How Do I Get a SIRA Security License in Dubai?
In Dubai, every guard needs a Security Cadre card from the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA). The application is made by a licensed security company, not the individual, and the guard's residency must be with that same company, so an independent guard cannot apply alone. The fee is AED 320 and the license is valid for 2 years.
Who regulates security guards in Dubai?
In Dubai the regulator is the Security Industry Regulatory Agency, known as SIRA. Every guard needs a SIRA Security Cadre card. For Abu Dhabi, check Abu Dhabi Police.
The key point is who applies. A licensed security company applies, not the individual, and the guard's residency must be with that same company. An independent guard cannot apply alone.
What are the eligibility rules?
The guard must be aged 21 to 60 with an Emirates ID and valid residency under the sponsoring security company. A Dubai Police good conduct certificate addressed to SIRA is also required.
The guard must complete the Security Guard course at a certified centre.
- Be aged 21 to 60.
- Hold an Emirates ID and valid residency under the sponsoring security company.
- Obtain a Dubai Police good conduct certificate addressed to SIRA.
- Complete the Security Guard course at a certified centre.
What certificates do you need?
Alongside the course you need a fitness certificate, which is valid for 3 months, plus fire safety, life support and people-of-determination certificates.
Because the fitness certificate expires after 3 months, time it close to the application.
What does it cost and how long does it take?
The company applies on the SIRA e-services portal and pays AED 320, in UAE dirhams, according to the SIRA page checked on 2026-10-19. SIRA lists 2 business days for processing on its service page.
A 90-day Trainee Permit costs AED 120. It is non-renewable and issued once. The Security Cadre license is valid for 2 years.
How does the sponsoring company fit in?
Because the company applies, an independent guard cannot apply alone. You need a licensed security company to sponsor your residency and submit the SIRA application. Check that the company holds a valid license before you accept an offer.
The guard's costs and certificates are separate from the company's. You need a Dubai Police good conduct certificate and the course and certificates described above, while the company pays the AED 320 fee on the portal.
A Trainee Permit lasts 90 days, is non-renewable and is issued once, so do not rely on it as a way to keep working while you wait.
Plan the paperwork in sequence. The Dubai Police good conduct certificate must be addressed to SIRA, so ask for it in that form. The fitness certificate is valid for only 3 months, so it should be one of the last documents you collect. Because the company submits the application and SIRA lists 2 business days for processing, make sure no document is missing before the company submits. Ask the company to confirm in advance which of the certificates it expects you to arrange and which it will arrange, so that you do not repeat a step. Check each certificate's date, since the fitness certificate lasts only 3 months and an out-of-date one would have to be replaced. Keep copies of everything you hand over, including the Emirates ID and the residency documents.
For Abu Dhabi, check Abu Dhabi Police rather than assuming the Dubai process applies.
What does this mean for XGuard professionals?
There is no public register confirmed. XGuard reviews the SIRA card and the sponsoring company's license by document review before a professional can list.
XGuard is a marketplace, not a security company. It does not promise work or availability.
Related questions
Can a guard apply to SIRA alone?
No. A licensed security company applies, and the guard's residency must be with that company.
What is the SIRA application fee?
AED 320.
What is a Trainee Permit?
A 90-day permit that costs AED 120. It is non-renewable and issued once.
How old must a Dubai guard be?
Aged 21 to 60.
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