What Are the goAML Registration Requirements in UAE?

If your business falls under the Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBP) category in the UAE, understanding the goAML registration requirements in UAE is an important part of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance.

The UAE's goAML system is an electronic platform used for submitting applicable Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) and Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) to the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). The Ministry of Economy & Tourism states that DNFBPs must register on the goAML portal.

Young and Right provides goAML registration and AML compliance support for businesses in the UAE, helping eligible businesses understand registration requirements, prepare documentation and establish appropriate AML compliance procedures.

What Is goAML Registration in the UAE?

goAML registration is the process through which eligible reporting entities register their organisation and nominated compliance personnel on the UAE's goAML system.

The system supports the reporting of suspicious transactions and activities to the UAE FIU. Registration is therefore part of a broader AML compliance framework rather than simply an administrative registration.

The Ministry of Economy & Tourism states that all DNFBPs must register on the goAML portal. Businesses should first determine whether their activities fall within the DNFBP framework.

Who Needs to Register for goAML in the UAE?

Businesses that fall within the UAE's DNFBP framework are required to register on goAML.

Examples of relevant DNFBP sectors include:

• Real estate brokers and agents involved in specified real estate transactions
• Dealers in precious metals and stones
• Company service providers
• Accountants and auditors
• Certain legal and professional service providers, subject to the applicable requirements

The Ministry provides a DNFBP assessment tool to help businesses determine whether their activities fall within the relevant category.

Businesses should assess their actual licensed activities and applicable regulatory requirements before deciding whether goAML registration applies.

What Are the Main goAML Registration Requirements in UAE?

The specific registration requirements can vary according to the entity and registration process. The current Ministry instructions identify several important requirements.

1. The Business Must Determine Its DNFBP Status

Before starting registration, the business should establish whether it falls within the DNFBP framework.

This can depend on the nature of the business activity and the services provided.

2. A Nominated Compliance Officer or MLRO Is Required

The registration process requires identification of the nominated Compliance Officer (CO) / Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO).

The current Ministry instructions state that if a company does not have a nominated person, its Managing Director, Operations Director or CFO may register as the nominated person.

3. Valid Contact Details Are Required

The nominated person needs a valid email address and mobile phone number.

The Ministry's current technical instructions state that a UAE or international mobile number may be accepted during the registration process. However, the current registration guide also contains specific portal-field instructions, so businesses should follow the latest instructions applicable to their registration stage.

4. Valid Company Trade Licence

A valid company trade licence is one of the core supporting documents required for registration.

The company name and registration information should correspond accurately with the licence information.

5. Authorisation Letter

An authorisation letter appointing or authorising the nominated Compliance Officer/MLRO is required as part of the supporting documentation.

The Ministry's registration guidance specifies that the authorisation letter should contain the required details and be appropriately completed and signed.

6. Identification Documents

The nominated Compliance Officer/MLRO needs appropriate identification documentation.

The Ministry identifies documents including:

• Passport copy
• UAE residence visa copy, where applicable
• Emirates ID copy, where applicable

The exact identification document submitted should correspond with the information entered in the registration application.

7. Supporting Documents in a Single PDF

The current technical instructions state that supporting documents should be combined into a single PDF attachment.

The total attachment size must be less than 5 MB according to the Ministry's current instructions.

This is an important technical requirement because uploading documents separately may not comply with the portal's specified submission format.

What Information Is Entered During goAML Registration?

The current goAML registration guide identifies information that needs to be entered for both the organisation and the person registering.

Organisation Information

The registration form includes information such as:

• Registration type
• Entity name
• Supervisory body
• Trade licence number
• Other mandatory company information

The current Ministry guide specifies that the registration type should be Reporting Entity, the supervisory body should be Ministry of Economy & Tourism where applicable, and the ID/registration number should be the company's trade licence number.

Nominated Person Information

The registration process can require:

• Name of Compliance Officer/MLRO
• Nationality
• ID type
• ID number
• Email address
• Mobile number

The details should match the relevant identification documents.

What Are the Two Stages of goAML Registration?

The goAML registration process has two main stages.

Stage 1: SACM Pre-Registration

The first stage involves the Services Access Control Manager (SACM).

The Ministry's guidance explains that the applicant must register through the relevant access-control process and obtain the credentials required to proceed.

The applicant should select the appropriate registration type and supervisory body and enter the organisation information accurately.

Stage 2: goAML Entity Registration

After completing the required pre-registration process, the applicant proceeds to the goAML registration stage.

The current Ministry instructions state that the applicant should:

1. Access the applicable portal.
2. Select the production/live environment.
3. Use the username received during pre-registration.
4. Use the Google Authenticator code.
5. Select “Register a New Organisation.”
6. Complete the mandatory information.
7. Upload the supporting documents.
8. Submit the application.
9. Check email for the application reference number.
10. Wait for notification of approval or rejection.

Is Google Authenticator Required for goAML Registration?

Yes. Google Authenticator is part of the current goAML registration and authentication process.

The Ministry's technical instructions state that Google Authenticator is required to complete the registration phase.

Applicants should install the application and follow the authentication instructions provided during the registration process.

Is goAML Registration Free in the UAE?

The Ministry's current technical instructions state that goAML registration is free.

However, businesses may separately incur professional fees if they engage an external consultant or service provider to assist with registration or broader AML compliance.

What Happens After Submitting the goAML Application?

After submitting the application, the applicant should monitor the registered email address for updates.

The current Ministry instructions state that a reference number is generated for the request and that the applicant receives an email notifying them whether the application has been approved or rejected.

If an application is rejected, the Ministry's current instructions state that the applicant should repeat the application process from the pre-registration stage.

Common goAML Registration Mistakes

Businesses can experience delays or rejection when information or documentation does not match the registration requirements.

Common issues include:

• Selecting the wrong organisation type
• Entering an incorrect trade licence number
• Using inconsistent company information
• Providing incorrect Compliance Officer/MLRO details
• Uploading incomplete identification documents
• Failing to provide the authorisation letter
• Uploading multiple files instead of the required single PDF
• Exceeding the document-size limit
• Entering an incorrect email address
• Entering an incorrect mobile number
• Failing to complete the authentication process
• Not checking spam or junk email folders
• Failing to complete both registration stages

The Ministry specifically advises applicants to enter contact information accurately and to check incoming and junk emails during the application process.

Is goAML Registration the Same as AML Compliance?

No. goAML registration and AML compliance are related but different.

goAML registration provides the organisation with access to the relevant reporting system.

AML compliance is much broader and may include:

• AML risk assessment
• Customer Due Diligence (CDD)
• Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures
• Beneficial ownership identification
• Enhanced Due Diligence where applicable
• Transaction monitoring
• Suspicious activity escalation
• STR/SAR reporting
• AML record keeping
• AML policies and procedures
• Employee training
• Compliance Officer/MLRO responsibilities

Therefore, completing goAML registration does not by itself mean that a business has completed all of its AML obligations.

What Is the Role of the MLRO in goAML Compliance?

The Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) or relevant Compliance Officer has an important role in the organisation's AML framework.

Depending on the applicable requirements, the role may involve:

• Monitoring AML procedures
• Reviewing suspicious activity
• Managing internal escalation procedures
• Supporting CDD and KYC processes
• Maintaining AML records
• Coordinating relevant reporting
• Supporting AML risk assessments
• Maintaining AML policies
• Communicating with relevant authorities where required

The person registered on goAML should therefore be appropriately identified and authorised by the organisation.

How Can Young and Right Help With goAML Registration UAE?

Young and Right provides goAML registration and AML compliance support for businesses in the UAE.

Support can include:

• DNFBP status guidance
• goAML registration assistance
• Documentation preparation
• Compliance Officer/MLRO registration support
• AML policy support
• AML risk assessment
• Customer Due Diligence procedures
• Beneficial ownership documentation
• AML record-keeping support
• STR/SAR reporting process guidance
• Ongoing AML compliance support

Young and Right can help businesses approach goAML registration as part of a broader AML compliance process rather than treating it as a standalone form submission.