If you plan to provide private security services in Dubai, a normal trade licence is not enough. Security businesses operate in a regulated sector and need approval from the Security Industry Regulatory Agency, better known as SIRA.
A SIRA licence Dubai can apply to businesses involved in guarding, security systems, personal protection, cash transport, security consultancy, training and several related activities.
There is another important distinction. A company may need a SIRA security activity licence, while employees such as security managers, guards, consultants, engineers and technicians may need their own SIRA security personnel licence or cadre card.
Dubai updated this framework in 2026 through Resolution No. 1 of 2026, which issued a new implementing regulation for the emirate's security-industry law. The regulation confirms that security services cannot be provided in Dubai without the appropriate security licence.
If you are still at the company formation stage, you can first review Nexture's Dubai business setup guide.
What Is a SIRA Licence in Dubai?
SIRA is the Dubai government authority responsible for regulating the private security industry.
Its regulatory scope covers security service providers, security personnel, security equipment, preventive security systems, training and several specialised security activities.
Under Dubai's security industry legislation, businesses cannot provide regulated security services unless they hold the required security licence. The rules apply throughout Dubai, including special development zones and free zones.
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Which Security Activities Require SIRA Approval?
The type of approval you need depends on the exact commercial activity. SIRA's current licensing service lists a wide range of regulated activities. Common examples include:
Security Activity | Current SIRA Activity Fee Shown |
Installation of security devices and equipment | AED 2,020 |
General guard services | AED 2,020 |
Tourist facilities guarding services | AED 2,020 |
Security consultancy | AED 3,020 |
Event security and personal guarding | AED 4,020 |
Money and valuables transport | AED 4,020 |
Security equipment trading | AED 4,020 |
Hazardous materials transport services | AED 4,000 |
Command and control centre | AED 5,020 |
Car tracking systems services | AED 5,020 |
Security training | AED 5,020 |
SIRA also lists activities such as technical security surveys, security-device manufacturing, secure storage, marine guarding, sports-club security and the preparation of secure transport vehicles.
These fees relate to the specific SIRA activity and should not be treated as the full cost of establishing the company. Your commercial licence, premises, visas, training, staff, equipment and other approvals can increase the total setup cost. SIRA also currently lists AED 100 as its service fee plus AED 10 Knowledge Fee and AED 10 Innovation Fee for the new security licence service.
SIRA Requirements Depend on Your Activity
One common mistake is assuming every security company follows the same checklist.
It does not. For example, SIRA currently requires a general guarding company to assign a Security Manager. A security consultancy must assign a Security Consultant.
A company installing security devices and equipment must provide at least three technical employees using one of the accepted combinations, such as three engineers or a mixture of engineers and technicians.
Money and valuables transport requires a Security Manager and at least three cash-in-transit guards. Certain equipment, tracking and transport activities also require security audits, technical systems or approvals from another authority.
This is why you should confirm the activity before registering the business. Changing it later may involve another approval process. Nexture's guide on changing business activities in Dubai explains how activity amendments generally work.
Documents Required for a SIRA Licence Dubai Application
The exact document list varies according to the activity and company structure. For a new security activity, SIRA's current service page generally refers to one of the following:
Trade licence
Business name reservation certificate and initial approval inquiry receipt
No-objection letter from the relevant free zone, where applicable
You then need to satisfy the conditions attached to the chosen activity, such as appointing an approved Security Manager, Security Consultant, Security Trainer, engineer or technician.
The 2026 implementing regulation also requires security companies to have suitable premises, qualified technical personnel and the necessary equipment, systems and facilities for their licence category. Additional authority approvals can apply depending on the activity.
This makes document preparation easier if you decide your legal structure, activity and staffing plan before submitting the SIRA application.
SIRA Training Requirements in Dubai
Training is a major part of SIRA compliance. Security personnel cannot simply be hired and placed at a customer site because they have previous security experience. The required training and assessment depend on the person's role.
SIRA publishes a list of approved security training centres.
Courses offered through approved centres include:
Security Guard Course
Security Manager Course
Security Supervisor Course
Security Systems Engineer Course
Security Systems Technician Course
Security Systems Operator Course
Security Events Course
Basic Life Support
Basic Fire Safety
Security Consultant assessments
Security Guards Exam
Fitness testing
For example, SIRA's published list shows a five-day Security Guard Course, five-day Security Manager Course and four-day Security Supervisor Course at certain approved centres.
SIRA Licence for Security Personnel
The company's security activity licence and an employee's SIRA approval are separate. SIRA issues Security Cadre Cards for people working in regulated private-security roles.
Categories include security consultants, security managers, security supervisors, security systems engineers, security systems technicians, operators, money transport guards and other security personnel.
Current SIRA cadre-card fees vary by role. Examples published by SIRA include AED 520 for a Security Consultant or Security Manager, AED 420 for certain supervisory and engineering roles and AED 320 for several technical categories.
For some positions, applicants also need:
Emirates ID
Valid UAE residence visa
Dubai Police good-conduct certificate addressed to SIRA
Relevant approved training
Minimum age requirements
Relevant academic qualifications
Required security-sector experience
The correct activity on the employer's commercial licence
Under the 2026 regulation, individual security licences are generally valid for two years, although SIRA can prescribe a shorter validity period for certain categories. Renewal should generally be requested at least 30 days before expiry.
How to Apply for a SIRA Licence in Dubai
The exact order depends on the activity, but a typical application looks like this.
- Select the Correct Security Activity
Start by defining what the company will actually do.
Guarding a commercial building, installing CCTV equipment and offering security consultancy are separate regulated activities with different staffing and technical conditions.
- Complete the Commercial Licensing Requirements
Obtain the required trade licence or the business-name reservation and initial commercial approval documents from the relevant Dubai licensing authority.
Security businesses should avoid finalising the entire setup without checking the outside approval requirements first.
- Meet the Activity-Specific SIRA Conditions
Appoint the required qualified personnel.
If your activity requires security equipment, specialised vehicles, technical staff, approved premises or an audit report, arrange these before the final licence application.
- Register on the SIRA E-Services Portal
Create the company's account and access the electronic services system.
- Submit the New Security Licence Application
Upload the requested documents, complete the required fields and submit the application.
- Pay the Applicable Fees
SIRA currently lists a general service charge of AED 100 plus AED 10 Knowledge Fee and AED 10 Innovation Fee. Separate activity fees apply where specified.
- Receive the Security Licence
SIRA's online service page states a service time of two business days for its new security licence service. The 2026 regulation states that SIRA should decide a complete company security licence application within three working days once all licensing conditions are satisfied. Extra time can still arise if information, personnel, inspections or outside approvals are missing.
How Long Is a SIRA Company Licence Valid?
Under Dubai's 2026 implementing regulation, a security licence issued to a company or private establishment is valid for one year and can be renewed for similar periods.
The renewal application should be submitted at least 30 days before expiry.
You will also need to keep the company's commercial licence active. For the wider renewal procedure, see Nexture's guide to trade licence renewal in Dubai.
We’ll model the requirements and send back a single-page breakdown within 24 hours.
Additional Permits May Still Be Required
A SIRA company licence does not mean every security job can automatically be carried out.
Some activities require separate permits. For example, SIRA has a specific process for event-security approvals. Its current requirements state that the trade licence must include Event Security and Personal Guarding, security guard names must be supplied and a security plan is required where an event uses 100 or more security guards.
See the official SIRA event security permit requirements before taking on an event contract.
The 2026 regulation also requires prior SIRA approval for security-related educational or training events such as security conferences, workshops and courses.
What Happens After the SIRA Licence Is Issued?
Getting the approval is only the start of your compliance responsibilities.
A security service provider must continue operating only within its licensed activities, maintain qualified staff and follow SIRA's technical and operational requirements.
The 2026 regulation also requires licensed providers to retain records, reports, files and related information concerning security activities for five years unless SIRA specifies another period.
You should also plan the practical side of the business. That includes visas, payroll, insurance, contracts, tax registrations where applicable and banking.
If your company is newly incorporated, Nexture's guide to UAE business bank account requirements can help you prepare for bank KYC checks.
How Nexture Can Help With Your Dubai Security Business
Setting up a security company requires coordination between commercial licensing and sector-specific approvals.
Nexture can support you with activity selection, company incorporation, trade licence processing, document preparation, government procedures, visas and related business setup requirements. For ongoing administrative support, you can also review Nexture's corporate PRO services in Dubai.
The main priority is getting the structure right before you submit the application. Your security activity determines the staff, training, technical requirements and approvals you will need.
Conclusion
A SIRA licence Dubai application starts with one decision: what exact security service will your company provide?
That decision affects almost everything that follows.
A guarding company may need an approved Security Manager. A security consultancy needs a qualified Security Consultant. Security-system installers need approved technical personnel. Training businesses need a Security Trainer and must meet training-centre requirements.
Dubai's 2026 rules have also clarified licence validity, application procedures and personnel requirements, so relying on an old checklist can create unnecessary delays.
Check the current SIRA requirements for your activity, prepare the required staff and premises and complete your commercial licensing process in the correct order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a SIRA licence mandatory in Dubai?
Yes, if your company provides a security service regulated by SIRA. Dubai law prohibits the provision of regulated security services without the appropriate security licence.
How much does a SIRA licence cost in Dubai?
The cost depends on the activity. SIRA currently publishes activity fees such as AED 2,020 for general guard services, AED 3,020 for security consultancy, AED 4,020 for event security and AED 5,020 for security training. Additional commercial licence, office, personnel, training, visa and equipment costs may apply.
How long does it take to get SIRA approval?
SIRA's current online service page lists two business days for its new security licence service. Dubai's 2026 implementing regulation states that SIRA issues its decision within three working days once a company application satisfies all required conditions. Incomplete documents or additional inspections can extend the overall process.
Do security guards need SIRA training?
Security personnel must meet the requirements for their specific role. Many categories require training or assessments through SIRA-approved security training centres.
Can I start a security company with only a Dubai trade licence?
No. A commercial licence alone does not authorise a company to provide regulated private-security services. You must also satisfy the applicable SIRA licensing requirements.
How long is a company SIRA licence valid?
Under the 2026 implementing regulation, company and private-establishment security licences are generally valid for one year and can be renewed. Renewal should be requested at least 30 days before expiry.
