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Security Company Setup, Dubai

How to start a security company in Dubai, UAE

SIRA approval, licence category, guard training and the bank guarantee requirement, sequenced correctly from application to renewal.

SIRA Approval Required Manned Guarding or CCTV Licence Guard Training and Certification Mandatory Insurance
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    Starting a security company in Dubai requires SIRA (Security Industry Regulatory Agency) approval as the core regulatory gate, alongside your DET trade licence. SIRA licence categories cover manned guarding, cash-in-transit, security systems and CCTV installation, and security consultancy, each with its own conditions. You will need a No Objection Certificate and premises inspection, guard training and certification for your personnel, and to meet SIRA's capital and bank guarantee requirement. Mandatory insurance applies, and manned guarding activity generally requires mainland licensing rather than a free zone structure. Licences are subject to periodic renewal with SIRA. Contact our team for a tailored quote once your licence category is confirmed.

    Why It Matters

    Why SIRA approval is the gate every security company must pass

    Every security business in Dubai, whether manned guarding, cash-in-transit, CCTV and security systems installation, or security consultancy, needs approval from SIRA (the Security Industry Regulatory Agency) before a trade licence can be issued. SIRA reviews your premises, requires a capital and bank guarantee commitment, and sets guard training and certification standards. Manned guarding in particular is generally restricted to mainland licensing rather than a free zone route, which shapes your structure from the outset.

    Security company setup in Dubai

    Choosing Your Licence Category

    SIRA licence categories for security businesses

    Manned Guarding

    Physical security personnel deployed on client premises, generally requiring mainland licensing given the nature of the activity.

    CCTV and Security Systems Installation

    Design, supply and installation of security systems and surveillance equipment, licensed as a distinct SIRA category.

    Cash-in-Transit

    A specialised SIRA category for secure transport of cash and valuables, with its own vehicle and personnel standards.

    Security Consultancy

    Advisory services on risk assessment and security planning, licensed separately from operational guarding activities.

    Guard Training and Certification

    Personnel must complete SIRA-recognised training and certification before being deployed.

    Before You Apply

    Requirements you'll need to confirm

    SIRA Approval

    Secure SIRA's approval and No Objection Certificate before your trade licence can be finalised.

    Premises Inspection

    Your operational premises need to pass SIRA's inspection standards.

    Capital and Bank Guarantee

    Meet SIRA's capital commitment and bank guarantee requirement for your licence category.

    Mandatory Insurance

    Arrange the insurance cover SIRA requires for your specific security activity.

    Getting Started

    Security company setup: the step-by-step process

    01

    Choose Your Licence Category

    Decide between manned guarding, cash-in-transit, CCTV and security systems, or security consultancy.

    02

    Apply for SIRA Initial Approval

    Submit your application to SIRA for initial approval before proceeding with licensing.

    03

    Secure Mainland Premises

    Arrange premises suited to your activity, generally required on the mainland for manned guarding.

    04

    Pass SIRA Premises Inspection

    Get your operational premises inspected and approved by SIRA.

    05

    Meet the Capital and Bank Guarantee Requirement

    Arrange the capital commitment and bank guarantee SIRA requires for your licence category.

    06

    Complete Guard Training and Certification

    Ensure all security personnel complete SIRA-recognised training before deployment.

    07

    Arrange Mandatory Insurance

    Put in place the insurance cover required for your specific security activity.

    08

    Receive Your Licence and Launch

    Finalise your DET trade licence alongside SIRA approval and begin operating.

    Budgeting

    Requirements and cost

    ItemDetail
    Setup costVaries by licence category, capital requirement and guard numbers, contact us for a tailored quote
    Licence categoriesManned guarding, cash-in-transit, CCTV and security systems installation, security consultancy
    Key regulatorSecurity Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA)
    JurisdictionManned guarding activity generally requires mainland licensing rather than a free zone route
    RenewalsSIRA licences are subject to periodic renewal and compliance review

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    Frequently Asked, and Ready When You Are

    Security company setup, answered, plus a direct line to our team

    What is SIRA and why does my security company need its approval?+
    SIRA is the Security Industry Regulatory Agency, the primary regulator for all security businesses in Dubai. No security trade licence can be finalised without SIRA's approval, covering premises inspection, capital requirements and guard standards.
    What licence categories does SIRA offer?+
    SIRA licence categories include manned guarding, cash-in-transit, security systems and CCTV installation, and security consultancy, each with its own conditions and requirements.
    Can I set up a security company in a free zone?+
    Manned guarding activity generally requires mainland licensing rather than a free zone route, given the nature of the work and SIRA's oversight requirements. Other categories such as consultancy may have more flexibility, confirm with our team.
    What is the capital and bank guarantee requirement?+
    SIRA requires security companies to meet a capital commitment and provide a bank guarantee as part of licensing, the exact requirement depends on your licence category and scale of operations.
    Do security guards need special training?+
    Yes, all security personnel must complete SIRA-recognised training and certification before being deployed on any assignment.
    What insurance does a security company need?+
    SIRA mandates specific insurance cover depending on your licence category and activity, our team can confirm the exact requirements for your business.
    How often does a SIRA security licence need to be renewed?+
    SIRA licences are subject to periodic renewal, with compliance checks on training, insurance and operational standards reviewed at renewal.
    How much does it cost to start a security company in Dubai?+
    Cost depends on your licence category, capital and bank guarantee requirement, and guard numbers. No fixed figure is published, contact our team for a tailored quote.

    Talk to an advisor

    Send your details and our team will reply with next steps and a tailored quote.


      Ready to Start Your Security Company?

      Set up your security company the right way, first time

      Call now or send your details above. Our advisory team will confirm your SIRA licence category and next steps, free of charge.

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