Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions
What is activity code 8020.99 and what does it cover
Activity code 8020.99 refers to Central Station Linking Services, a regulated business activity under Dubai's Security & Surveillance Services industry. It covers the technical integration and management of alarm and surveillance systems that are linked to a central monitoring station.
Core services include signal transmission, remote monitoring connectivity, alarm verification routing, and system-to-station data linking. This is distinct from physical security guarding or standard IT services, and it carries its own regulatory and approvals profile as a result.
Which regulatory body issues the licence for Central Station Linking Services in Dubai
For mainland operations, the licence is issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). If you are setting up within a free zone, the relevant free zone authority handles the licence instead.
However, most central station operations serving Dubai-based clients will require mainland access, making DED the primary authority in practice. Security-related activities may also require additional approvals from Dubai Police or the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA) before DED issues the trade licence.
Is 100% foreign ownership allowed for this type of business in Dubai
Yes. 100% foreign ownership is permissible on the mainland under the UAE's amended Commercial Companies Law, and free zones offer the same by default. There is no structural requirement to take on a local partner for this activity.
You should only consider a local partner if your specific approvals path — for example, a particular government contract or NOC requirement — makes it necessary. Confirm this with a legal adviser before committing to any ownership structure.
What role does SIRA play in the licensing process
SIRA (Security Industry Regulatory Agency), which sits under Dubai Police, has specific technical and operational requirements for monitoring centre infrastructure. If your scope includes monitored alarm operations, obtaining a SIRA NOC is a mandatory step before DED can finalise your trade licence.
Attempting to complete the DED application without first securing the correct NOC sequence from SIRA causes avoidable delays. It is strongly recommended to confirm the full approval chain early in your planning process.
What business structure is most suitable for this activity
An LLC (Limited Liability Company) is the most common structure chosen for Central Station Linking Services on the mainland. It is particularly well-suited to B2B security service contracts with property developers, logistics operators, government facilities, and retail chains.
A sole establishment or free zone entity may also be viable depending on your target market and operational scope, but the LLC structure offers the broadest access to mainland clients and government contracts.
What are the VAT obligations for a Central Station Linking Services business in Dubai
VAT registration becomes mandatory once your annual taxable turnover exceeds AED 375,000. You should coordinate with the Federal Tax Authority early in your setup, particularly if you intend to contract with government entities where invoicing requirements are strict.
Failing to register on time or issuing non-compliant invoices to government clients can create significant operational and financial complications, so early tax planning is advisable rather than reactive registration.
Who are the typical clients for Central Station Linking Services businesses
The business model for activity code 8020.99 typically involves service contracts with property developers, logistics operators, government facilities, and retail chains that require 24/7 monitored security infrastructure.
Residential complexes, commercial properties, and logistics hubs are all strong target markets. The UAE security services market is projected to grow steadily through 2028, driven by smart city investments and ongoing infrastructure expansion, which broadens the potential client base further.
What are the key steps to obtain a Central Station Linking Services licence in Dubai
The process begins with defining your business structure (LLC, sole establishment, or free zone entity), followed by reserving a trade name via the Dubai DED e-Services portal in the security services category. You then submit an initial approval application with activity code 8020.99.
DED will indicate at this stage whether an external security authority NOC is required. If your scope includes monitored alarm operations, you must obtain SIRA approval before the licence can proceed. Securing compliant operational premises is also a required step, as a physical space is typically needed for this activity type.
Apply for a Central Station Linking Services License in Dubai
Dubai's security and monitoring network is growing fast. Central Station Linking Services sits at the heart of it, tying alarm systems, CCTV, and remote monitoring centres together across the city.
This guide covers what the work involves, who it suits, and the exact steps to get licensed under activity code 8020.99.
Key Stats at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Activity name | Central Station Linking Services |
| Activity code | 8020.99 |
| Industry | Security and surveillance services |
| License type | Commercial |
| Where you can set up | Dubai mainland (DET) or a free zone such as Meydan Free Zone |
| Foreign ownership | 100% on both routes |
| Security approvals | SIRA NOC needed for monitored alarm work, before the license is issued |
| Premises | A physical space is required; a virtual office will not do |
| Estimated license cost | AED 10,000 to AED 25,000, plus separate SIRA fees where they apply |
| VAT registration point | AED 375,000 yearly turnover |
Business Activities List
Explore Over 2,500+What the License Covers
Activity code 8020.99 covers the technical setup and running of alarm and surveillance systems linked to a central monitoring station. This is not security guarding. It is a technology job, and it has its own approvals path.
Core services under this activity are:
Signal transmission
Remote monitoring connections
Alarm verification routing
System-to-station data linking
Because it mixes technical systems with security work, it is treated differently from standard IT services or physical guarding. The approvals reflect that.
Who Your Clients Will Be
This is a business-to-business model built on service contracts, and the clients tend to sign long ones.
Property developers
Logistics operators
Government facilities
Retail chains
Residential and commercial buildings needing 24/7 monitored security
Licence Structure and Rules
The license. For mainland work, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) issues it. Free zone authorities handle their own zones, but most central station work serving Dubai clients needs mainland access.
Security approvals. Security activities may need sign-off from Dubai Police or the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA) before DET issues the trade license. Confirm the full approval chain early. Trying to finish the structure without the right NOC order causes delays you can avoid.
SIRA
SIRA sits under Dubai Police and sets technical and operational standards for monitoring centre infrastructure. If your work includes monitored alarm operations, a SIRA NOC is a required step before the license can go through.
Ownership
You can own 100% of a mainland company under the UAE's amended Commercial Companies Law. Free zones offer the same as standard. There is no reason to take on a local partner unless your specific approvals path calls for one.
VAT
You must register with the Federal Tax Authority once yearly turnover passes AED 375,000. Sort this early if you plan to invoice government bodies, where the rules are strict. Cross-ministry approval rules are set out on the Official UAE Government Portal.
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Calculate NowStep-by-Step Setup Guide
Follow this order to avoid rework.
Step 1, set your structure: Sole establishment, LLC, or free zone entity. An LLC suits business-to-business security contracts on the mainland and is the usual pick.
Step 2, book your trade name: Do this through the Dubai DET e-Services portal, making sure the name fits the security services category.
Step 3, apply for initial approval: Submit with activity code 8020.99. DET will flag at this point whether you need a security authority NOC before the license can proceed.
Step 4, get SIRA approval: This is required if your work covers monitored alarm operations.
Step 5, sort your premises: A physical space is normally required, given the nature of the work. A virtual office will not meet the infrastructure rule.
Step 6, submit the final application: Include your Ejari-registered tenancy contract, shareholder documents, passport copies, and every approval letter from the earlier steps.
Step 7, pay and collect: Pay the fees, collect the license, and register for VAT if you cross the threshold from day one.
Mainland license.
A DET license gives you unrestricted client access across Dubai and the wider UAE. It is the practical choice if your clients are Dubai property owners, government bodies, or commercial operators.
Free zone license
This suits firms focused on technology work, software-linked monitoring platforms, or a regional headquarters role. But if your central station serves clients physically in Dubai, you will usually need a mainland license or a dual-license setup.
Meydan Free Zone offers a clean path for eligible security technology firms, including remote setup, which helps if you are forming the company before relocating. See Invest in Dubai for a wider comparison.
License cost
Budget AED 10,000 to 25,000 for the initial license, depending on office type and how many external approvals you need. SIRA approval, where it applies, carries its own fees and technical compliance work. These are not trivial, so scope them in advance.
Renewal
The license is renewed every year. Factor in office lease renewal, visa quota upkeep, and VAT filing from the start. Employee visas are tied to your office space and license category, so plan headcount against your establishment card quota before you hire.
Staff
Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) registration is required for anyone you hire locally, including Wage Protection System compliance once staff are on payroll.
Conclusion
A Central Station Linking Services license is a technically specific activity inside Dubai's regulated security sector. It needs DET approval, possibly SIRA clearance, and a credible operational setup. The demand is real, driven by Dubai's infrastructure growth and steady need for integrated security across homes, offices, and government sites.
The approvals path is workable, but the order matters. Get the structure wrong at the first application stage and the delays are slow and costly to unwind. Speak to a setup adviser who knows security-sector licensing before you commit to a structure.
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