After your Certificate of Incorporation, the next step is a business bank account. Eteform guides you on documents and suitable options in clear English.
Open a UK business bank account from abroad
Your UK Ltd is formed and you have the Certificate of Incorporation. Now you need a business bank account to receive payments, pay suppliers, and run your company.
The good news? You don't need to visit the UK. Wise Business, Revolut Business, and Tide all accept applications online from entrepreneurs in the UAE, Saudi, Egypt, and across the Arab world.
Important: Eteform does not open accounts on your behalf — banks decide independently. But we provide Bank Referral Guidance to prepare your file and choose the right bank.
Wise Business vs Revolut Business vs traditional banks
Wise Business: UK IBAN, multi-currency accounts, low fees. Compatible with Amazon, Shopify, Stripe. Most popular among our clients.
Revolut Business: Visa cards for spending, sub-accounts, accounting integrations. Ideal if you need expense management.
Traditional banks (HSBC, Barclays): Higher credibility but slower. HSBC has Gulf presence. Apply 2–4 weeks after formation.
Our recommendation: Start with Wise or Revolut — approved in days. After 6+ months of trading, apply to a traditional bank.
Documents you need
- 📜 Certificate of Incorporation — from Companies House
- 🆔 Passport — valid, with clear photo
- 🏠 Proof of address — utility bill or bank statement (last 3 months)
- 🏢 Registered office contract — proof of UK address
- 📋 Business description — what you sell, who your customers are
You have all of this already after forming with Eteform.
4 tips to improve approval
- Be consistent: Your name and address must match exactly across all documents — passport, Companies House, bank application.
- Have a website: Even a simple landing page. Banks trust companies with an online presence.
- Start with FinTech: Wise or Revolut approve faster. Build a transaction history, then apply to traditional banks.
- Use a London address: Unreliable addresses are rejected immediately. Eteform provides a professional London registered office.
How Eteform helps
Bank Referral Guidance is available as an add-on after formation. We recommend the right bank for your business type, prepare your document file, and explain the application steps in English and Arabic.
500+ Arab entrepreneurs have used Eteform's bank guidance. Trustpilot 4.9/5.
Start your bank guidance → Read the full guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Eteform open a bank account for me?
No. We provide Bank Referral Guidance — the bank makes the approval decision.
Which bank is fastest for non-residents?
Wise Business and Revolut Business — approved in 1–5 days. Both accept non-residents.
Do I need to visit the UK?
No. Wise and Revolut are fully online. Some traditional banks may request a video call.
When should I apply?
Immediately after receiving your Certificate of Incorporation.
Does Amazon accept Wise Business?
Yes in most cases — Wise provides a UK IBAN. Add it in Seller Central payment settings.
What is the difference between personal and business accounts?
A business account is in your company name — required for Stripe, Amazon, and Shopify. Personal accounts are not accepted.
Do I need VAT to open a bank account?
No. VAT is not required for a bank account, though it can strengthen your application.
Company Formation Packages
Transparent Ltd formation packages — from Digital to Fully Inclusive
Digital
Fast electronic formation — ideal for beginners
- Private Limited (Ltd) company formation
- Companies House application filing
- Certificate of Incorporation (PDF)
- Memorandum & Articles of Association
- Arabic email support
Digital + Print
Everything in Digital plus official printed documents
- Everything in the Digital package
- Printed copies of the certificate of incorporation
- Company seal
- Register of Members & Directors
- International mail delivery
Privacy
London registered office + director privacy protection
- Everything in Digital + Print
- Registered Office Address — London
- Director Service Address
- Mail forwarding
- Keep your home address off the public register
Fully Inclusive
All-in-one package — formation, tax & payroll
- Everything in Privacy
- VAT Registration (HMRC)
- PAYE Setup
- Guidance on opening a UK business bank account
- Initial accountant consultation (30 minutes)
