Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a GHB account without living in the UAE? Yes. International clients will be served through GHB's offshore DIFC/ADGM perimeter. You need a valid passport, proof of non-UAE tax residence, proof of address, and source-of-wealth documentation. No UAE residence visa or Emirates ID is required.

How long does onboarding take for international clients? Individual offshore accounts are typically verified within 3 to 10 business days, depending on the complexity of your source-of-wealth documentation and jurisdiction. Corporate offshore accounts typically take 15 to 30 business days, with high-risk sectors extending to 60 business days.

What documents do I need as an international client? A valid government-issued passport, proof of non-UAE tax residence, proof of address (utility bill or bank statement from your country of residence), and source-of-wealth documentation. For individual offshore accounts, the CBUAE offshore framework generally expects traceable financial assets of at least AED 1 million. Additional documents may be requested for higher-risk jurisdictions.

Can I open a business account if my company is incorporated outside the UAE? Yes. GHB will serve international businesses through its offshore perimeter. You will need to provide certificate of incorporation, constitutional documents, UBO register, good-standing evidence, and source-of-funds documentation. Non-English documents require certified translation and, where applicable, apostille. No UAE free zone entity is required.

What are the fees? Zero monthly maintenance on Global Core. Free local UAE transfers for onshore clients. AED 15 flat for international transfers. Full schedule published on the Rates, Fees & Charges page.

How do I withdraw cash as an international client? You can use your GHB card at ATMs globally. Free withdrawals within the GHB partner network in the UAE; standard network fees apply elsewhere. Find partner ATMs in the app's locator.

Can I receive AED, USD, EUR, and GBP? Yes. GHB will provide multi-currency receiving accounts with virtual account details in AED, USD, EUR, and GBP under both perimeters.

Which assets are supported? BTC, ETH, USDT, USDC, and AED-backed stablecoins. The supported-asset list is updated in the app as new assets are approved.

How does custody work for international clients? The majority of client assets are planned to be held in cold storage with multi-signature or MPC controls. Client assets will be segregated from GHB's own assets and insured to at least 10% of average client assets. The same custody standards apply to onshore and offshore clients.

Can I withdraw crypto to an external wallet in my home country? Yes, to whitelisted addresses. Whitelisting requires a 24-hour cooling-off period for new addresses. International withdrawals are subject to standard blockchain network conditions.

Are my crypto holdings covered by deposit insurance? Crypto assets would not be covered by any government deposit-insurance scheme at either perimeter. GHB will provide private insurance for digital assets as described above.

How do I know GHB is legitimate as an international client? GHB intends to operate under a CBUAE banking licence, subject to authorisation for its onshore business, a DFSA or FSRA Category 1 licence for its offshore business, and a VARA VASP licence for virtual-asset activities in Dubai. Once applicable authorisations are granted, the corresponding licence numbers and register links will be published on the About page. International clients can verify GHB's regulatory status directly with the relevant regulator.

What if I suspect fraud from outside the UAE? Call the 24/7 international hotline immediately or use in-app fraud reporting. We will freeze your account and cards on request, regardless of your location.

Does GHB ever ask for my private keys? Never. GHB will never ask for your private keys, passwords, or one-time codes.

What is the difference between a GHB onshore account and a GHB offshore account? A GHB onshore account is opened with GHB’s intended CBUAE-authorised entity, is governed by UAE federal law, and is targeted to have any applicable, verified UAE Deposit Insurance Scheme protection up to AED 500,000. Under the planned offshore licensing structure, GHB offshore accounts would be opened with the relevant DIFC or ADGM entity after authorisation, subject to the applicable legal framework and DFSA/FSRA supervision.

How is GHB regulated for international clients? International clients will be served through GHB's offshore DIFC or ADGM entity, which is intended to hold a Category 1 deposit-taking licence from the DFSA or FSRA. GHB’s onshore entity will seek a CBUAE banking licence. Both entities would be covered by GHB's planned VARA VASP licence for virtual-asset activities in Dubai where applicable.

What happens to my fiat deposits if GHB fails? Onshore eligible deposits are targeted to have any applicable, verified protection under the UAE Deposit Insurance Scheme up to AED 500,000 per depositor per bank. Offshore deposits held with GHB's DIFC or ADGM entity would not be assumed covered by the UAE Deposit Insurance Scheme unless the offshore entity has separately opted into an eligible scheme; offshore clients should confirm the applicable protection regime with their relationship manager before depositing.

Do I need to pay tax in the UAE on my GHB account? GHB does not provide tax advice. Your tax obligations depend on your country of residence and citizenship. GHB's proposed onshore and offshore entities would operate as reporting financial institutions under the UAE's Common Reporting Standard and FATCA regimes, and account information may be reported to the tax authority of your jurisdiction of tax residence. You should consult a qualified tax adviser in your jurisdiction.