Physical security is often something that many of us take for granted, until we need it. But be it CCTV, lock and key, or security guards, it\u2019s commonplace around the world \u2013 and it\u2019s big business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The global physical security market is estimated to be worth USD 292bn by 2025 \u2013 with an annual growth rate of 9.4% between now and then.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here in the UAE, the market is just as healthy. With so much to protect \u2013 be it homes, offices, commercial units and more \u2013 the demand for security services is always healthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And while there are a couple of extra boxes to tick when starting a security business, with the right guidance, setting up in the UAE can be a smooth and stress-free process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How can I start my own security company?
\nThe first few steps to starting a security company in Dubai are standard practice. The same steps you\u2019re required to undertake when setting up any business here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first is to decide on your company name. This should not include any offensive or blasphemous language or make reference to known organizations and corporations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you are going to include your personal name in your business name, it must be in full \u2013 no abbreviations or initials. You must also check that your chosen business name is available to be registered. A company formation expert can do this for you as part of the license application process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019ll also need to make a decision regarding a free zone or mainland setup. If you establish your business in the mainland, you are free to trade directly with the local market, without using the services of a local agent. You can also bid for government contracts \u2013 which can be lucrative in the field of facilities management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, if you set up in a free zone, you can take advantage of 100% exemption from customs tax. UAE free zone business owners also have full freedom to repatriate all invested capital and profits. There are also no foreign exchange controls or currency restrictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With these boxes ticked, you can now apply for your license. There are two steps to this process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
First, you should apply for your trade license. To start a security company in the UAE, you\u2019ll need a professional services license. You can apply for this either to the Department of Economic Development, if you\u2019re setting up in the mainland, or the relevant managing authority if you\u2019re setting up in a UAE free zone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In both cases, the application process follows the same basic steps. Whether making your application yourself, or through a company formation agent, you are usually only required to provide a few details and some standard documentation, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Completed application form
\n\u2022 Passport copy of the proposed owner or owners
\n\u2022 Two color passport size photos
\nOnce you have received your license, you will also require police clearance in order to undertake security activities in the UAE.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finally, depending on the nature of your security business, you may require approval from the UAE\u2019s Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA). In certain circumstances, you may be asked to attend a training course in order to gain SIRA approval. SIRA provides security approval for a range of activities including guarding, consultants, dog handlers, CCTV operators, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You should also apply for your visas at this stage, including those of your employees and any domestic staff or family members that you wish to sponsor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The final step is applying for a corporate bank account. A company formation specialist can handle all applications for you, liaising with relevant authorities on your behalf.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re looking to get an idea of cost, it\u2019s best to speak with a company formation expert, as your final spend will depend on a range of factors. These include where you choose to set up, how many visas you require and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Set up in a free zone such as Fujairah Creative City, for example, and you can expect to pay in the region of AED 22,200 including the cost of one visa. If you also wish to use the free zone\u2019s coworking facility, that figure rises to AED 24,775.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ready to start a security company in the UAE?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019ve got the right skills and are armed with the right knowledge, starting a security company in Dubai doesn\u2019t have to be overly complex.
\nThat being said, it does require a level of prior knowledge of the process. What\u2019s more, it is important to note that the application process is only straightforward if your license application is complete at the time of submission and free from errors.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Physical security is often something that many of us take for granted, until we need it. But be it CCTV, lock and key, or security guards, it\u2019s commonplace around the world \u2013 and it\u2019s big business. The global physical security market is estimated to be worth USD 292bn by 2025 \u2013 with an annual growth rate of 9.4% between now and then. Here in the UAE, the market is just as healthy. With so much to protect \u2013 be it homes, offices, commercial units and more \u2013 the demand for security services is always healthy. And while there are a […]<\/p>\n