If you want to work in Dubai’s private security industry or start a company that provides security-related services, you may need approval from SIRA. SIRA stands for the Security Industry Regulatory Agency, the Dubai authority responsible for regulating security services, security guards, surveillance systems, security equipment, and related activities.
In this guide, we explain what a SIRA license in Dubai means, who needs it, the difference between a company security activity license and an individual security cadre card, the main requirements, official fee categories, renewal process, and how businesses can stay compliant with SIRA rules.
What is a SIRA License in Dubai?
A SIRA license is an approval issued under the Security Industry Regulatory Agency in Dubai. It allows approved companies and qualified individuals to provide regulated security services in the Emirate of Dubai.
The term “SIRA license” is commonly used for different approvals, including:
- Security activity license for companies
- Security cadre card or security personnel license for individuals
- Security system certification for businesses or buildings
- NOC or approval for security-related trade license activities
For example, a security company may need a SIRA security activity license before it can complete trade license procedures. A security guard, CCTV operator, security supervisor, or security systems technician may need a SIRA security cadre card before practising a regulated security role in Dubai.
SIRA was established under Dubai’s security industry regulatory framework to improve safety, security systems, security services, and guard standards across the Emirate.
Types of SIRA Licenses and Approvals in Dubai
SIRA approvals depend on whether the applicant is a company, an individual security professional, or a business/building that needs security system certification.
1. SIRA Security Activity License for Companies
This applies to businesses that want to offer regulated security services in Dubai. Examples include general guard services, event security and personal guarding, money and valuables transport, security consulting, security equipment trading, security equipment rental, and installation of security devices and equipment.
2. SIRA Security Cadre Card for Individuals
This applies to individuals working in private security roles. Common categories include security guard, event security guard, money transport guard, security supervisor, security manager, security systems operator, security systems technician, security systems engineer, security consultant, security trainer, and related roles.
3. SIRA Security System Certification
This applies when a business establishment or building needs confirmation that its security systems meet SIRA specifications. This may involve a security audit report and compliance with SIRA’s preventive systems requirements.
4. SIRA NOC or Activity Approval
Some businesses may need a SIRA No Objection Certificate or activity approval before adding or renewing certain security-related activities on their trade license.
How to Apply for SIRA License in Dubai
The SIRA application process depends on the type of approval you need. A company applying for a security activity license follows a different process from an individual applying for a security cadre card.
Applying for a SIRA Security Activity License as a Company
A company that wants to provide security-related services in Dubai usually needs to complete the following steps:
- Choose the correct security activity for the business.
- Obtain or prepare the trade license, business name reservation, initial approval, or free zone NOC where required.
- Register the company on the SIRA e-services portal.
- Log in and apply for the new security license or activity approval.
- Complete all mandatory fields.
- Attach the required documents.
- Pay the SIRA service fees.
- Receive the security activity license or approval after successful processing.
Some activities require additional conditions. For example, general guard services require a Security Manager, while installation of security devices and equipment may require engineers or technicians. Money and valuables transport services may require cash-in-transit guards and special vehicle specifications.
Applying for a SIRA Security Cadre Card as an Individual
A SIRA security cadre card allows the holder to practise a regulated private security profession in Dubai. However, the application is usually linked to a licensed security services provider or employer.
The general process includes:
- Confirm the correct security role, such as security guard, supervisor, manager, operator, technician, or engineer.
- Make sure you have valid UAE residency and Emirates ID.
- Obtain a certificate of good conduct and behaviour issued by Dubai Police and addressed to SIRA, where required.
- Complete the relevant SIRA-approved training course.
- Submit the application through the SIRA e-services portal.
- Attach the required documents.
- Pay the relevant fee.
- Receive the security cadre license after approval.
SIRA’s official terms also state that security personnel licensing should be submitted by a company or institution licensed to provide security services, and the individual’s residency should be with the same company they work for.
SIRA License Requirements for Individuals
The exact requirements depend on the security role. However, most individual security cadre applications require valid UAE residency, Emirates ID, good conduct certificate, and SIRA-approved training.
| SIRA Category | Common Requirements |
|---|---|
| Security Guard | Emirates ID, valid residency, Dubai Police good conduct certificate, Security Guard course, physical fitness certificate, fire safety certificate, life support certificate, People of Determination certificate, age 21 to 60 |
| Event Security Guard | Emirates ID, valid residency, Dubai Police good conduct certificate, Security Events course, age 18 to 60 |
| Security Supervisor | Emirates ID, valid residency, Dubai Police good conduct certificate, Security Operations Manager course, Security Supervisor course, age 25 to 60 |
| Security Manager | Emirates ID, valid residency, Dubai Police good conduct certificate, Security Manager course, age 25 to 60 |
| Security Systems Operator | Emirates ID, valid residency, Dubai Police good conduct certificate, Security Systems Operator course, age 21 to 60 |
| Security Systems Technician | Emirates ID, valid residency, Dubai Police good conduct certificate, Security Systems Technician course, age 21 to 60 |
| Security Systems Engineer | Emirates ID, valid residency, Dubai Police good conduct certificate, Security Operations Manager course, Security Systems Engineer course, age 21 to 60 |
The profession on the residency should match the security personnel license, and the applicant should not have been previously blocked by SIRA.
What is the Cost of SIRA License in Dubai?
The cost of a SIRA license in Dubai depends on the type of approval, activity, training requirement, and whether the applicant is a company or an individual.
SIRA fees should be understood in three parts:
1. SIRA Company Security Activity License Fees
For a new security activity license, SIRA lists a service fee of AED 100, plus knowledge and innovation fees. Separate activity fees may apply depending on the business activity.
Examples of activity fee categories include:
| Security Activity | Example Official Activity Fee |
|---|---|
| Installation of Security Devices and Equipment | AED 2,020 |
| General Guard Services | AED 2,020 |
| Tourist Facilities Guarding Services | AED 2,020 |
| Security Consulting | AED 3,020 |
| Security Equipment and Equipment Trading | AED 4,020 |
| Event Security and Personal Guarding | AED 4,020 |
| Money and Valuables Transport Services | AED 4,020 |
2. SIRA Individual Security Cadre Card Fees
For individual security personnel, SIRA fees vary by category. Some examples include:
| Security Cadre Category | Example Official Fee |
|---|---|
| Security Guard | AED 320 |
| Money Transport Guard | AED 320 |
| Security Systems Operator | AED 320 |
| Security Systems Technician | AED 320 |
| Security Supervisor | AED 420 |
| Security Systems Engineer | AED 420 |
| Security Manager | AED 520 |
| Security Operations Manager | AED 520 |
| Security Trainer | AED 520 |
| Security Consultant | AED 520 |
| Event Permit One Day | AED 120 |
3. Training, Document, and Third-Party Costs
Training fees, medical tests, good conduct certificate fees, document processing, delivery charges, and consultant service fees may increase the total cost. These are separate from the official SIRA service fees and can vary depending on the training centre, category, and application type.
Because SIRA fees and requirements may change, always confirm the final cost through the official SIRA portal or a qualified business setup consultant before applying.
SIRA License Renewal in Dubai
SIRA license renewal depends on whether you are renewing a company security activity license, an individual security cadre card, or a security system certification.
For individual security personnel, SIRA states that the Security Cadre License is valid for two years. This means the old wording that says the license is “typically valid for one year” should be updated.
SIRA Renewal Process
The general renewal process includes:
- Log in to the SIRA e-services portal.
- Select the relevant renewal service.
- Complete all mandatory fields.
- Attach the required documents.
- Pay the renewal service fees.
- Receive the renewed license or approval after processing.
For company security activity license renewal, all dues, fines, or penalties must be paid before renewal. Some activities may also require proof that the business has fulfilled the required security personnel or security system conditions.
It is better to start the renewal process before expiry so your company or security staff do not face work interruptions, compliance issues, or penalties.
SIRA License vs SIRA Certificate: What is the Difference?
Many people use the terms SIRA license and SIRA certificate together, but they may refer to different approvals.
A SIRA license usually refers to permission for a company or individual to practise a regulated security activity. For example, a security company may need a SIRA security activity license, while a security guard may need a SIRA security cadre card.
A SIRA certificate may refer to security system certification. This is used when a business establishment or building needs confirmation that its security system meets SIRA specifications. SIRA’s security system certification service requires documents such as a trade license or initial approval documents and a successful security audit report.
So, if you are starting a security company, hiring security staff, or installing surveillance systems, first identify whether you need a company activity license, individual cadre card, or security system certification.
Why a SIRA License Matters for Businesses in Dubai
A SIRA license is important because security-related work in Dubai is regulated. Businesses cannot simply hire guards, install security systems, or offer security services without meeting the relevant approval and compliance requirements.
For companies, SIRA approval helps support trade license activity approval, security staff licensing, client trust, regulatory compliance, and smooth renewal. For individuals, a SIRA security cadre card confirms that the person has completed the required training and is approved to practise a regulated security role.
If your business is planning to provide security services, install CCTV or surveillance systems, offer guarding services, manage event security, or add a security-related activity to a Dubai trade license, it is important to check the SIRA requirements before starting operations.
Need Help with SIRA License or Security Activity Approval?
Applying for a SIRA license can involve trade license activity selection, document preparation, portal submission, training requirements, and renewal compliance. If your business is adding a security-related activity or setting up a company in Dubai, Bestax can guide you through the business setup side of the process and help coordinate the required approvals with the relevant authorities.
Speak with Bestax to review your business activity, required documents, and next steps for SIRA-related approval in Dubai.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a SIRA license in Dubai?
A SIRA license is an approval issued under Dubai’s Security Industry Regulatory Agency. It may refer to a company security activity license, an individual security cadre card, or security system certification depending on the applicant and activity.
Who needs a SIRA license in Dubai?
Companies offering regulated security services and individuals working in private security roles may need SIRA approval. This includes security guards, event security guards, security managers, CCTV/security systems operators, security systems technicians, security consultants, and security companies.
Is a SIRA license required for security guards?
Yes. Security guards working in Dubai’s regulated private security sector generally need a SIRA security cadre card or security personnel license linked to the correct employer and role.
How can I apply for a SIRA license in Dubai?
Companies can apply through the SIRA e-services portal by registering the company, selecting the required security activity, completing the mandatory fields, submitting documents, and paying the fees. Individuals usually apply for a security cadre card through a licensed security services provider or employer.
What documents are required for a SIRA security cadre card?
Common documents include Emirates ID, valid residency, Dubai Police good conduct certificate addressed to SIRA, approved training certificate, and any role-specific certificates such as fire safety, physical fitness, life support, or technical training.
How much does a SIRA license cost in Dubai?
The cost depends on the license type. Official SIRA fees may include service fees, knowledge and innovation fees, activity fees, and security cadre category fees. Training, medical, good conduct certificate, document, delivery, and consultant fees may be separate.
What is the validity of a SIRA security cadre license?
SIRA states that the Security Cadre License is valid for two years. Renewal should be completed before expiry to avoid work or compliance issues.
How long does it take to get a SIRA license?
SIRA lists a processing time of two business days for several services, including new security activity license and security cadre card services. However, the total time may be longer if training, documents, inspections, audit reports, or employer approvals are pending.
Can I apply for a SIRA license without a company?
For many individual security personnel roles, the application must be submitted by a company or institution licensed to provide security services, and the person’s residency should be with the same company they work for. Requirements may differ by category.
What is the difference between SIRA license and SIRA certificate?
A SIRA license usually allows a company or individual to perform regulated security work. A SIRA certificate may refer to security system certification, which confirms that a business or building meets SIRA security system requirements.
Can Bestax help with SIRA approval in Dubai?
Bestax can help businesses understand activity selection, document requirements, business setup, and approval coordination for security-related activities in Dubai. Final approval is always subject to SIRA and the relevant government authority.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only. For professional assistance and advice, please contact experts.
