UAE Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Compliance for Free Zone Companies 2026
UAE anti-money laundering (AML) regulations apply to many UAE free zone companies. Here is what you need to know for 2026.
In this guide:
UAE AML Legal Framework
- Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2018 (AML-CFT Law): UAE main AML law
- Cabinet Decision No. 10 of 2019: Implementing regulations
- Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU): UAE FIU receives and analyses suspicious transaction reports
- FATF membership: UAE is a FATF member; under continuous monitoring
Who Must Comply with UAE AML Regulations?
Financial Institutions (Full AML compliance)
- Banks and exchange houses
- Insurance companies
- Investment companies
DNFBPs (Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions)
Certain businesses have mandatory AML obligations as DNFBPs:
- Real estate agents and developers
- Lawyers and notaries (when conducting financial transactions for clients)
- Accountants and auditors
- Company formation agents
- Dealers in precious metals and stones (gold traders, jewellers, diamond dealers)
- Trust and company service providers (TCSPs)
DNFBP Registration Requirement
DNFBPs must register with the UAE AML/CFT Supervisory Authority (goAML platform):
- Register at: amlcft.ae
- File Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) when required
- Maintain AML policies and procedures
- Train staff on AML/CFT
Most Free Zone Companies Are NOT DNFBPs
Most regular UAE free zone companies (IT services, consulting, marketing, e-commerce) are NOT DNFBPs and do not have direct AML obligations beyond:
- General prohibition on facilitating money laundering
- Reporting suspicious activity to UAE FIU if they encounter it