Quick answer
A security company license in Dubai requires both a DET trade license (AED 10,000–15,000) and SIRA company accreditation (AED 5,000–10,000 per category). — Total timeline is 4–8 weeks assuming all documents are ready upfront.
- Minimum share capital of AED 300,000 required for manned guarding companies
- Every individual staff member needs personal SIRA licenses (Security Guard: AED 1,000–1,625, Security Manager: ~AED 5,000)
- Physical office space mandatory — SIRA conducts site visits and virtual offices are rejected
Best for: entrepreneurs launching manned guarding, electronic security, or cash-in-transit companies in Dubai mainland.
Setting up a security company in Dubai in 2026 requires navigating two separate regulatory bodies — the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) for your trade license and the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA) for mandatory sector accreditation. Skip either one and your company cannot legally operate. This guide breaks down every requirement, every cost, and every step — including the dual-regulator fee table that competitors consistently leave out.
For a broader understanding of trade licensing in Dubai, read our complete guide to Dubai Trade License requirements, costs, and procedures.
What Is a Security Company License in Dubai?
A security company license in Dubai is a combination of two approvals: a DET (Department of Economy and Tourism) trade license listing security-related commercial activities, and a SIRA company accreditation that permits you to actually deploy security personnel or equipment. Both are mandatory — SIRA accreditation alone without a DET trade license is not a valid business, and a DET trade license without SIRA approval means you cannot offer security services.
SIRA — Security Industry Regulatory Agency — was established under Dubai Police and oversees all private security companies, individual security professionals, and security equipment providers in the emirate.
DET Trade License Requirements for Security Companies
Before approaching SIRA, you must incorporate a mainland company and obtain a DET trade license. Key requirements:
- Company structure: LLC (Limited Liability Company) or Sole Establishment — mainland only for active security services such as manned guarding
- Minimum share capital: AED 300,000 for manned guarding companies (this is a SIRA-driven requirement enforced at the DED/DET stage)
- Trade name: Must be registered and approved by DET
- Physical office: A real, inspectable office space — SIRA conducts site visits and virtual office addresses are rejected
- MOA (Memorandum of Association): Must list approved security activities explicitly
- Insurance: Public liability and professional indemnity insurance certificates required
DET trade license fee: AED 10,000–15,000 per year depending on security activity type and company structure.
SIRA Company Accreditation — Types & Requirements
SIRA accreditation is issued per service category. You must apply for each category separately:
| SIRA Category | Description | Example Services |
|---|---|---|
| Manned Guarding | Physical security personnel deployment | Building guards, event security, crowd control |
| Electronic Security | CCTV, access control, alarm systems | Installation, maintenance, monitoring |
| Cash-in-Transit | Secure cash movement and ATM servicing | Bank cash transport, retail cash pickup |
| Security Consultancy | Risk assessment, planning, advisory | Security audits, crisis management |
SIRA also requires every company to appoint a licensed Security Manager before accreditation is granted. This person must hold a valid SIRA Security Manager License and cannot be shared across multiple companies.
Individual SIRA License Fees by Role (2026)
Beyond company accreditation, every individual working in a security role must hold a personal SIRA license. This is where competitors give vague ranges — here are the actual 2026 fee brackets:
| Role | License Fee (AED) | Includes Training? | Renewal Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Guard | AED 1,000 – 1,625 | Yes (basic security training) | Annual |
| Security Supervisor | AED 1,500 – 2,900 | Yes (supervisory training) | Annual |
| Security Manager | ~AED 5,000 | Yes (management + advanced) | Annual |
| Security Equipment Operator | ~AED 4,000 | Yes (technical/CCTV) | Annual |
| Event Security Guard | ~AED 550 | Basic only | Per event / annual |
Note: Fees include SIRA-accredited training where indicated. Background check and Emirates ID/visa verification is mandatory for all roles.
Step-by-Step: How to Get a Security Company License in Dubai
- Define your security activities — manned guarding, electronic, cash-in-transit, or consultancy. Choose wisely: each category requires separate SIRA accreditation.
- Reserve your trade name with DET. Avoid generic names; SIRA requires a name that clearly reflects security services.
- Prepare incorporation documents — MOA, shareholder passports, NOC for expat owners, and proof of AED 300K share capital (bank letter or certified accountant statement).
- Secure physical office space — minimum 200–300 sq ft, SIRA-inspectable. Virtual offices are rejected.
- Obtain DET trade license — submit documents, pay fees (AED 10K–15K), receive license. Timeline: 5–10 working days.
- Appoint a licensed Security Manager — must already hold a valid SIRA Security Manager License. If your manager is new, they must complete training first (adds 2–4 weeks).
- Apply for SIRA company accreditation — submit DET license, MOA, office tenancy, insurance, Security Manager license, and business plan. SIRA conducts a physical inspection.
- License individual staff — each guard, supervisor, and operator must complete SIRA training and obtain personal licenses before deployment.
- Receive SIRA accreditation certificate — valid 1–2 years depending on category. Now you can legally operate.
Total timeline: 4–8 weeks for the full dual-license process, assuming all documents are ready upfront.
Full Cost Breakdown: Security Company License Dubai 2026
What competitors never show you: the full first-year cost including both DET and SIRA fees, staffing, and operations:
| Cost Item | Amount (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DET Trade License | 10,000 – 15,000 | Annual, security activities |
| SIRA Company Accreditation | 5,000 – 10,000 | Per category; annual |
| Share Capital (LLC) | 300,000 | Required for manned guarding; bank-blocked |
| Office Rent (annual) | 20,000 – 40,000 | SIRA-compliant space, Dubai mainland |
| Security Manager License | ~5,000 | Mandatory appointee; includes training |
| Staff Visas (initial team) | 3,000 – 5,000 per person | Employment visa + Emirates ID |
| Liability Insurance | 5,000 – 15,000 | Mandatory; higher for cash-in-transit |
| Miscellaneous (attestation, medical) | 2,000 – 5,000 | Document attestation, medical tests |
| Total Year-1 Cost (ex. share capital) | AED 50,000 – 95,000 | Varies by team size and category |
Share capital (AED 300,000) is required to be deposited in a bank account but is not spent — it remains as company funds. The operational cost (excluding share capital) is AED 50,000–95,000 in year one.
Mainland vs Free Zone for Security Companies
Most security operations must be on the mainland — free zones have significant restrictions:
| Factor | Mainland (DET) | Free Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Manned guarding services | ✅ Permitted | ❌ Not permitted for UAE market |
| SIRA accreditation | ✅ Full accreditation | ⚠️ Limited to zone territory |
| Security consultancy | ✅ No restriction | ✅ Possible (advisory/consulting only) |
| 100% foreign ownership | ✅ Yes (2021 law reform) | ✅ Yes |
| Share capital (manned guarding) | AED 300,000 | N/A (manned guarding not allowed) |
| Best for | Full-service security company | Security consulting / advisory firms |
Bottom line: If you plan to deploy guards, operate CCTV systems for clients, or provide cash-in-transit services — you must be on the mainland. Free zones are only viable for pure security consultancy work with no physical security deployments.
For a step-by-step guide to mainland company setup, see our Mainland Company Formation UAE guide. If your security company involves technical services and equipment, also review our Technical Services License Dubai guide for relevant activity crossovers.
SIRA Training Requirements for Security Personnel
Every individual in a security role must complete SIRA-approved training before deployment. There is no shortcut. Training must be completed at a SIRA-accredited training institute in Dubai. Key requirements:
- Basic Security Guard Course: Minimum 40 hours — covers crowd control, emergency procedures, legal powers of a security guard, and report writing
- Supervisor Course: Advanced module covering team management, incident command, and SIRA regulations
- Security Manager Course: Strategic-level training including company compliance obligations, SIRA inspection preparation, and crisis management
- Background Check: All staff must pass a Dubai Police background check — criminal record is disqualifying
- Medical Fitness: Physical fitness test and medical clearance required for all uniformed roles
SIRA maintains a list of approved training providers. Costs are included in the individual license fees shown above.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does a SIRA license cost in Dubai?
Individual SIRA license costs range from AED 550 (event guard) to AED 5,000 (security manager). For a company, SIRA accreditation fees are AED 5,000–10,000 per category per year, plus the DET trade license (AED 10,000–15,000). Total first-year operational cost (excluding share capital): AED 50,000–95,000.
2. What is the difference between a DET license and a SIRA license?
A DET (Department of Economy and Tourism) trade license is the general business registration — it allows your company to legally exist and trade in Dubai. A SIRA license/accreditation is the sector-specific permit from the Security Industry Regulatory Agency that allows your company to actually provide security services. You need both — one without the other is not sufficient to operate.
3. Can a foreigner own a security company in Dubai?
Yes. Since the UAE’s 2021 commercial law reforms, foreigners can own 100% of a mainland security company in Dubai without requiring a local UAE national partner. However, SIRA background checks apply to all shareholders, and the Security Manager appointed must meet SIRA’s qualifications regardless of nationality.
4. What training is required for security guards in the UAE?
All security guards must complete a SIRA-approved Basic Security Guard Course (minimum 40 hours) at an accredited institute. They must also pass a Dubai Police background check, medical fitness test, and obtain their individual SIRA Security Guard License before deployment. Training cannot be skipped or self-certified — it must be through an approved provider.
5. How long does it take to get SIRA accreditation?
The DET trade license typically takes 5–10 working days. SIRA accreditation, including the physical site inspection, takes an additional 2–4 weeks. If your Security Manager needs to be trained and licensed first, add another 2–4 weeks. Full timeline from zero: 4–8 weeks assuming all documents are prepared in advance.
6. What is the minimum share capital for a security company in Dubai?
AED 300,000 is the minimum paid-up share capital required for companies providing manned guarding services. This must be deposited in a UAE bank account and evidenced by a bank letter or certified accountant statement. The capital is not spent — it remains in the company account as required funds. Companies providing only electronic security or security consultancy may have lower or no share capital requirements depending on the activity.
7. Do I need a SIRA license for a security consultancy?
Yes, but the requirements are lighter than for manned guarding or electronic security. A security consultancy providing risk assessment and advisory services still requires SIRA company accreditation under the consultancy category. Individual consultants may also need personal SIRA professional licenses. The AED 300,000 share capital requirement typically does not apply to pure consultancy.
8. How do I renew a SIRA company license?
SIRA accreditation must be renewed annually. The renewal process requires submitting updated insurance certificates, proof of ongoing compliance (SIRA may conduct a renewal inspection), updated staff license records, and renewed DET trade license. Submit renewal applications at least 30 days before expiry — late renewal attracts fines and can result in operational suspension.
9. Can I get a SIRA license in a free zone?
SIRA accreditation is primarily a mainland (DET) jurisdiction requirement. Free zone security companies are restricted to operating within their zone — they cannot deploy guards or services to mainland Dubai clients. For UAE-wide security services, mainland incorporation is mandatory.
10. What documents are required to apply for a security company license in Dubai?
Required documents include: passport copies and UAE visas for all shareholders and managers, Memorandum of Association (MOA), proof of office tenancy, bank letter confirming share capital deposit, insurance certificates (public liability + professional indemnity), SIRA-licensed Security Manager’s license copy, business plan detailing services, and completed DET and SIRA application forms. All foreign documents must be attested.
Ready to Start Your Security Company in Dubai?
Noble Core Ventures handles DET licensing, SIRA accreditation, and full incorporation — so you can focus on building your business, not chasing paperwork.
Sources: Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA) | Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET)
Related guides: Restaurant License Dubai 2026: Full Cost, Steps Documents G… · Holding Company License Dubai 2026: Asset Protection Tax Ed…