Question 1

What is goAML and why is it mandatory in UAE?

Accepted Answer

The goAML system, developed by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), is the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit's platform for collecting intelligence on suspicious financial transactions. Under Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025, all Financial Institutions, DNFBPs, and VASPs in the UAE must register on goAML and submit regulatory reports.

Question 2

Who qualifies as a DNFBP in UAE?

Accepted Answer

Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs) in the UAE include Real Estate Agents and Brokers, Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones, Auditors and Accountants, Lawyers and Notaries, Trust and Company Service Providers, and other businesses handling high-value transactions.

Question 3

What are the fines for not registering on goAML in UAE?

Accepted Answer

Entities that fail to register on the UAE FIU goAML portal face financial penalties ranging from AED 50,000 to AED 1,000,000. Repeated violations under Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025 can result in license suspension, asset freezes, and personal criminal liability for company officers.

Question 4

What documents are needed for goAML registration in UAE?

Accepted Answer

goAML registration requires: a company authorization letter in favour of the applicant, a copy of the applicant's passport, resident visa and Emirates ID, and a copy of the commercial or trade license.

Question 5

How long does goAML registration take in UAE?

Accepted Answer

With proper documentation, goAML registration in the UAE typically takes 3 to 7 business days, including the two-step authentication setup, entity profile creation, and FIU onboarding.

Question 6

Is AML compliance only for banks and large companies in UAE?

Accepted Answer

No. Under UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025, AML/CFT obligations apply to all DNFBPs regardless of size. Small accounting firms, individual real estate brokers, and gold dealers have the same AML obligations as large financial institutions.

Question 7

What is a Suspicious Transaction Report (STR) in UAE?

Accepted Answer

A Suspicious Transaction Report (STR) must be filed on the UAE goAML portal when a business identifies a transaction that raises reasonable grounds to suspect money laundering or terrorist financing. Failure to file an STR is a criminal offence under UAE law.

Question 8

Do UAE Free Zone companies need goAML registration?

Accepted Answer

Yes. UAE AML regulations apply to all Free Zone businesses including DMCC, JAFZA, DIFC, ADGM, IFZA, and RAKEZ. The Federal AML law applies to every UAE-registered entity regardless of Free Zone jurisdiction.

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