licensed accountants and auditors.
What it costs
Indicative pricing. The exact price is fixed in the estimate after the strategy session or Entry Blueprint.
| Service | What’s included | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Banks and compliance | Package and support for account opening | from $4,500 / entity |
| Escrow and project registration | DLD package, 30% security, escrow | from $10,000 |
| Taxes and reporting | VAT, corporate tax, project reporting | from $1,200 / mo. |
Prices exclude 5% VAT, government fees and the services of licensed lawyers, consultants and contractors, which are paid under their own contracts. We do not guarantee decisions by banks or government authorities — we prepare the project so that risks are known in advance.
FAQ
Didn’t find your answer? Ask at the strategy session.
Most often because of a non-transparent ownership structure, an unverified source of funds, or a mismatch between the declared activity and actual transactions.
Payments must comply with the laws of both countries and with bank requirements. We work out the flow of funds with lawyers before the project starts.
To register a project, the developer secures 30% of the construction cost: with a bank guarantee, a deposit or works already completed.
Corporate tax of 9% on profit above AED 375,000, plus VAT under the rules for real estate. The exact model depends on the structure and property type.
What else your project will need
Let’s discuss your project in Dubai
Strategy session: 2–3 hours with experts, a review of budget, segment and entry route. $1,500 is credited towards the Entry Blueprint.