| Article Summary
Starting a security company in the UAE requires two separate approvals: a SIRA license from the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (under Dubai Police) and a DED commercial trade license. Individual security guards must also hold personal SIRA cards. This guide covers every requirement: ownership rules, license types, SIRA staff registration, costs, and the exact sequence to get your security business legally operational. |
The UAE security services industry is one of the most tightly regulated business sectors in the country, and for good reason. With a booming hospitality sector, large-scale construction projects, high-profile corporate headquarters, and a year-round events calendar, the demand for professional security services in Dubai and across the UAE is strong and growing. But unlike most business categories where a single DED trade license gets you operational, security companies in Dubai must obtain a SIRA license from the Security Industry Regulatory Agency before they can legally provide any form of guarding, patrol, or protection service.
This guide covers the complete process for obtaining a security company license in the UAE: the SIRA regulatory framework, the types of security business licenses available, individual guard card requirements, cost estimates, and the step-by-step sequence from initial application to first contract.
| Key Fact: SIRA (Security Industry Regulatory Agency) is the regulatory arm of Dubai Police responsible for licensing and supervising all private security companies and personnel operating in Dubai. Operating a security business in Dubai without a valid SIRA license is a criminal offence. |
Can a Foreign-Owned Company Provide Security Services in UAE?
Foreign ownership in the UAE security sector is one of the most frequently misunderstood aspects of this industry setup, and the answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no.
On the UAE mainland, the security services industry falls under a category that has traditionally required a UAE national as a local partner or sponsor. Dubai Police and SIRA apply strict nationality requirements to certain categories of security license, particularly those involving guarding of government facilities, critical infrastructure, and financial institutions. For these categories, a UAE national partner holding a controlling share is typically required.
The current ownership position for security companies in Dubai:
- Manned guarding services for government or critical infrastructure: UAE national partner required in most cases
- Commercial and corporate site security: ownership requirements should be confirmed with SIRA at the time of application as regulations are periodically updated
- Free zone security entities: some free zones permit 100% foreign ownership but the entity can only operate within the free zone boundaries
- Technology-based security companies (CCTV monitoring, remote surveillance, access control systems): may qualify for 100% foreign ownership under different license categories
- Consulting and training businesses in the security sector: often eligible for majority or full foreign ownership
The 2021 UAE FDI reforms expanded foreign ownership rights across many sectors, but security services remain one of the categories where SIRA and Dubai Police retain significant discretion over ownership structure. Confirm the specific requirements with SIRA or through a business setup consultant at DIAC before committing to a structure.
SIRA License (Security Industry Regulatory Agency): What It Is
SIRA is the Security Industry Regulatory Agency, established under the Dubai Police General Headquarters. It is responsible for licensing, supervising, and auditing all private security companies and individual security personnel operating within the Emirate of Dubai.
SIRA carries out several key regulatory functions:
- Issuing company-level security licenses to eligible security service providers
- Issuing individual SIRA cards to security guards, supervisors, and managers who meet training and background requirements
- Conducting periodic inspections of licensed security company operations
- Setting and enforcing training standards for all private security personnel in Dubai
- Approving the deployment of security personnel to specific sites and categories of premises
- Investigating complaints against licensed security companies and personnel
- Cancelling or suspending licenses for non-compliant operators
Without a valid SIRA company license, no entity in Dubai can legally deploy security guards, run patrol services, provide cash-in-transit services, or operate an executive protection detail. The SIRA license must be renewed annually and is linked to the DED trade license validity.
| Outside Dubai: Each emirate has its own security licensing authority. In Abu Dhabi, private security companies are regulated by Abu Dhabi Police. In Sharjah, Ajman, RAK, and Fujairah, the local police authority manages licensing. If you plan to operate across multiple emirates, you will need separate approvals from each authority. |
Types of Security Business Licenses in UAE
SIRA issues different categories of security company license based on the type of services provided. Selecting the correct category at the application stage is critical because operating outside your licensed category is a violation that can result in license suspension.
| License Category | Services Covered | Typical Clients |
| Manned Guarding | Static guards, entry control, patrol services | Commercial buildings, retail, warehouses |
| Event Security | Crowd management, access control at events | Concert venues, exhibitions, sports events |
| Executive Protection | Close protection, VIP escort, residential security | HNWIs, corporate executives, government VIPs |
| Cash in Transit (CIT) | Secure transportation of cash and valuables | Banks, retail chains, jewelry businesses |
| Guard Dog Services | Canine patrol and detection units | Warehouses, ports, construction sites |
| Technology Security | CCTV monitoring, remote surveillance, alarm response | Any commercial or residential premises |
| Security Training | Training and certification of security personnel | Security companies, corporate HR departments |
| Security Consulting | Risk assessment, security audits, advisory | Corporate clients, event organisers, developers |
Most new security companies in Dubai start with the manned guarding category and add event security or executive protection as they grow their client base and operational capability. Each category extension requires a separate SIRA approval and may involve additional documentation and fee payments.
DED and SIRA: The Two-License Process Explained
Setting up a security company in Dubai involves two separate applications to two separate government bodies. Many applicants make the mistake of approaching DED first and assuming SIRA approval will follow automatically. In practice, the two processes run in parallel with each requiring information from the other.
Step 1: DED Application (Department of Economy and Tourism)
The DED (now the Department of Economy and Tourism) issues the commercial trade license that authorises your company to operate as a legal business entity in Dubai mainland. For security companies, the relevant activity code is classified under the professional or commercial services category. The DED application process for a mainland security company is similar to any other mainland business formation. Our detailed guide on mainland company formation in Dubai covers this step in full.
DED documents required for a security company:
- Trade name reservation form and initial approval application
- Shareholder passport copies and Emirates ID (for UAE residents)
- Memorandum of Association (notarised)
- Tenancy contract (Ejari registered) for business premises
- NOC from UAE national partner if applicable to your ownership structure
- No Objection Certificate from current sponsor if any shareholder is on an employment visa
Step 2: SIRA Application (Security Industry Regulatory Agency)
Once you have DED initial approval (or in some cases simultaneously), you submit a SIRA company license application. SIRA applications are submitted through the SIRA online portal via Dubai Police. The application requires documentation beyond what DED collects, including evidence of your operational capability, management qualifications, and planned staffing structure.
Additional documents required for SIRA company license:
- Completed SIRA company license application form
- DED initial approval or trade license copy
- Company organisational chart with named positions
- Security Operations Manager details: qualifications, experience, and Emirates ID
- Company policy and procedures manual (security operations, emergency response, incident reporting)
- Site survey reports if specific premises are to be listed on the license
- Evidence of public liability insurance cover
- Bank guarantee or performance bond as required by SIRA
The Correct Application Sequence
- Reserve trade name and obtain DED initial activity approval
- Prepare SIRA documentation package in parallel (company profile, operational manual, management CVs)
- Submit SIRA company license application with DED initial approval attached
- SIRA reviews application and may conduct an office inspection
- SIRA issues company license approval letter
- Complete DED trade license with SIRA approval letter
- Both licenses active: company can begin recruiting SIRA-licensed staff and taking contracts
DIAC’s PRO services team manages the parallel DED and SIRA submission process, handles government liaison, and coordinates document attestation for security company applicants.
Security Personnel Requirements and SIRA Staff Licensing
One of the most operationally significant aspects of running a security company in Dubai is that every individual security officer, supervisor, and operations manager must hold a personal SIRA security card. This is not optional: deploying an unlicensed individual in a security role is a serious regulatory offence for the company.
SIRA Security Guard Card Requirements
To obtain an individual SIRA security card, each personnel member must meet the following criteria:
- Minimum age of 21 years
- Valid UAE residence visa (sponsored by the security company)
- Medical fitness certificate from a UAE-approved health centre
- Clear criminal record (UAE and country of origin)
- Completion of a SIRA-approved basic security training course (typically 40 to 120 hours depending on role category)
- Pass the SIRA licensing examination covering UAE security laws, emergency procedures, and professional conduct
- Emirates ID registration
SIRA Training Approval
Security training in Dubai must be delivered by a SIRA-approved training provider. As of current regulations, only authorised training centres can issue the certificates accepted by SIRA for personnel licensing. A list of approved providers is available through the SIRA Dubai Police portal. New security companies typically build a relationship with one or two approved training providers to ensure a steady pipeline of SIRA-qualified staff.
SIRA Card Categories
| Card Type | Role | Training Required |
| Security Guard Card | Static and patrol officers | Basic security training (40 hrs min) |
| Security Supervisor Card | Team leader and shift supervisor | Supervisor training (60 hrs min) |
| Security Operations Manager Card | Site or operations manager | Advanced management training + experience |
| Control Room Operator Card | CCTV and monitoring operators | Technical surveillance training |
| Dog Handler Card | Canine unit handlers | Specialist canine training (SIRA approved) |
| Practical Note for New Security Companies: The most common operational delay is not the company license but the time required to recruit, train, and obtain SIRA cards for sufficient staff to begin taking contracts. Many clients specify a minimum staffing level in their contracts. Plan your recruitment and training pipeline at least two to three months before your target launch date. |
UAE Security Company License Cost and Timeline
Security company setup costs in Dubai are higher than most service businesses because of the regulatory requirements, insurance obligations, staff licensing costs, and the need for physical premises. The figures below reflect current mainland Dubai market rates.
| Cost Component | Estimated Cost (AED) | Notes |
| Trade Name Reservation (DET) | 600 – 900 | One-time, non-refundable |
| DET Initial Approval | 1,000 – 2,000 | Security services activity code |
| DED Commercial License (annual) | 10,000 – 18,000 | Depends on legal structure and partners |
| Memorandum of Association | 1,500 – 3,000 | Notarised by UAE notary |
| SIRA Company License Fee (annual) | 5,000 – 15,000 | Varies by category and company size |
| SIRA Application and Processing | 2,000 – 4,000 | Initial application costs |
| Bank Guarantee / Performance Bond | 10,000 – 50,000+ | SIRA requirement; varies by category |
| Public Liability Insurance (annual) | 8,000 – 25,000+ | Mandatory for SIRA licensing |
| Office Rent (annual, mainland) | 20,000 – 60,000+ | Physical premises required |
| SIRA Staff Card (per person) | 500 – 1,200 | Plus training cost per person |
| Staff Training per Person | 1,500 – 4,000 | Varies by SIRA-approved provider |
| Estimated First-Year Total (small co.) | AED 80,000 – 200,000+ | Excluding staff salaries |
Typical Timeline
| Phase | Activity | Duration |
| 1 | Trade name reservation and DET initial approval | 3 – 5 working days |
| 2 | SIRA documentation preparation (manual, org chart, CVs) | 1 – 3 weeks |
| 3 | SIRA company license application review | 3 – 6 weeks |
| 4 | SIRA office inspection (if required) | Scheduled within review period |
| 5 | DET trade license final issuance | 3 – 5 working days post-SIRA approval |
| 6 | Staff recruitment, training, and SIRA card issuance | 6 – 12 weeks for initial team |
| Total: Company Licenses | Company legally licensed | 6 – 12 weeks |
| Total: Fully Operational | Licensed company with staffed team | 3 – 5 months |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a SIRA license and a DED trade license for a security company?
The DED trade license authorises your company as a legal business entity in Dubai mainland, covering commercial registration, visa allocation, and general trading permissions. The SIRA license is a sector-specific regulatory approval from Dubai Police that authorises your company to provide private security services. Both are mandatory: the DED license without SIRA means you are a registered company that cannot legally deploy guards; the SIRA license without DED means you have no legal business entity in Dubai.
Can I start a security company in a UAE free zone?
Standard free zones such as IFZA, DMCC, or RAKEZ do not issue security company licenses that allow operations on the UAE mainland or within Dubai’s jurisdiction. A free zone-registered security entity would only be permitted to provide security within the free zone boundaries. For a security company that needs to take contracts from hotels, commercial buildings, events, or any Dubai location outside a specific free zone, mainland DED registration with SIRA approval is required.
How many staff members do I need to apply for a SIRA company license?
SIRA does not specify a minimum headcount for the initial company license application. However, you must have a named and qualified Security Operations Manager listed on the application, and this person must hold the appropriate SIRA management card. Practically, SIRA will want to see a credible operational structure in your documentation. Most new applicants name two to four initial staff members including the manager at application stage and grow the team as contracts are secured.
Do all security guards in Dubai need a SIRA card?
Yes. Every individual working in a security role in Dubai must hold a valid SIRA security card appropriate to their role. This applies to guards, supervisors, control room operators, dog handlers, and operations managers. Deploying an unlicensed individual in any security capacity is a violation that can result in fines, SIRA card suspension for the individual, and in serious cases, suspension of the company license.
How long does a SIRA company license last and how is it renewed?
SIRA company licenses are valid for one year and must be renewed before expiry. The renewal requires proof of continued compliance: up-to-date DED trade license, current insurance certificates, confirmed staff SIRA card status, and payment of renewal fees. Late renewals attract fines and during the lapse period the company cannot legally provide security services. Most established security companies align their SIRA and DED renewals to the same date for administrative convenience.
Are guard dog security services regulated differently under SIRA?
Yes. Guard dog services are a separate SIRA license subcategory requiring specific documentation: evidence that handlers are certified by a SIRA-approved canine training provider, veterinary health records for each dog, and confirmation that the dog breed and training methodology comply with Dubai Police standards. Guard dog unit deployments must be pre-approved by SIRA for each site where they operate. This is one of the more specialised and higher-barrier subcategories.
Can a security company in Dubai also provide cash-in-transit services?
Cash-in-transit (CIT) is a separate and highly regulated SIRA license category that requires additional approvals beyond the standard manned guarding license. CIT operators must demonstrate specialised armoured vehicle capability, secure cash handling procedures, GPS tracking systems, and often carry higher bank guarantee requirements. The barrier to entry for CIT is significantly higher than for standard guarding services. Most companies enter the manned guarding market first and add CIT capability as a secondary phase.
What insurance does a SIRA-licensed security company need?
At minimum, a SIRA-licensed security company must carry public liability insurance covering the activities listed on its SIRA license. Recommended additional cover includes employers liability insurance (particularly important given the high-risk nature of security work), professional indemnity cover, and in the case of CIT operators, specialist cargo and transit insurance. Insurance certificates must be submitted to SIRA at application and renewal stages. Your insurance provider should be familiar with SIRA requirements to ensure the policy wording meets regulatory standards.
Is facility management related to security licensing in the UAE?
There is a frequent crossover between facility management companies and security services, particularly for companies providing integrated building management that includes guarding, CCTV monitoring, and access control. If your business model spans both facility management and security services, you will need both a general maintenance or facility management license and a separate SIRA security company license. Our related guide on the general maintenance license in Dubai UAE covers the facility management side of this crossover.
Ready to Launch Your Security Company in Dubai?DIAC’s business setup consultants manage the complete DED and SIRA dual-license process for security company founders in Dubai. We handle trade name reservation, DET initial approval, SIRA application documentation, government liaison, and ongoing PRO support for renewals and compliance. Book a free consultation at Mainland Company Formation in Dubai or contact our team today to discuss your security business plan. |
About the Author
Adil Ahmad is a senior business setup consultant at DIAC specialising in regulated industry formations including security services, healthcare, and professional license categories across Dubai mainland. He has guided security company founders through the SIRA and DED application process and advises on ongoing compliance and license renewal for operational security businesses.
