UAE removed from EU AML list — this milestone signals a major shift in how the United Arab Emirates is perceived by global regulators and financial institutions. On July 9, 2025, the European Parliament voted to remove the UAE from its list of high-risk third countries for anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF). This comes after the UAE was removed from the FATF grey list in February 2024.

The UAE’s removal from the EU AML list enhances its reputation as a transparent, cooperative jurisdiction aligned with international compliance standards.

Why Was the UAE on the EU AML List?

The EU AML list includes countries that pose strategic deficiencies in their AML/CFT frameworks. The UAE was previously listed due to concerns about:

• Beneficial ownership transparency

• AML enforcement in financial and non-financial sectors

• Risk-based supervision of designated non-financial businesses and professions (DNFBPs)

The government responded with sweeping reforms to address these issues, ultimately paving the way for the UAE to be removed from the EU AML list.

Business Benefits After UAE Removed from EU AML List

The UAE’s delisting offers clear and immediate advantages for companies operating in or through the country:

1. Reduced Compliance Burden

When the UAE was listed, EU financial institutions were required to apply enhanced due diligence (EDD) to all transactions involving UAE entities. Now that the UAE is removed from EU AML list status, this obligation is lifted, streamlining cross-border compliance and lowering operational costs.

2. Improved Financial Access

UAE-based entities can now open bank accounts and process transactions with EU institutions more efficiently, without being flagged for automatic scrutiny. This change encourages smoother business engagement between Europe and the UAE.

3. Boosted Reputation and Credibility

Having the UAE removed from EU AML list significantly enhances its image among investors, regulators, and international financial institutions. It signals that the jurisdiction meets global AML expectations, strengthening its appeal as a base for corporate structuring and wealth management.

AML Reforms That Made It Happen

The UAE implemented a series of robust reforms to achieve this outcome:

• Strengthening of the Executive Office of AML/CFT

• Enhanced UBO reporting with enforcement mechanisms

• Real-time suspicious transaction reporting

• Increased prosecution of AML violations

• Risk-based inspections across financial and DNFBP sectors

Following these reforms, FATF conducted a successful on-site assessment in late 2023.

According to the official European Council press release, the EU recognized the UAE’s “substantial improvement in aligning with international AML/CFT standards” and voted to delist the country on July 9, 2025. The change will take legal effect upon publication in the EU’s Official Journal.

This recognition underscores the UAE’s commitment to transparency, enforcement, and regulatory alignment.

Internal Compliance Strategy: What Should Businesses Do Now?

With the UAE removed from EU AML list, companies should:

• Reassess AML policies and remove unnecessary EU-specific EDD measures

• Engage more freely with European banks and partners

• Highlight the UAE’s clean AML status in investor communications

• Consider restructuring or relocating to the UAE with increased confidence

This strategic shift, combined with growing investor confidence, adds momentum to the UAE’s position as a globally respected financial jurisdiction—making this update not just symbolic, but materially valuable to businesses seeking certainty.

At NH Management, we support clients in structuring and operating within compliant UAE jurisdictions such as ADGM, DIFC, and other free zones. Our AML Compliance Services ensure that your business aligns with evolving global standards.

The UAE removed from EU AML list status is a powerful validation of the country’s progress and regulatory sophistication. It lifts compliance barriers, opens financial doors, and reinforces the UAE’s role as a secure, reputable business hub.

Contact us today at info@nhmanagement.com or call +971 4 222 1327 to schedule a consultation.