Telephone Numbers
Telephone Numbers
For detailed information +90 542 381 3868'Call.
Anyone planning to invest, set up a company or relocate to Dubai usually asks the same question first: "Is there a Turkish bank in Dubai?" The honest answer is both yes and a qualified no. There is no classic Turkish retail bank branch on a Dubai high street offering counter services to individual customers. However, within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), there are Turkish-capital financial institutions focused on corporate and participation banking.
As of 2026, two key Turkish financial institutions officially operate in Dubai: Kuwait Turkish Participation Bank (Dubai) Limited (Kuveyt Türk), licensed by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), and Ziraat Bank, which opened a representative office in the DIFC in 2024. Their scope is very different from a personal deposit account; they focus mainly on corporate finance, correspondent banking and investment advisory services.
| Institution | Status | Location | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kuveyt Türk | DFSA-licensed bank | DIFC, Dubai | Participation / corporate banking |
| Ziraat Bank | Representative office (2024) | DIFC, Dubai | Correspondent banking / coordination |
| Akbank | No branch in Dubai | – | International presence elsewhere |
The first Turkish institution with a full banking licence in Dubai is Kuveyt Türk. The bank structured its Dubai subsidiary as "Kuwait Turkish Participation Bank (Dubai) Limited" and obtained its operating authorisation from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). It is an internationally regulated institution operating under interest-free (participation) banking principles.
Kuveyt Türk's presence in Dubai acts as a bridge, particularly for companies doing business between the Gulf region and Türkiye. Offering services in corporate finance, trade finance and investment advisory, the bank benefits from the international legal framework provided by the DIFC.
Entity: Kuwait Turkish Participation Bank (Dubai) Limited
Address: Al Fattan Currency House Tower 1, DIFC, Dubai – UAE
Phone: +971 4 384 1000
Regulator: Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA)
Since the address, phone number and licence status may change over time, we recommend verifying the most current details on the DFSA public register or the official Kuveyt Türk website before taking any action.
Türkiye's most established state bank, Ziraat Bank, expanded its international service network to Dubai in 2024, obtaining a licence to open a representative office in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). A representative office is not a branch that takes deposits or lends directly; it coordinates between customers and correspondent banks and strengthens the bank's regional visibility and business relations.
Entity: T.C. Ziraat Bankası A.Ş. – Dubai Representative Office
Address: DIFC, Gate Village 8 Building, Unit 22, Dubai – UAE
Status: Representative Office (licensed in 2024)
This development reflects the growing weight of Turkish banking in the Gulf. However, as a representative office, it is not possible to open a personal deposit account or carry out day-to-day banking transactions there.
Contrary to some outdated information circulating online, Akbank does not have an active branch in Dubai as of 2026. According to the overseas branch and representative office data of the Banks Association of Türkiye, Akbank's international presence is structured in other countries, and no active bank branch is listed specifically for Dubai. Likewise, banks such as İşbank, Garanti BBVA and VakıfBank do not have direct retail branches in Dubai.
In short, when people say "Turkish bank" in Dubai today, the correct references are the corporate-focused Kuveyt Türk and the representative-office status Ziraat Bank. Most other major Turkish banks connect to Dubai through correspondent banking agreements and international remittance networks.
Even without a Turkish bank branch in Dubai, you can easily use Visa or Mastercard debit and credit cards issued in Türkiye. The UAE is fully integrated into international card networks; almost all malls, hotels, restaurants and ATMs accept these cards.
If, as a Turkish investor, you want to open a bank account in Dubai, in practice local UAE banks (Emirates NBD, ADCB, Mashreq, Dubai Islamic Bank, etc.) or international institutions within the DIFC usually come into play. Especially if you have set up a company, the corporate account opening process consists of several stages:
| Step | Stage | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bank Selection | Choosing the right bank and account type for your needs. |
| 2 | Document Preparation | Gathering passport, visa, company documents and proof of address. |
| 3 | Application & Interview | In-person or digital meeting with the bank (KYC process). |
| 4 | Compliance Review | The bank's compliance and risk assessment. |
| 5 | Account Activation | IBAN, card and online banking access after approval. |
The length of the process depends on the bank, your business model and the completeness of your documents. With the right advisory support, the process can be significantly accelerated. To determine the right bank and account structure for your company, you can reach us via our contact page.
When opening a corporate or personal account, banks generally request the following documents. The list may vary by bank:
Bank accounts and company operations in Dubai are closely linked to the UAE corporate tax regime. According to official sources, UAE corporate tax is applied at 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9% on the portion exceeding this amount. Companies with "Qualifying Free Zone Person" (QFZP) status can benefit from the 0% rate on their qualifying income when they meet certain conditions.
| Taxable Income | Rate |
|---|---|
| Up to AED 375,000 | 0% |
| Above AED 375,000 | 9% |
| QFZP – qualifying income | 0% (conditional) |
Please note: The rates, amounts (costs) and regulatory information on this page were prepared for July 2026 and may change over time. Before taking any action, we recommend checking the most current figures and rates on the official websites of the relevant authorities (e.g. the UAE Federal Tax Authority, the DFSA and the relevant banks).
Dubai is a strategic hub not only for Turkish investors but for entrepreneurs worldwide. Located at the intersection of Europe, Asia and Africa, the region is a natural bridge for international trade. A strong banking infrastructure, the ability to operate in multiple currencies and advanced digital banking services give company owners real operational flexibility.
Tax advantages complete the picture. A competitive corporate tax regime, the benefits offered to qualifying companies in free zones and the absence of personal income tax make Dubai attractive for companies looking to establish a regional headquarters. However, benefiting from these advantages properly depends on planning the company type, free zone and banking structure around your specific needs.
A bank account is the fundamental tool for your company to work with international suppliers, collect from customers and connect to global payment systems. Choosing a bank is therefore not a mere formality; it is a strategic decision that directly affects the sustainability of your business model.
The most common challenge in the Dubai account opening process is the banks' compliance and Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures. Banks carefully examine the source of funds, the legitimacy of the business model and whether the company genuinely operates. Missing or inconsistent documents can lead to a rejected or prolonged application.
For this reason, before starting the process it is important that your business plan is clear, your company documents are complete and up to date, and you have a genuine operating address. In addition, each bank has different conditions such as minimum balance, monthly transaction volume and service fees; comparing these in advance saves you both time and cost.
Dubai remains an attractive financial hub for Turkish investors. Although there is no classic Turkish bank branch, Kuveyt Türk's DFSA-licensed structure and Ziraat Bank's DIFC representative office demonstrate the strong presence of Turkish capital in the region. Opening the right bank account for your company, choosing the right free zone and benefiting from tax advantages requires proper planning and advisory support.
At World Company Setup, we provide end-to-end support for company formation, accounting and tax services and bank account opening processes in Dubai. To move forward smoothly and quickly, you can get in touch with us or request a free quote right away.
Contact our expert team for a tailored preliminary assessment of the process, costs and required documents. Fill in the form and we will get back to you within 24 hours.
There is no classic Turkish retail branch in Dubai. However, within the DIFC, DFSA-licensed Kuveyt Türk (Kuwait Turkish Participation Bank Dubai Ltd.) and Ziraat Bank's representative office (opened in 2024) operate.
Yes. Kuveyt Türk runs its Dubai subsidiary as 'Kuwait Turkish Participation Bank (Dubai) Limited' under a DFSA licence in the DIFC. Its activity focuses mainly on corporate and participation banking.
Ziraat Bank opened a representative office in the DIFC in 2024. This office is not a deposit-taking branch; it coordinates between customers and correspondent banks.
Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards issued in Türkiye are widely accepted in Dubai. Almost all ATMs, shops and hotels accept them; watch for foreign-transaction and currency-conversion fees.
Strong local banks such as Emirates NBD, ADCB, Mashreq, Dubai Islamic Bank, FAB and RAKBANK operate in Dubai. Working hours vary by bank and branch; check the relevant bank's official website for exact details.
Typically a valid passport, a UAE residence visa (if any), a trade licence and incorporation documents for companies, proof of address and source-of-funds documents. The process varies by bank and business model.
+90 542 381 3868
+971 58 5204103