GoAML registration —
AML compliance for DNFBPs.
Real estate brokers, dealers in precious metals, accountants, lawyers, corporate service providers — all DNFBPs must register with goAML and file STRs/SARs.
- Authority
- FIU UAE
- Applies to
- DNFBPs
- Filing
- STR/SAR
- From
- AED 2,500
Definition — GoAML Registration
goAML is the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit's online portal for anti-money-laundering reporting. Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs) — real estate brokers and developers, dealers in precious metals and stones, lawyers and notaries, accountants and auditors, corporate service providers — must register on goAML and file Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) and Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs). Initial registration mandatory; ongoing reporting triggered by qualifying transactions.
Which businesses must register on goAML.
Five categories of Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs) are required to register and report. Other businesses are out of scope — but the threshold for what counts as 'real estate' or 'corporate service provider' is broader than commonly assumed.
| DNFBP category | Examples | Trigger amount | Reporting frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real estate brokers and agents | RERA-licensed brokers, off-plan agents, leasing agents | Cash transaction ≥ AED 55,000 | Per transaction (STR) + annual confirmation |
| Dealers in precious metals and stones | Jewelers, gold dealers, gem traders | Cash transaction ≥ AED 55,000 | Per transaction (STR) + annual confirmation |
| Lawyers, notaries, independent legal professionals | Practising lawyers, notaries handling escrow | Engagement involving sale/purchase, fund movement, corporate services | Per qualifying transaction (STR) |
| Independent accountants and auditors | FTA-registered accountants, registered auditors | Engagement triggering CDD threshold | Per suspicious-activity (SAR) finding |
| Trust and corporate service providers | Formation agents, registered agents, nominee services | Onboarding any UAE-incorporated entity | Per onboarding + ongoing monitoring |
Where people get this wrong.
Pulled from 500+ YABS engagements. Each pitfall has a knock-on cost in time or AED — knowing them up front is half the value of using a PRO.
Treating cash-equivalent transactions (cheques, transfers) as out-of-scope
Cost: Missed STR filing; AED 50,000–1,000,000 fine + criminal exposure for the compliance officer
YABS fix: We apply CDD thresholds to the underlying value, not the payment method — wire transfers ≥ AED 55,000 still trigger reporting.
Tipping off the customer that a report has been filed
Cost: Criminal offence under Article 22 — imprisonment + AED 50,000–500,000 fine
YABS fix: STR/SAR processes are kept confidential to a designated compliance officer; we train front-line staff on the no-tipping rule.
Skipping annual goAML registration confirmation
Cost: DNFBP licence-renewal block + AED 50,000 first-offence fine
YABS fix: Compliance retainer files annual confirmation within 30 days of the trade-licence renewal cycle.
No documented Customer Due Diligence (CDD) policy
Cost: AED 50,000 fine for missing policy; ineffective KYC creates onboarding risk
YABS fix: We deliver a templated CDD/EDD policy at goAML registration and update it against changes to the Targeted Financial Sanctions list.
Frequently asked questions
Who must register on goAML?
Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs): real estate brokers and developers, dealers in precious metals and stones (jewelers, gold dealers), lawyers and notaries, independent accountants and auditors, and corporate service providers (formation agents like YABS). Plus financial institutions which are regulated separately. Standard mainland businesses outside these categories are NOT required to register.
What's an STR?
Suspicious Transaction Report — filed with UAE FIU when a DNFBP detects a transaction suggesting money laundering or terrorism financing. Triggers include: cash transactions above AED 55,000, structuring, transactions with high-risk jurisdictions, customer due diligence red flags. Reports filed via goAML within 24 hours of detection. Confidential — customer not informed of the report.
Also useful.
Get started with goaml registration
Apply online in 4 steps. Itemised AED quote, no sales-call gate.
This page was last reviewed by the YABS compliance team in Q2 2026 and reflects current Dubai DED, Dubai Municipality, DHA, MOHRE, FTA, and DLD requirements.