What documents must a UAE real estate broker collect to verify a buyer’s identity?
For an individual buyer, a UAE real estate broker should collect and verify identity using reliable documents such as a valid Emirates ID for residents, or a passport for non-residents, together with supporting details like nationality, date of birth and residential address. The broker should also understand the purpose of the transaction and, on a risk basis, the source of funds.
Where the buyer is a legal person, the broker must obtain the trade licence or certificate of incorporation, the memorandum or articles of association, details of directors and authorised signatories, the register of beneficial owners, and identity documents such as an Emirates ID or passport copy for each beneficial owner. All copies should be current and legible, checked against the original or a certified source, and retained in the customer file for at least five years.
Legal Reference (UAE):
· Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025, Article 19(1)(b) - requires identification and verification of the customer and beneficial owner as part of CDD.
For more details, consult the Executive Regulations or seek guidance from your AML compliance officer.