AML compliance in the UAE is a legal requirement built on Federal Decree-Law No. (10) of 2025 (updated from anti-money laundering and counter terrorism financing (AML/CFT) regulations under Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2018). If you operate as a Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs) entity (such as real estate agents, accountants, lawyers, or corporate service providers), you must complete goAML registration, maintain KYC records, and apply risk-based due diligence for all clients.
Ignoring this can lead to fines (in millions!) or frozen bank accounts.
Set up your AML compliance with CorpLex. We offer end-to-end support and anti-money laundering consulting to align your DNFFBP company setup with UAE regulatory requirements.
Who Needs AML Compliance Setup in the UAE?
AML compliance is mandatory for companies in the UAE mainland, free zones, and offshore structures that fall under regulated Financial Institutions or DNFBPs, including:
GoAML registration is mandatory for DNFBPs in the UAE. Without it, banks may reject or delay account opening for your business setup. We prepare documents, submit them on the goAML system (FIU portal), and complete registration within 4 to 7 days. It ensures that your business is ready for regulatory reporting, audits, and bank checks.
Operating without a documented AML/CFT policy puts your license and banking access at risk (with fines up to AED 5,000,000). We draft a custom AML/CFT policy based on your business type, covering controls, risk checks, and reporting rules. Delivered in 7 to 10 days, giving you a clear compliance structure.
Onboarding clients without proper Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures is a direct compliance violation. CorpLex designs structured onboarding KYC forms and guides simplified and enhanced due diligence based on client risk levels. Get professionally designed KYC forms and clear due diligence guidance to support compliant client onboarding.
Some businesses need AML software to manage checks and monitoring. Choosing the wrong system wastes money and creates gaps. We guide you in selecting the right software based on your size and activity, and provide support during setup. This helps you build a system that matches your actual compliance needs.
AML systems fail when teams do not follow them properly. This increases the risk of errors and penalties. We provide practical training, online or in person, covering UAE rules, risk signs, and internal steps. Your team learns how to apply policies correctly in daily work and handle compliance tasks with confidence.
We confirm your DNFBP classification and compliance requirements
You have to provide us with the compliance officer details, trade license, MOA, Ejari, and company letterhead
After we get documents, we handle full portal registration on your behalf (4-7 business days)
We prepare customized AML/CFT policy, controls, and KYC forms (7-10 business days)
Your team is trained, your framework is live, and your business is compliant.
CorpLex provides specialized AML/CFT setup, documentation, and training services. We do not act as the appointed Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer (MLRO), nor do we perform ongoing transaction monitoring or conduct the mandatory independent AML audits required for your annual filings.
AML/CFT Guidance for Mainland, Free Zone, and Offshore companies across the Emirates
CorpLex gets AML compliance up and running quickly for your business. We handle the entire setup, from DNFBP classification and goAML registration to AML/CFT policy drafting, KYC forms, and staff training. Once your framework is ready, your team or an appointed compliance officer can operate it daily, while we stay available for guidance. Our approach saves time, reduces fines risk, and positions your business for banking and regulatory approval, all without unnecessary delays or ongoing management fees. Here’s what sets us apart:
Don’t wait for a penalty notice or a rejected bank account application. Contact CorpLex now, and our compliance advisors will set up your AML framework on time, tailored to your business activity to meet UAE regulatory requirements.
You must register directly on the SACM portal, then complete the goAML portal setup with the required documents. We can handle the full process for you for faster, error-free registration.
You need a passport, an Emirates ID, a visa from a compliance officer, a trade license, an MOA, Ejari, a company letterhead, email, and mobile number for a full AML setup.
Penalties range from AED 50,000 to AED 1,000,000+, including fines for poor due diligence, missing STR reporting, weak policies, and regulatory violations.
AML system setup takes around 11 to 17 business days, including goAML registration and AML policy drafting, depending on document readiness.
Key laws include Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2018, UAE AML regulations, Central Bank rules, and DFSA guidelines aligned with FATF standards.
No. Our service focuses on AML system setup. For audits (or reporting), our advisors can only guide you on the next steps.
Both. CorpLex sets up AML frameworks for new businesses and existing DNFBPs lacking goAML registration or documented AML policies.
