How a D-U-N-S Number Helps in Opening a Business Bank Account in the UAE and India

Whether expanding internationally, operating internationally, or establishing very solid financial credibility, the foundation for a successful business is the business bank account. Opening a business bank account in either India or the UAE requires going through a very strict verification and compliance process with financial institutions for approval. In addition to the verification and compliance process in both nations, financial institutions in both nations want to establish that a business is a legitimate company, is compliant with the laws, and is financially credible. The use of a D-U-N-S Number is key in establishing that very quickly.

A D-U-N-S Number is a globally recognized identification number that is used by Dun & Bradstreet (D&B). The D-U-N-S Number has made it much easier and quicker for a company that wishes to open a corporate bank account to open that account.

The D-U-N-S Number is very beneficial for both businesses wishing to open bank accounts in India and the UAE. This blog will discuss how having a D-U-N-S Number helps greatly establish a business’s trustworthiness and compliance for companies of all sizes.

What Is a D-U-N-S Number?

A D-U-N-S Number (Data Universal Numbering System) is a nine-digit number assigned to each business by Dun & Bradstreet. It is recognised around the globe as a verification tool. Banks, suppliers, market makers, and Lenders may check the following information about your company using a D-U-N-S Number:

• Legal existence
• Ownership details
• Credit history
• Financial stability
• Operational background

There are many types of tax identification numbers in India (like GSTIN, PAN, and CIN), but these are all local to India only. There are no equivalents in India to a D-U-N-S number for international verification; therefore, a D-U-N-S fills this gap.

Banking and Finance companies in the UAE are increasingly preferring globally accepted verification systems for the purpose of meeting their high levels of compliance, making D-U-N-S an essential tool for UAE banks.

Why Banks Need Verification Before Opening a Business Account

Local Banks and Banks operating in India and UAE follow strict KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) processes prior to approving a Business account. Banks will confirm the following before approving a Business account:

• That the Company exists
• That legitimate people own the Company
• That the Company can be trusted to be financially sound
• That the Company does not participate in illegal or high-risk activities
• That the Company can be located Globally. 

While PAN and Company Incorporation certificates may give the Bank basic proof of the legality of the Business, these documents do not support the Global verification of the Business. Therefore, Banks will look to D-U-N-S for this purpose.

How a D-U-N-S Number Helps in Opening a Business Bank Account in India

In recent years, many Indian banks have begun using Globalization as a means of verifying their customers, particularly exporters, importers, Service Providers, and companies receiving foreign payments. A D-U-N-S Number provides the following assistance to your Banking Needs:

1. Helps banks validate your company’s financial identity

A D-U-N-S Number gives banks access to your D&B Business Credit Report, which includes:

• Credit rating
• Payment history
• Financial stress score
• Legal disputes
• Business operations

   

Banks view the information found on D&B Business Credit Reports to be more valid than any other documentation submitted by your business, which speeds up the time frame needed for banks to approve your bank account request.

2. Speeds up KYC and business verification processes

Banks must complete detailed checks before opening a corporate account. A D-U-N-S profile reduces verification time because:

• It contains globally validated business data
• It confirms your company’s existence
• It verifies directors and ownership

   

By using a D-U-N-S Number to verify business information, banks can perform the verification process in typically hours instead of days.

3. Essential for businesses receiving international payments

If your company receives funds from:

• Foreign clients
• International marketplaces
• Cross-border partners

Banks want to make sure that the company is recognised by the global community. A D-U-N-S Number will enhance trust and reduce the complications associated with receiving international payments.

4. Improves approval chances for startups and MSMEs

The absence of a credit history and/or the financial history can become barriers for newly incorporated businesses trying to open bank accounts.

A D-U-N-S Number:

• Provides third-party credibility
• Shows your business is legitimate
• Makes banks more comfortable approving your account

A D-U-N-S Number is especially beneficial for start-ups and/or home-based businesses.

5. Helpful for applying for credit, loans, or OD facilities

Banks often check D&B reports before issuing:

• Working capital loans
• Cash credit
• Term loans
• Business overdrafts

   

Banks will often verify information from the D&B reports.

Having a D-U-N-S Number gives credibility to your financial records, thus allowing for greater approval chances.

How a D-U-N-S Number Helps in Opening a Business Bank Account in the UAE

The banks in the United Arab Emirates (Dubai and Abu Dhabi, in particular) are very stringent in their adherence to international regulations, and foreign shareholders/new companies often have difficulties obtaining a corporate bank account.

With a D-U-N-S Number in hand, you increase your chances of being approved.

1. UAE banks use international verification systems

UAE banks use databases provided by Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) for the international verification of:

• International companies
• Multinational owners
• Offshore companies
• FZCO/FZE companies
• Branch offices of foreign entities

If your business has a D-U-N-S Number, banks can quickly verify your credibility as a legitimate company in any country.

2. Helps reduce compliance-related rejection

UAE banks reject many applications due to:

• Incomplete verification
• High-risk profiles
• Lack of clear ownership identity
• Doubtful financial background

A D-U-N-S Number helps address these issues by offering complete verification that is not dependent on the incomplete or informal information presented by the applicant.

3. Mandatory or preferred by some banks and free zones

Although the requirement does not exist, the majority of banks and free zones will only accept applicants who have a D-U-N-S Number. This is particularly true for:

• Companies that are registered as offshore
• Foreign-owned companies.

If you have your company listed in global databases, the chances for approval of your application will be better.

4. Makes cross-border money movement easier

UAE banks monitor the movement of money across borders very closely. When a Company has a D-U-N-S Number, it clearly:

• Demonstrates the Financial Behavior of the Company.
• Offers a Transparent Identity to Banks.

When Banks are trying to determine the Risk Factor associated with your Company, having a D-U-N-S Number can help assist You to Open and Maintain a UAE Business Account without Increased Delays.

5. Enhances your corporate profile for future banking needs

Having a D-U-N-S Number makes applying for Merchant Accounts, POS Machines, Corporate Credit Cards, Trade Finance, Discounting Invoices, and Import/Export Facilities more Difficult. Banks will always be looking for how you will be rated in terms of Risk Level. Therefore, when a Company has a D-U-N-S Profile, it Increases the Trustworthiness of the Bank.

Difference Between D-U-N-S and Local Identifiers (India and UAE)

Only D-U-N-S is globally recognized.

Why Banks Prefer Companies With a D-U-N-S Number

• They are easier to verify
• They are considered low-risk
• They show proof of financial responsibility
• They help reduce fraud and AML issues
• They make compliance faster
• They show transparency and professionalism

Banks often approve accounts faster for credible businesses—and D-U-N-S helps establish that credibility.

Does a D-U-N-S Number Guarantee Bank Account Approval?

No. But it significantly increases your chances by strengthening your profile and speeding up verification.

How to Apply for a D-U-N-S Number in India or UAE

The process includes:

1. Submit basic company details
2. Provide business documents
3. Complete verification
4. Receive your number typically within 5–7 working days

Fast-track options are available for urgent needs.

Conclusion

Your company’s ability to get a business bank account in either India or the UAE depends on a strong verification, compliance and credibility framework in place with financial institutions. The D-U-N-S Number is a very significant part of that framework as it is a trusted global identifier that banks use to help facilitate quicker verification of your applications and provide less risk to them, and thus, become more likely to approve your application, particularly if you plan to conduct business internationally or make payments across borders.

Whether you are an MSME, Exporter, or Start-up, having a D-U-N-S Number will support your efforts in establishing strong, stable, and lasting Bank Relationships with a Financial Institution.

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