What documents must a real estate broker collect when the buyer is a legal person?
When a buyer or seller in a UAE property transaction is a legal person, the broker must collect documents that identify both the company and the natural persons who ultimately own or control it. The Ministry of Economy requires the trade licence, the articles of association, the register of beneficial owners, and a valid Emirates ID or passport copy for every beneficial owner as well as for all shareholders or partners.
These documents let the broker look through the corporate structure to the real individuals behind the deal, which is essential because criminals frequently use companies and layered ownership to hide the true buyer. The information collected feeds the firm’s risk assessment and supports any Real Estate Activity Report or Suspicious Transaction Report.
Legal Reference (UAE):
· MoE Circular No. 5/2022 — lists the trade licence, articles of association, register of beneficial owners and ID for all beneficial owners and shareholders for legal-person parties.
· Cabinet Resolution No. 109 of 2023, Article 4 — defines the beneficial owner as a person holding 25% or more of capital or voting rights.
For more details, consult the full text of MoE Circular No. 5/2022 or seek guidance from your AML compliance officer.