IBAN FAQs

What is an IBAN?

IBAN stands for International Bank Account Number. For UAE, it is a 23 digit new account structure that includes the existing account number with few other additional information, like the country code, the bank code for the bank account holder and check digits.

What is the benefit of IBAN?

The main purpose of IBAN is to facilitate automatic processing of money transfers and to improve the speed and accuracy of your payment transactions. IBAN will be used for all inward / outward remittances to and from UAE and for salary payments through Wages Protection System (WPS).

Does the IBAN replace my account number?

No, it is simply an additional standardized international identifier for your account.

When will IBAN be implemented?

Central Bank has mandated IBAN with effect from 19th November 2011 whereby all banks in the UAE are required to accept and process payment instructions with IBAN. Consequently, you will be required to provide an IBAN for all instructions for value date on or after 19th November 2011 when making payment from or receiving payments to your account.

What types of money transfer needs IBAN?

• Transfers between your account and beneficiary accounts in other banks in UAE.
• Transfers between your account and beneficiary accounts when sending to banks operating in countries that have implemented IBAN.
• All your inward and outward remittances should have IBAN.

Will I need both my IBAN and my beneficiary's IBAN for sending money?

Yes, except for beneficiaries in non-IBAN countries.

Will I need both my IBAN and the remitters' IBAN for receiving money?

Your remitter must provide YOUR IBAN to the remitting bank. To enable this, kindly ensure your IBAN is known to your remitter.

What's the IBAN print format?

When printing IBAN or writing it on paper, it should be written from left to right in groups of four (4) digits. Groups are separated by a single space as shown in the following example: AE35 0260 1205 5017 6640 001

What's the IBAN electronic format?

When writing IBAN electronically, it should be written from left to right without spaces as shown in the following example: AE350260120550176640001

Will IBAN have an impact on Standing Instructions?

If you have standing orders for effecting payments from your account to beneficiary accounts held in banks within the UAE, then you will need to amend the same, by providing the IBAN equivalent for the beneficiary account. If you are receiving funds through Standing Instruction from any of the banks in UAE, please advise your IBAN to the remitter.

How do I get my IBAN?

You will shortly receive a communication from the Bank advising you IBAN for all your accounts. Alternatively, you can check your IBAN in Banknet, smartBUSINESS or your account statement. From October onwards IBAN will be printed on your new cheque books. Personalized letter / email have been sent to you communicating IBAN for all your accounts with Emirates NBD. You can also visit any Emirates NBD Branch and we will be happy to assist you. In case you do not receive your IBAN by 1st November 2011 you may also call our Call Center at 600-540000.

Is IBAN required to make a payment for credit card by transfer from other bank?

IBAN is not required for credit card payment.

Is IBAN required for Salary Pre-paid cards?

Yes, IBAN is required for Salary Pre-paid cards.

What happens if IBAN is not mentioned by the remitter? Will my funds get credited?

In case the IBAN is not used, the processing of both Inward and Outward payment in your account IS LIKELY TO BE REJECTED OR MAY be delayed with additional processing charges as may be mandated by Central Bank from time to time.

My salary is transferred automatically to my bank account every month. Will my company be able to transfer the funds without using my IBAN number?

Yes for a temporary period (a short grace period of approx 3 months has been allowed by Central bank). Employees must update their employers with their IBAN for updating the salary records.

Is IBAN required for over-the-counter transactions at your bank (cash withdrawal, deposits, etc.)?

NO, IBAN is NOT required for over the counter transactions.

Not all countries have implemented IBAN yet. What happens if I send money to or receive funds from areas that don't recognize IBAN? Can the recipient/remitter use the standard account number? Will the outward/inward remittance still go through?

Without IBAN no inward remittance will be allowed going forward. SWIFT will initiate a broadcast to this effect advising all financial institutions that UAE has implemented IBAN. For outward remittance the current practice follows, i.e. whichever country has implemented IBAN for remittance will require an IBAN mandatorily.