UAE AML (Anti-Money Laundering) Compliance Reference for Free Zone Companies 2026
UAE has robust AML regulations. Here is the 2026 reference guide for free zone companies on AML compliance obligations.
In this guide:
UAE AML Regulatory Framework
- Federal Decree Law 20 of 2018: UAE AML Law; criminalizes money laundering and terrorist financing
- CBUAE: Central Bank oversight of financial sector AML
- FIU (Financial Intelligence Unit): Receives suspicious transaction reports
- FATF: UAE is a FATF member; committed to FATF recommendations
AML Obligations for Free Zone Companies
- Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs): Some free zone companies fall under this category and have specific AML obligations
- DNFBPs include: Lawyers and legal consultants, accountants and auditors, real estate brokers, dealers in precious metals and stones, company formation agents
- Non-DNFBP free zone companies: Still subject to general AML law but specific DNFBP obligations do not apply
DNFBP AML Requirements
- Customer Due Diligence (CDD): Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures for all clients
- Suspicious Transaction Reporting (STR): Must report suspicious transactions to UAE FIU (goAML platform)
- Risk assessment: Annual AML risk assessment of business
- Record keeping: Maintain KYC records for 5+ years
- AML training: Staff must receive regular AML training
UAE goAML Registration
- All DNFBPs: Must register on goAML portal; used to submit STRs
- Non-DNFBP companies: Not required to register on goAML but should still comply with general AML law