You would like to open an account outside the EU, without a local residence? Many private individuals from Germany, Austria and Switzerland take this step quite deliberately. They spread their assets across several countries. We show you two proven routes for this: an account in Dubai or an account in Georgia. The two options differ above all in whether you have to travel and which documents you need.
A quick note on scope: This page is for people without residence in the UAE. If you are resident in the UAE (with an Emirates ID), a regular UAE personal account for residents is a better fit. If you need a business account for your company, read company account Dubai.
A non-resident account is a bank account for private individuals who have no fixed residence in the country concerned. It is intended for people who, for personal or economic reasons, want a banking relationship outside their home country and outside the EU. The banks examine applications more closely than for a normal account in your country of residence. The focus is above all on your identity and the origin of your funds.
Important distinction: The non-resident accounts on this page are personal accounts. They are not business accounts for a company in the UAE. For a business account in the UAE, at least one authorised signatory needs UAE residency (Emirates ID). A company account entirely without residency does not exist in the UAE. You can read more on our page on the company account Dubai.
Both options give you an account outside the EU. The difference lies in travel, documents and scope of services:
For an account in Dubai, you travel there in person. You bring your passport, plus recent bank statements, a proof of address and proof of salary. The trip is worth it: you receive a full banking package, including a debit and credit card with a credit limit. The Dubai account suits you if you want a fully equipped account in an internationally recognised financial centre.
The Georgia option is for you if you want to open an account without travelling. Usually your passport is enough; sometimes a proof of address is added. This variant is particularly simple. It suits you if what matters most to you is an account outside the EU, and you do not want to travel for it.
For us, Georgia is more than a banking location. We also assist you there with property investments and local property financing. If you are planning something in Georgia beyond the account, talk to us.
Which option suits you depends on your goals, your flexibility and the desired scope of services. We clarify this in the initial consultation.
An account outside the EU protects you structurally against unjustified access by third parties. Creditors, bailiffs or claims in the event of divorce cannot directly reach assets outside the EU. This is legal, active asset protection through geographic diversification.
Such an account is one building block in a well-thought-out, broadly diversified asset structure. It is not about concealment, but about deliberately spreading your assets across different countries.
Important compliance note: The United Arab Emirates and Georgia both participate in the Common Reporting Standard (CRS). Your tax reporting and declaration obligations in your country of residence remain fully in place. Asset protection is no substitute for tax honesty. You must properly declare all assets and accounts in your country of residence. This text does not replace tax or legal advice in individual cases.
We clarify your specific questions about the setup exclusively in a personal conversation.
Hannes Danho and his team have been assisting private individuals and entrepreneurs from the DACH region for more than seven years. We are a German-speaking business law firm based in the DIFC Dubai (Gate Village 3). We know the requirements of the local banks and speak their language: German, English, Arabic and Aramaic.
Can I open a non-resident account without travelling?
With the Georgia option, you do not have to travel; usually your passport is enough. For the Dubai option, you travel in person, and in return you receive a full banking package with a debit and credit card.
Which documents do I need?
For Dubai: passport, bank statements, proof of address and proof of salary. For Georgia: only the passport, sometimes additionally a proof of address. We agree the exact list with you in the initial consultation.
Does an account outside the EU offer asset protection?
Yes. An account outside the EU protects you structurally against unjustified access by third parties, for example by creditors, bailiffs or claims in the event of divorce. They cannot directly reach assets outside the EU. This is legal asset protection through geographic diversification. Your tax reporting obligations in your country of residence remain unaffected.
Do I have to declare the account in my country of residence?
Yes. The UAE and Georgia both participate in the Common Reporting Standard (CRS). Your tax reporting and declaration obligations in your country of residence remain fully in place. Asset protection is no substitute for tax honesty. You declare all accounts and assets properly.
How does the non-resident account differ from the company account?
The non-resident account is for private individuals. If you need a business account for your UAE company, you will find the relevant information on our page on the company account Dubai.
The details on this page are general information and do not replace tax or legal advice in individual cases. Whether an account is opened is decided solely by the respective bank. The UAE and Georgia both participate in the Common Reporting Standard (CRS). Your tax reporting and declaration obligations in your country of residence continue to apply without restriction and must be fulfilled in full. Asset protection through geographic diversification is legal, but is no substitute for tax honesty. As of: 2026.
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