How long do I have to file a suspicious transaction report in the UAE?
UAE law does not set a fixed number of days. Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025 Article 18 requires financial institutions, DNFBPs, and virtual asset service providers to notify the FIU without delay and directly once they suspect, or have reasonable grounds to suspect, that a transaction or funds represent proceeds or are linked to a crime, regardless of value. Without delay means as soon as reasonably possible after the suspicion is formed, not after layers of internal sign-off have accumulated.
Supervisors expect promptness. Many entities aim to file the STR or SAR well within the review windows they apply to automated alerts, and they document the date the suspicion crystallised so the timeline can be evidenced. Delay between forming suspicion and filing is a common inspection finding. Entities must also furnish any additional information the Unit later requests, without invoking confidentiality provisions.
Legal Reference (UAE):
ยท Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025, Article 18(1): reporting to the FIU must be made without delay.
For more details, consult the full text of Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025 or seek guidance from your AML compliance officer.