Escrow Bank Account in the UAE

Corporate Tax Services in Dubai

Escrow Bank Account in the UAE ?

An escrow bank account is a safe financial structure where funds are kept by a third-party bank or any other financial institution for two or more parties for a transaction. Such funds are released only upon the fulfillment of certain predetermined contractual conditions. 

It guarantees transparency, security, and trust between the parties for a transaction. This mechanism is crucial for mitigating risks in large-value transactions, especially in real estate, mergers and acquisitions, and trade deals.

Escrow accounts remain very popular in the UAE's real estate because of a Dubai Land Department (DLD) policy designed to protect buyers and investors. For instance, property developers must open escrow accounts for off-plan property purchases, where buyers make their payments into such accounts for safety. 

It is highly monitored, and funds are only released to the developer upon completion of certain key milestones in the project. This regulatory framework ensures the accountability of finance, preventing misappropriation of funds and boosting investor confidence in the UAE's real estate market.

Apart from real estate, escrow accounts are also vital in other industries, such as business acquisitions, joint ventures, and cross-border trade, where large sums of money or valuable assets are exchanged. By utilizing an escrow account, businesses can ensure that transactions proceed smoothly and fairly, with the escrow provider acting as a neutral intermediary.

The setup of an escrow account in the UAE will be made through licensed banks accredited by the UAE Central Bank or any relevant regulators within that sector. This requires following all the legal and compliance protocols so that all parties remain in agreement with the terms in the escrow agreement.

In a nutshell, escrow bank accounts are the backbone of secure financial transactions in the United Arab Emirates, ensuring fair business and real estate dealings with maximum transparency and minimum disputes and litigations.

Get Business Setup Cost in Dubai

Advantages of an Escrow Bank Account in the UAE

Increased Safety

Funds are kept in safekeeping with a neutral third party until contractual duties are performed by both parties.

Risk Reduction

This reduces the fraud, non-performance, or default risks, as the funds are only released upon meeting agreed-upon conditions.

Regulatory Compliance

The use of escrow accounts in real estate transactions falls within the regulatory purview of the UAE, therefore ensuring confidence for buyers and investors alike.

Transparency and Trust

All transactions are transparent, with clear conditions for the release of funds, hence building trust among buyers, sellers, and stakeholders.

Investor Protection

In real estate, the buyers' funds are protected and released to the developers only when certain pre-defined project milestones have been achieved, reducing the risks in off-plan purchases.

Dispute Resolution

The escrow account serves as security and aids in resolving disputes by ensuring that funds are handled neutrally.

Facilitates Large Transactions

Allows for the smooth execution of high-value transactions, such as mergers, acquisitions, and trade, without the fear of financial mismanagement. 

Neutral Third-Party Oversight

The bank or escrow agent acts as a neutral third-party overseer, ensuring that the agreement is executed fairly. 

Our Trusted Banking Partners in the UAE

There are plenty of banks to choose from in the UAE. Some of the top banks that you may prefer

First Abu Dhabi Bank
First Abu Dhabi Bank

Formed by merging the National Bank of Abu Dhabi and First Gulf Bank, FAB is the UAE’s largest bank, offering comprehensive financial services domestically and internationally.

Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB)

Headquartered in Abu Dhabi with a 65% government stake, ADCB was created in 1985 through a three-bank merger, providing a wide range of banking solutions.

Dubai Islamic Bank
Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB)

Established in 1975, DIB is the UAE’s largest Islamic bank, pioneering Shariah-compliant banking practices.

Emirates NBD
Emirates NBD

Formed in 2007 through the merger of Emirates Bank International and National Bank of Dubai, Emirates NBD is a leading bank in the UAE with an extensive regional presence.

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB)

Founded in 1997 as a Shariah-compliant public joint stock company, ADIB provides personal, corporate, and private banking solutions.

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank
Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD)

Established in 1969, CBD is the UAE’s 7th largest bank, offering personal, corporate, and investment banking services.

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank
Mashreq Bank

Established in 1967, Mashreq is the UAE’s oldest private bank, celebrated for innovation and a customer-focused approach.

Challenges in Opening an Escrow Bank Account in the UAE

01. Strict Regulatory Requirements

Compliance with UAE laws and specific sector regulations (e.g., real estate or trade) requires thorough documentation and approval processes.

02. Lengthy Approval Process

The process of verifying contracts, assessing financial agreements, and regulatory approvals can take significant time, delaying transactions.

03. High Compliance Costs

Businesses may incur additional expenses for legal documentation, administrative fees, and regulatory compliance audits.

04. Eligibility Restrictions

Not all companies or individuals can open escrow accounts, as some have restrictions on their nature of business, especially in regulated sectors with specific licenses required.

05. Fewer Bank Options

Only qualified banks or financial institutions accredited by the UAE Central Bank and Dubai Land Department can deliver escrow services, which means that businesses will have a limited number of options for their operations.

06. Complicated Documentation

Opening an escrow account requires extensive paperwork, such as legal agreements, project details, financial guarantees, and milestone approvals.

07. Sector-Specific Limitations

For instance, the real estate sector has strict escrow account requirements that must be met by developers before accounts are approved.

08. Ongoing Monitoring and Reporting

The continuous monitoring of the disbursement of funds and milestone tracking may be administratively burdensome for a business.

09. Potential Delays in Fund Release

Any disagreement or non-fulfillment of conditions could mean delayed releases that may affect the schedules of projects or transactions.

What to Keep in Mind Before Opening an Escrow Bank Account in the UAE?

Regulatory Compliance

Ensure that you are in compliance with the regulations of the particular sector, such as the UAE Central Bank or DLD for real estate projects. Know the legal requirements and prepare proper documentation.

Purpose of Escrow Account

Clearly define the purpose of the escrow account, such as real estate project funding, mergers and acquisitions, or trade deals, to align with regulatory standards and business needs.

Eligibility Criteria

Check if your company can open an escrow account, particularly for the very heavily regulated industries like real estate development. In certain situations, special licenses or permissions will be required.

Selecting the Right Bank

Choose a UAE-licensed bank that is authorized to provide escrow services. Check on the bank's reputation, pricing, escrow management methodology, and service levels for assurance of a smooth process.

Full Documentation

Be ready to provide extensive documentation, such as project plans, financial guarantees, contracts, business licenses, and other supporting documents, depending on your industry.

Clearly Defined Terms and Conditions

Prepare a comprehensive escrow agreement with clear milestones, timelines, conditions for fund release, and methods of dispute resolution to avoid any misunderstanding.

Cost Considerations

Consider the associated costs, including bank charges, compliance fees, and administrative expenses involved in opening and maintaining the account.

Transparency and Monitoring

Note that escrow accounts are continuously monitored and reported on by both the regulatory authorities and the bank for transparency in the whole process. 

Means of Dispute Resolution

Understand the procedure for dispute resolution or disagreement on the disbursal of funds to avoid any delay in critical milestones. 

Escrow Bank Account Opening Process

Timeline: 3 to 6 weeks

01 Initial Consultation and Requirement Analysis

Identify the purpose of the escrow account (e.g., real estate project, trade deal). Consult with legal advisors and financial institutions to ensure compliance with UAE regulations.

Takes 1 to 3 days

02 Selecting a Licensed Escrow Bank

Choose a UAE-licensed bank approved for escrow services. Evaluate the bank’s fees, experience, and support services.

Takes 2 to 4 days

03  Preparation of Documentation

Prepare and gather necessary documents, and make sure they are notarized and attested. 

Takes 5 to 10 days

04 Application Submission

Submit the required documents and escrow account application to the bank of your choice. Make sure all information is in line with regulatory requirements to avoid delays.

Takes 2 to 3 days

05 Bank Verification and Compliance Checks

The bank will conduct due diligence, verify documents, and check compliance with UAE laws, including background checks and feasibility studies of the project.

Takes 7 to 14 days 

06 Regulatory Approval (if applicable)

Sector-specific regulatory bodies, such as the Dubai Land Department for Real Estate, review the application for the opening of the escrow account and issue approvals.

Takes 7 to 15 days 

07 Account Opening and Activation

Upon approval, the bank will activate the escrow account and provide account details. Funds can now be deposited in accordance with the escrow agreement.

Takes to 2 to 3 days

Documents Required for Escrow Bank Account Opening

Document FAB ADCB ADIB DIB CBD Emirates NBD Mashreq Bank
Valid Trade License
Emirates ID of Company Signatories
Passport Copies of Authorized Persons
Board Resolution Authorizing Account
Project Approval Certificate (DLD, RERA)
Escrow Agreement (Signed by All Parties)
Company’s Memorandum of Association (MOA)
Proof of Financial Standing (Bank Statement or Audit Report)
Project Details and Milestone Plan
VAT Certificate (if applicable)

Our Role as an Escrow Banking Consultant

All banks in the UAE require you to give them a pile of paperwork. Why don’t you let us take care of it? 

We provide a transparent and easy process for your offshore bank account and guarantee to provide the best guidance for choosing the best bank to meet your company’s demands.

We handle all your documentation and paperwork formalities as required by the bank.

With us, you get a hassle-free process while opening an escrow bank account in the UAE.

Get the best assistance in making the right bank choice that caters to your needs.

01
360-degree assistance

We consider all factors for your business to assist you in a 360-degree manner in selecting the best bank.

02
Documentation preparation

With 15 years of experience in corporate banking, our in-house team will assist you in compiling all the documents required.

03
Compliance checks

Overcome the challenges of compliance checks with our network of partnerships and connections with the local authorities while fulfilling all legal requirements.

04
Virtual corporate banking

We will help you plan everything while you are sitting in your home country. Our team will submit all the required documents to the banks on your behalf.

Choosing The Right Bank For Your Offshore Account

Choosing the right bank is important for any business. There are certain factors that decide if you should go for one bank or the other.

Reputation of the Bank: The reputation of the bank has a great impact. Go for a bank with a good reputation when it comes to supporting the businesses that have opened their account there.

Additional Services: Keep an eye out for the services the bank offers. This can help you compare and know the best offers available.

Customer Service: It is essential that you choose the bank that helps you get the answer to all your queries and guides you through the process with their knowledge and expertise.

Fees and Charges: The banks charge fees that differ from one another. Make sure that you compare these charges when choosing your bank.

Book Free Consultation

Get Started Today

Ready to launch your Business?

No more guesswork - Get a clear and accurate cost estimate to start your Business in Dubai, UAE with our Exclusive Cost Calculator.