The business environment in Dubai and the UAE as a whole is built on trust, yet is governed by strict banking regulations. When large sums are involved—whether transactions between companies, payments for services, or real estate—partners often prefer a manager’s check over cash or even a standard bank transfer . This instrument has become a standard for secure transactions, and if you plan to do business in the Emirates, it’s important to understand how to obtain one and use it correctly.
Why partners choose Manager Check
A manager check is a special type of check issued and guaranteed by a bank. Unlike a personal check, its funds are not dependent on the owner’s account balance: the amount is immediately blocked by the bank upon issuance, ensuring the check will always be honored.
For a business partner, this is the main argument:
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payment guarantee – funds have already been reserved;
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reliability – the manager cannot revoke the check without the recipient’s consent;
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Market recognition —almost all large companies and government agencies in Dubai accept manager’s checks.
Therefore, if you want to build trust and demonstrate your seriousness, using a manager check when making payments to partners is a standard and safe way.
What documents are needed to obtain a manager’s check?
Requirements vary slightly for UAE residents and non-residents.
For residents (residents with a visa):
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passport (Emirates ID);
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active bank account;
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the amount in the account equal to the size of the check.
For non-residents (foreign investors or businessmen):
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international passport;
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sometimes a visa (even a tourist visa may be suitable, but it is better to have a resident visa);
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confirmation of source of funds (income certificate or bank statement);
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an account in a UAE bank to which funds have been transferred in advance.
Important: Opening an account for a non-resident is more difficult, but it’s a real and common process. It’s through this bank account that the manager’s check is subsequently issued.
Step-by-step: How to Get a Manager’s Check in Dubai
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Open a bank account in the UAE . You’ll need a passport, visa (if applicable), proof of address, and sometimes proof of income.
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Transfer money to your account . You can do this via bank transfer from your home country or through an exchange service (for example, if you have rubles or hryvnia, you can exchange them for dirhams and deposit them into your account).
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Apply for a manager’s check at your bank . This is usually done at a branch, but some banks offer online banking options.
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Specify the recipient . The check is made out strictly to an individual or legal entity—a partner, developer, or company.
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Receive the check and give it to your partner . This can be done in person or through a notarized representative.
The deadlines are usually minimal: if you submit your application before cut-off time (usually 2:00 PM), you can receive your check on the same day.
Fees and conditions
The fee varies by bank, but is typically 10–30 dirhams per check.
Some banks (such as Emirates NBD) charge a flat fee of 15.75 AED.
The release period is from 30 minutes to one business day.
If a non-resident is opening an account for the first time, the process may take longer as the bank verifies the documents and source of funds.
Nuances that are important to consider
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The recipient’s name must be accurate . A single letter error can result in a check being rejected.
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Currency . Manager’s checks in the UAE are typically issued in dirhams (AED). Banks may sometimes issue checks in other currencies, but AED is preferred for domestic transactions.
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Application submission time . If you submit your application before 2:00 PM, you’ll receive your receipt the same day. After that, you’ll likely receive it tomorrow.
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Recipient’s documents . Sometimes a partner must verify their identity when receiving payment by check.
How to protect yourself when making payments
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Always issue a check at a bank branch or through the official online application.
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Make sure that the check was issued by a bank and not by a private individual.
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Check with your partner for details in advance to avoid mistakes in the name.
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Keep the receipt—it’s your proof that the payment was made.
What to choose for partner transactions: a manager check or a transfer
A bank transfer is convenient for everyday payments and small amounts. But if you’re dealing with a major transaction, especially real estate or large contracts, it’s safer to use a manager check.
Partners in Dubai are accustomed to this instrument; it’s perceived as a sign of trust and guarantee. Therefore, for market entry and successful collaboration, it’s best to focus on manager’s check payments from the start.
So, how to safely obtain a manager check in the UAE : open an account, transfer funds, order a check from the bank, and carefully fill out all the details. It’s not difficult, and the reliability and trust of your partners are worth the effort.
