Telephone Numbers
Telephone Numbers
For detailed information +90 542 381 3868'Call.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is rigorously enforcing AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and UBO (Beneficial Owner) regulations to increase financial transparency and ensure compliance with international standards. On 23 February 2024, the UAE was officially removed from the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring, the so-called "grey list" — a milestone reflecting international recognition of the country's AML/CFT reforms. However, maintaining this status depends on individual companies sustaining their own compliance obligations. In this context, the UAE Cabinet's Decision No. 10 of 2019 and Decision No. 109 of 2023 set out the rules that companies must comply with, aiming to verify whether companies are fulfilling their obligations to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing.
Before the audit, a company should assess its own risk profile (customer type, transaction volume, sector) and complete any missing documentation.
Documents such as the trade license, UBO register, bank statements, and financial statements are compiled and cross-checked for consistency.
The competent audit team reviews the documents; if deficiencies are found, additional information is requested from the company. At the end of the process, a compliance report and, where necessary, a corrective action plan are issued.
Companies must prepare the following documents in PDF format:
AML regulations in the UAE are not limited to federal law. Various financial and regional authorities operating in the country issue sector-specific guidelines and circulars to detail implementation. The main regulatory bodies are as follows:
Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE): Has direct authority over banks, currency exchange offices, and financial institutions.
Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA): Oversees the AML compliance processes of financial institutions located within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) – Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA): Applies guidelines and controls to all licensed firms operating in the ADGM region.
| Service | Estimated Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Document preparation (outsourcing) | 1,000 – 5,000 AED |
| Financial statement audit | 3,000 – 15,000 AED |
| Legal consultation (if applicable) | 2,000 – 10,000 AED |
| Penalty risk in case of delay | 10,000 AED and above |
Update Notice: The figures above are estimates prepared as of July 2026 and may vary depending on company size, transaction volume, and outsourcing use. We recommend verifying current rates directly on the relevant official authorities' websites.
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) refers to regulations aimed at preventing illicitly obtained funds from entering the financial system.
Identifying the real persons behind a company is mandatory for transparency and security. Concealed ownership structures can result in serious penalties.
If the documents are complete and ready, the process can be completed within a few days. If there are deficiencies, it may take longer.
A person is considered a UBO if they hold, directly or indirectly, 25% or more of the rights in a company, and this must be declared.
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is the leading body, alongside organizations such as the Basel Institute on Governance and the Egmont Group, which help shape global AML standards.
+90 542 381 3868
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