REAR Reporting Services in the UAE

What Is a REAR Report?

REAR stands for Real Estate Activity Report. It was introduced by Ministry of Economy Circular No. 05/2022 and has applied since 1 July 2022. It is triggered by how the property is paid for, not by suspicion. A completely legitimate cash or crypto purchase still needs a REAR.

When Does a Property Deal Need a REAR?

A REAR is required for the purchase or sale of freehold real estate when:

• Cash: one cash payment, or several cash payments, reach AED 55,000 or more for all or part of the price.
• Crypto: all or part of the price is paid in a virtual asset, such as Bitcoin or a stablecoin.
• Converted crypto: the money used came from converting virtual assets into cash or currency.

Buying Property in Dubai With Cash

Cash deposits are common, especially at the reservation or offer stage. If the cash adds up to AED 55,000 or more, even across several payments, a REAR is due.

Buying Property in Dubai With Crypto

Crypto property deals are allowed, but they always trigger a REAR, whatever part of the price is paid in virtual assets. The same applies if the buyer sold crypto to raise the funds.

Who Must File a REAR?

The circular is addressed to real estate brokers and agents licensed in the UAE. Lawyers and other legal professionals who handle property sales for clients are also regulated, so they should follow their own supervisor's reporting instructions.

UAE AML Laws for Real Estate Brokers

While the REAR obligation itself sits in a 2022 ministerial circular, the wider AML framework decides which property professionals are covered, how company buyers must be checked and where crypto payments cross a legal line:

“Real estate brokers and agents, when concluding transactions or settlements on behalf of their customers in relation to the purchase or sale of real estate.”

Cabinet Resolution No. 134 of 2025, Article 3(2)

REAR Example From a Dubai Brokerage

A buyer agrees to purchase a freehold apartment and pays the AED 60,000 deposit in cash, with the rest by bank transfer. Because the cash part is over AED 55,000, the brokerage collects IDs from buyer and seller, the Memorandum of Understanding and the cash receipt, and files a REAR. Nothing else about the deal is suspicious, so no STR is needed.

Documents to Collect for a REAR

• Individuals: Emirates ID or passport copy.
• Companies: trade licence, articles of association, register of beneficial owners, and ID copies of the owners and partners.
• Receipts, invoices, the Memorandum of Understanding or Sale and Purchase Agreement.
• Proof of payment, including crypto wallet or exchange records where relevant.

Store these papers safely for a minimum of five years; both the circular and the Executive Regulations insist on it.

REAR vs STR: Do You Need Both?

Sometimes. The circular says filing a REAR does not remove your other goAML duties. If a cash or crypto buyer also raises red flags, such as refusing to explain the source of funds or using third parties to pay, you should file an STR as well.

How Our REAR Reporting Service Works

A REAR is sent from your brokerage's own goAML login, set up through the FIU's SACM portal and Google Authenticator. Our process:

1. 01
   Flag early: we help agents identify cash and crypto payments at the offer stage.
2. 02
   Collect documents: a simple checklist for buyer, seller and property.
3. 03
   Check for red flags: we assess whether an STR or SAR is also needed.
4. 04
   Prepare the REAR: parties, property and payment details entered in goAML.
5. 05
   Attach proof: IDs, agreements and payment records.
6. 06
   Submit and store: your compliance officer submits and we file copies for five years.

Common REAR Mistakes Brokers Make

• Missing several small cash payments that add up to AED 55,000.
• Not asking whether the buyer's funds came from selling crypto.
• Skipping beneficial ownership papers for company buyers.
• Agents telling compliance about cash only after the deal closes.
• Assuming a REAR replaces an STR.

Penalties for Not Filing a REAR

A brokerage that skips REARs, misses documents or loses records is exposed to regulator action under the AML law, with penalties from AED 10,000 to AED 5 million for each breach, plus possible suspension or loss of its licence.

Why Choose Our REAR Reporting Services?

• We understand how Dubai and Abu Dhabi property deals really run.
• Clear rules for agents on cash and crypto payments.
• Complete, accurate REARs with all supporting papers.
• goAML registration, REAR filing and STR support together.

Frequently Asked Questions