BLOGS Business in UAE

SIRA Approval in Dubai | Registration, Company Profile & Permit Process

Last updated on Sep 23, 2026
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Key Fact: Certain activities selected on a company’s licence require mandatory SIRA approval. For Protection System Management, approval must be obtained within one month of initial licence issuance and after each renewal.

Introduction

SIRA approval in Dubai is mandatory for certain activities selected on a company’s licence, regulated by the Security Industry Regulatory Agency. Businesses that fall within the applicable requirements need to complete the relevant registration, company profile, and permit procedures before obtaining approval.

The process can be understood in three stages:

  1. Register the company on the SIRA Portal
  2. Complete the company profile and related information
  3. Apply for SIRA approval where the licensed activity requires it

Creating a SIRA Portal account does not itself mean that the company has received SIRA approval. Businesses must complete the relevant regulatory process for their activity.

How Do You Register a New or Existing Company on the SIRA Portal?

The registration process depends on whether the company already holds a trade licence or is still operating with initial approval and trade-name reservation.

StepWhat to do
1. Company RegistrationSelect Company Registration from the Registration dropdown on the SIRA Portal
2. Select Emirate and Licence AuthorityChoose the relevant Emirate and licence-issuing authority, then select Next
3. Select New or Existing CompanyChoose the appropriate route. An existing company uses its trade licence, while a new company uses its trade-name reservation and initial approval
4. Existing CompanyComplete the required fields, upload the trade licence and select Next
5. New CompanyComplete the required fields and upload the Initial Approval and Trade Name Reservation, then select Next
6. Company InformationComplete the company-information fields, upload a company picture and select Next
7. Select SIRA ActivitySelect the SIRA activity or activities appearing on the Trade Licence or Initial Approval. Where applicable, a shipment company can select “No below listed SIRA activities in my license”
8. Owner/Partner DetailsEnter owner or partner information using the person’s EID or UID, then select Next
9. ConfirmationConfirm the company email and authorised person’s mobile number
10. VerificationVerify the company email, authorised person’s email and mobile number, then select Save
11. Registration CompletedA confirmation pop-up appears after successful registration, and login credentials are sent to the verified email address
12. Login VerificationOpen the verification email and select Login Verification to reach the password-creation page
13. Create PasswordCreate and save a new password. The company can then log in using its email and password

The login-verification email remains valid for 30 minutes after receipt. If it expires, the company should contact SIRA Technical Support through the applicable support channel.

What Should You Do After Registering on the SIRA Portal?

After registration, the company should complete its SIRA profile before submitting a request. The profile process involves entering company information and adding the relevant sponsor and owner/partner details.

How Do You Complete the SIRA Company Profile?

The company profile can be completed from the relevant menus within the SIRA Portal.

  • Log in to the SIRA Portal and open the home page
  • Select Company → Company Profile
  • Click the company name to open the profile
  • Complete all required empty fields and select Save & Close
  • Open Additional Information, select Edit and complete the required fields
  • Select Save & Close
  • Go to Company → Sponsor → New
  • Enter the sponsor’s EID information and select Get Data
  • Select Save & Close
  • Open the Owner/Partner tab
  • Select New and enter the EID information
  • Select Get Data, then Save & Close

The company profile should be completed before submitting the relevant request.

When Is SIRA Approval Mandatory?

Certain activities selected on a company’s licence require mandatory SIRA approval. For Protection System Management, approval must be obtained within one month of the initial licence issuance and after each renewal.

This approval requirement is separate from simply creating an account on the SIRA Portal.

What Documents Are Required for SIRA Protection System Management Approval?

The documentation and requirements can vary according to the company’s setup and office arrangement.

  • Trade Licence issued with the regulated activity
  • TPA Letter
  • For companies with flexi-desk arrangements, such as gold/jewellery trading businesses:
    • An acknowledgement letter can be requested through the Portal/Direct Forms
    • The acknowledgement letter is subject to the applicable fee
  • For companies with dedicated office space:
    • Video guard installation
    • Coloured CCTV installation
    • Alarm system installation
    • These security systems are to be installed inside the personalised office space within IFZA, subject to availability

These office-specific requirements should be considered according to the company’s actual setup and applicable activity.

How Do You Apply for SIRA Approval?

Once the company has created its account and completed the required profile information, it can submit the permit request through the eServices Portal.

Create SIRA Account → eServices Portal → Permit Request → Submit Permit Request → Follow Instructions → Track NOC Status

The application process involves:

  • Creating an account on the SIRA Portal
  • Selecting eServices Portal → Permit Request
  • Following the portal instructions to request the permit
  • Using the same link to track the NOC status
  • Ensuring the location is Dubai Silicon Oasis for the Protection System Management process
  • Addressing the NOC to DSO/Diez Zones

What Happens During the SIRA Renewal Process?

SIRA approval for the Protection System Management process must be renewed annually. Businesses can initiate renewal through their existing SIRA account

The renewal process includes:

  • Logging in to the existing SIRA account
  • Following the portal instructions to initiate renewal
  • Completing the renewal application
  • Requesting an updated TPA Letter and Property Acknowledgement Letter after completing the renewal application

How Long Does SIRA Approval Take and What Are the Fees?

The processing time is 5–7 working days. Fees depend on the activity type and business scope and are determined by SIRA.

ItemRequirement
Processing time5–7 working days
Initial feesVaries according to activity type and business scope
Fees determined bySIRA
Renewal feesSame as initial fees
Payment frequencyAnnually
Approval renewalAnnually

SIRA may amend, alter, change or update its processes or fees without prior notice. Businesses should therefore verify the applicable requirements before submitting an application.

What Is the TPA Letter and When Is It Issued?

The TPA Letter is one of the required documents for the Protection System Management approval process. It is issued by IFZA once the licence passes the mandatory security checks.

For renewal, an updated TPA Letter can be provided upon request after the renewal application has been completed.

What Does the SIRA Approval Document Look Like?

A SIRA approval document includes identifying and licence-related information such as an e-verification number, date, certificate reference, licence details and activity information.

An approval sample is provided for reference and illustrates the format of the document issued for the relevant approval process.

What Should Businesses Remember About the SIRA Process?

Businesses can use the following checklist when preparing for SIRA registration, approval and renewal:

How Can Arnifi Help?

Arnifi can support businesses with UAE company formation, licensing and broader corporate compliance requirements. This can include helping businesses understand the SIRA registration and approval workflow applicable to their business activity.

Support can include:

  • Understanding UAE company formation and licensing requirements.
  • Supporting SIRA registration preparation.
  • Helping organise relevant documentation.
  • Coordinating corporate and compliance requirements.
  • Supporting businesses through the administrative steps involved in the process.

SIRA remains responsible for its regulatory approvals, processes and applicable fees.

FAQs

How do I register a company on the SIRA Portal?

Select Company Registration, choose the relevant Emirate and licensing authority, select the new or existing company route, provide the required information and complete email and mobile verification.

What documents are required for SIRA company registration?

Existing companies use their trade licence, while new companies use the Initial Approval and Trade Name Reservation. Additional company and ownership information is also required during registration.

When is SIRA approval mandatory for a company?

Certain licensed activities require SIRA approval. For Protection System Management, approval must be obtained within one month of initial licence issuance and after each renewal.

How long does the SIRA approval process take?

The processing time is usually 5~7 working days.

How often does SIRA approval need to be renewed?

For Protection System Management, approval must be renewed annually.

Conclusion

SIRA approval in Dubai involves several steps, beginning with company registration on the SIRA Portal and continuing through company-profile completion and the applicable permit process. Businesses should first determine whether their licensed activity requires SIRA approval and then prepare the relevant documentation.

For Protection System Management, the process includes requirements relating to the Trade Licence, TPA Letter, office arrangements, NOC, Dubai Silicon Oasis location and annual renewal.

Businesses should also check the latest requirements before applying because SIRA may update its procedures and fees. For support with UAE company formation, licensing and related compliance requirements, Arnifi can assist with the practical coordination involved.

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