Dubai Forums Dubai Expat Forums Dubai Expat Help Forum

hi, new in dubai, lots of details to sort out. one of course is banking, so i don't have to carry my monthly salary around in my purse.

however, there's the whole thing about needing a residence visa, which apparently takes a few months (through work), before i can get the account.

So, question: does anyone know of a bank who will let you open an account BEFORE you have received your visa?

none of the banks i have spoken to so far are willing to do so.

Thank you
liné

I think you can open a MEBank (or Emirates Bank) savings account, without a Residence Visa...

just ask your company to give you a letter stating your salary and that your residence visa is in process, then you can open an account with any bank here...

I dont know why your residence visa will take months! mine only took about a month.

the processing time of the residence visa really depends on your company's organizational structure... mine took over 2 months whilst I have a friend who got his in 8 days as he was based in the freezone.

a consistent feature of dubai is the lack of consistency and standardization...

thank you all

regarding the visa process, i don't really know how my company is dealing with it, i've just been told my visitors visa has to expire before i can get the residence visa (that's two months no?)

...but i have also learned that what is said is not necessarily true. I'm about to confirm with my boss.

i'll take your advice and go try with a letter from the company. This MEbanking, what is this?

http://www.mebank.ae/mebank/products/me ... efault.htm

1) Fill in the Online Form.
2) If all goes to plan, they will send you an email with a few weeks.
3) Note this is an ONLINE only account and any problems you have will be dealt through the Phone (call center).
4) You will be able to pickup your ATM and Welcome pack from a Branch of your choice, once they call you +5 days.

read through it.

Good luck.