What is a DNFBP in the UAE?
Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs) are non-financial businesses that are exposed to higher risks of money laundering / terrorist financing.
As per the UAE law, the following categories have to register and adhere to the AML/CFT regulations:
- Real estate agents and brokers
- Dealers in precious metals and stones (cash or linked transactions of AED 55,000 or more)
- Lawyers, notaries and independent legal professionals (for specific client transactions)
- Accountants and auditors
- Trust and corporate service providers (company formation, nominee directors, registered offices)
- Commercial gaming operators (including gaming conducted on vessels or marine craft, when conducting a single financial transaction or several linked transactions of AED 11,000 or more)
- Other businesses designated by supervisory authorities.
DNFBPs have to register in the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit’s goAML platform and adhere to the rules of their supervisory authority (Ministry of Economy and Tourism, Ministry of Justice, DFSA and FSRA).
Why DNFBP Registration is Mandatory
It is a serious offence to operate as a DNFBP without proper registration. Not registering on goAML or the appropriate supervisor can result in:
- Administrative fines starting from AED 50,000 and can go significantly higher (up to AED 1,000,000 per violation) under the law.
- Licence suspension or cancellation
- Criminal liability under Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025
- Issues with banks and business partners.
Registration is the first step towards creating a strong AML program and allows you to file Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) when required.
DNFBP Registration Requirements in the UAE
- goAML Registration: Every FIU registration through SACM is mandatory, even if there were no suspicious transactions.
- Compliance Officer / MLRO Appointment: Appoint a Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO)/Compliance Officer (CO). The appointee should be suitably senior, competent, independent and formally authorised.
- Key Document Submission: Provide Trade licence, Emirates ID/passport of MLRO, authorisation letter and any other document as requested by the supervisory authority.
- Supervisory Authority Registration: Register with the appropriate regulator such as the Ministry of Economy & Tourism, Ministry of Justice, DFSA (DIFC) and FSRA (ADGM).
- Basic AML Framework Readiness: Ability to conduct risk assessment, apply Customer Due Diligence (CDD), retain records for 5 years and file Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs).
Non-compliance is considered a serious internal- controls failure and may lead to administrative fines, licence suspension, or enforcement action.
Relevant UAE Laws for DNFBP Registration
Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025 – The principal anti-money laundering law in the UAE, which also covers the proliferation financing and the financing of terrorism.
Cabinet Resolution No. 134 of 2025 – Executive regulations of the main law, which includes the categories and obligations of DNFBPs.
Supervisory rules from the Ministry of Economy and Tourism (MoET), Ministry of Justice (MoJ), DIFC (DFSA) and FSRA (ADGM).
All DNFBPs are required to appoint a Compliance Officer or a Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO), carry out risk assessment, apply customer due diligence and retain records for at least five years. For a closer look at the wider framework, see our guide to AML internal controls and compliance program setup.
Our DNFBP Registration Services in Dubai
RH and Hale offers comprehensive end-to-end DNFBP registration UAE support:
goAML Registration
We provide end-to-end support for the goAML registration process. This includes SACM account creation, document preparation, MLRO authorisation letter, and portal submission. Required documents typically include trade licence, Emirates ID/passport of the MLRO, and authorisation letter.
Supervisory Authority registration
- Ministry of Economy and Tourism registration for real estate, precious metals, accountants and corporate service providers
- Ministry of Justice registration process for lawyers, notaries and legal consultants
- DFSA DNFBP registration for businesses in DIFC
- FSRA registration for businesses in ADGM
MLRO appointment and documentation
We will help you to appoint a suitable Compliance Officer/MLRO and prepare the authorisation letter stating and ensuring the person is competent and meets residency requirements.
Pre-registration compliance check
Review of your business activities to confirm DNFBP status, identification of appropriate supervisory authority, preparation of the relevant AML documents.
Post-Registration Support
Recommendations for further measures including enterprise-wide risk assessment, AML policies, customer due diligence measures, staff training and continuous goAML reporting.
Who Needs DNFBP Registration Services?
Our Services are suitable for:
- New real estate agents and brokers in Dubai
- Gold, jewellery and precious stones traders
- Corporate service providers and company formation agents
- Accounting and auditing firms.
- Law firms and legal consultancies in charge of real estate, company formation or client funds.
- Companies expanding into free zones or expanding or changing activities in the UAE.
Whether you are looking to set up a new business or re-register an existing one in accordance with the latest laws, we can simplify this complex process with accurate results.
Why Choose RH and Hale for DNFBP Registration in Dubai?
RH and Hale is an established law firm in Dubai with deep experience in UAE regulatory and compliance matters.
- Our team is familiar with the practical differences between UAE mainland, DIFC and ADGM.
- We prepare accurate documentation, submit on the portal and guide you through the process, ensuring your registration is accepted the first time.
- We focus on clear communication, fast turnaround, and keeping you fully compliant with the latest AML regulations.
Register Your DNFBP Today
Don´t risk any penalties or delays in the registration process. Trust RH and Hale to manage all of your DNFBP registration and goAML registration in the UAE.
Get in touch today and discuss your needs with our team for a confidential consultation and begin your DNFBP registration process with confidence.
Complete your DNFBP registration in UAE quickly and correctly with RH and Hale, a reputable law firm in Dubai. We help real estate agents, dealers in precious metals and stones, corporate service providers, accountants, auditors, lawyers, notaries and other designated non-financial businesses and professionals (DNFBPs) to register on the goAML portal and fulfill all supervisory requirements pursuant to UAE anti-money laundering laws.
Our DNFBP registration services cover mainland Dubai, all commercial free zones including DIFC and ADGM. We ensure your registration is compliant with Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025 and Cabinet Resolution No. 134 of 2025 so that your business operates legally and no penalties are imposed against it.
FAQ
What is DNFBP registration in the UAE?
DNFBP registration is the process of registering a Designated Non-Financial Business or Profession with the relevant UAE regulatory authorities, where required. It helps businesses meet applicable anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CFT) compliance obligations.
Which businesses are required to register as DNFBPs in the UAE?
DNFBPs generally include real estate agents and brokers, dealers in precious metals and stones, auditors, accountants, lawyers, and corporate service providers carrying out relevant designated activities. Applicable requirements depend on the nature of the business and its regulatory framework.
Is goAML registration mandatory for DNFBPs in the UAE?
Businesses falling within the applicable reporting requirements must register on the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit’s goAML platform to report suspicious transactions and activities. The precise registration and reporting obligations depend on the business category and its competent supervisory authority.
What documents are required for DNFBP registration in the UAE?
The required documents may include a valid trade licence, company incorporation documents, ownership and ultimate beneficial owner (UBO) details, identification documents for relevant individuals, and information about the company’s business activities. Additional documents may be required depending on the regulatory authority and the business category.
What are the consequences of failing to comply with DNFBP requirements in the UAE?
Failure to meet applicable DNFBP and AML compliance obligations may result in administrative fines, regulatory action, licence restrictions, and reputational damage. Businesses should maintain appropriate AML policies, conduct customer due diligence, keep required records, and fulfil applicable reporting obligations to reduce compliance risks.
