To get your company set up, we’re required by UAE law to verify a few business details.
It’s a standard step that helps keep your account — and the wider financial system — safe.
Here’s what this process does:
Protects you from fraud and identity misuse
Protects the financial system from money laundering and other illegal activity
Your information is always encrypted and stored securely, and we only share it when required by UAE law.
You’ll be asked for things like:
Business documents (Trade License, MOA/AOA, shareholder info)
ID for key people (owners and directors)
Proof of address and banking
Details about where your funds come from
If you’d like to see the exact legal requirements behind these checks, keep reading ↓
1. Trade License (Valid & Current)
Why: Confirms the legal existence and permitted activities of your company.
Rule: EDD guidance lists a valid business license as a standard risk-mitigation step when onboarding or reassessing higher-risk companies.
Reference: View CBUAE Guidance – § 4.3.3 (opens centralbank.ae)
2. Memorandum / Articles of Association (+ Amendments)
Why: Shows your company’s legal form, governance rules, and share structure.
Rule: Article 8(b) CDD obligations require this to be verified from an independent source.
Reference: View CBUAE Guidance – §§ 4.1 & 4.3.1 (opens centralbank.ae)
3. Certificate of Incumbency / Share Certificates
Why: Identifies Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs), directors, and company secretaries.
Rule: Article 9 of the AML-CFT Decision requires evidence of beneficial ownership and management positions.
Reference: View CBUAE Guidance – § 4.3.2 (opens centralbank.ae)
4. Recent Bank Letter or Statement (AED Account, <3 Months Old)
Why: Confirms account ownership, supports EDD by checking source of funds and expected transactions.
Rule: AML-CFT Guidelines list “banking references” among the required extra documents for high-risk customers.
Reference: View CBUAE Guidelines – § 6.4 (opens centralbank.ae)
5. Valid Emirates ID or Passport
Why: Confirms identity and screens against sanctions lists.
Rule: Must verify identity from reliable, independent sources.
Reference: View CBUAE Guidelines – § 6.3.1 (opens centralbank.ae)
6. Residential Address, Phone, and Email
Why: Helps assess geographic risk and contact you securely.
Rule: Required as part of your customer profile and ongoing monitoring.
Reference: View CBUAE Guidelines – § 6.3 (opens centralbank.ae)
7. Ultimate Beneficial Owners (≥10% Ownership)
Why: UAE law requires transparency about who truly owns a company.
Rule: Legal-Persons Guidance § 3.1 & Cabinet Decision 58/2020.
Reference: View CBUAE Legal Persons Guidance (opens centralbank.ae)
8. Source of Funds / Source of Wealth
Why: Proves your funds come from legitimate, traceable activities.
Rule: For high-risk customers, EDD must include a detailed inquiry into source of funds and wealth.
Reference: View CBUAE Guidelines – § 6.4 (opens centralbank.ae)
When Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) Applies
EDD is triggered when your business is considered higher-risk. Examples include:
You or a senior officer is a Politically Exposed Person (PEP)
You operate in or with high-risk countries
Transactions are unusually large or complex
In these cases, we collect additional documents and proof.
How We Protect Your Information
Data is encrypted in transit and at rest
Access is limited to trained compliance staff
Shared only with regulators or as required by UAE law
For more details: