Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions
What is activity code 7490.95 and what does it permit a security consultancy to do in Dubai
Activity code 7490.95 — Security Consultancies sits within ISIC Division 74 (Other Professional, Scientific and Technical Activities). It is a professional services licence, meaning it covers advisory and analytical work rather than operational security delivery.
Permitted activities include risk assessment, security audits, threat analysis, protective intelligence, crisis management advisory, and consultancy to corporates, governments, and high-net-worth individuals.
The licence does not cover physical guarding, manned security, or armed protection. Those activities fall under entirely separate regulatory frameworks and require distinct licensing from the relevant UAE authorities.
Can a foreign national own 100% of a security consultancy on the Dubai mainland
Yes. Following the 2021 amendments to the UAE Commercial Companies Law, 100% foreign ownership is now permitted in most professional activities on the Dubai mainland, including security consultancy.
However, eligibility should be verified for your specific activity via the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DED) e-Services portal before proceeding, as individual activity codes can have nuanced requirements.
Free zones such as Meydan Free Zone have always offered 100% foreign ownership as a standard feature, making them an alternative route if mainland eligibility is uncertain.
What are the typical costs for obtaining a security consultancy licence in Dubai
Cost varies by jurisdiction. On the mainland, professional licence fees typically run AED 10,000–20,000 annually, paid to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DED).
Free zone packages — which often bundle the licence with visa allocations — generally start from AED 12,000–18,000 per year, depending on the free zone and the number of visas included.
Additional costs to budget for include trade name reservation fees, notarisation, office space (or a flexi-desk arrangement in a free zone), and VAT registration if your taxable turnover exceeds AED 375,000.
How long does it take to get a security consultancy licence in Dubai
Processing times differ between jurisdictions. A mainland licence via DED typically takes 5–10 working days once all documents are submitted and approvals are in order.
A free zone licence is generally faster, with many free zones completing incorporation in 2–5 working days. Meydan Free Zone is cited as a practical option for consultancies seeking speed and streamlined visa processing.
These timelines assume a straightforward application. Delays can occur if additional regulatory approvals are required or if submitted documents need correction, so preparing a complete document set before submission is advisable.
What is the difference between a mainland and a free zone licence for a security consultancy
The core distinction is client access. A mainland licence issued by DED allows direct contracting with UAE government entities, semi-government bodies, and local corporates without restriction — essential for public-sector mandates such as infrastructure protection or national event security planning.
A free zone licence offers 100% foreign ownership, faster incorporation, lower initial capital requirements, and streamlined visa processing. It is well-suited to consultancies whose clients are primarily regional or multinational private-sector firms.
Free zone entities wishing to advise UAE government bodies may need to establish a local branch or obtain a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the relevant authority, adding complexity and cost.
Who are the typical clients of a licensed security consultancy in Dubai
The client base for activity code 7490.95 is broad. Core sectors include real estate developers, financial institutions, logistics operators, event organisers, diplomatic missions, and multinational firms operating across the GCC.
Dubai's role as a regional headquarters city creates structural — rather than cyclical — demand for independent security advisory. Drivers include Expo legacy infrastructure, NEOM-adjacent supply chains, and sustained government capital expenditure on critical infrastructure protection.
Market data from IMARC Group and Mordor Intelligence consistently places the UAE among the fastest-growing security services markets in the Middle East, suggesting a strong pipeline of potential engagements for newly licensed consultancies.
When does a security consultancy in Dubai need to register for VAT
VAT registration becomes mandatory once a business's taxable turnover reaches AED 375,000 in a 12-month period. This threshold applies to security consultancies operating in Dubai just as it does to other professional services businesses.
Voluntary registration is possible below this threshold and can be commercially advantageous if your clients are VAT-registered businesses that can reclaim input tax. It also signals a degree of operational scale to prospective clients.
Consultancies operating across multiple GCC jurisdictions should also review the VAT rules of each country in which they generate revenue, as cross-border advisory services can have complex place-of-supply implications.
What is the first step in the licence application process for a security consultancy in Dubai
The process is sequential, and the first step is trade name reservation. Applicants must check name availability and reserve their chosen trade name through either the DED portal (for mainland applications) or the relevant free zone authority's portal.
The trade name must comply with UAE naming conventions — it cannot include offensive language, references to religion in certain contexts, or names that imply government affiliation. Reserving the name locks it in while the remaining steps are completed.
Each subsequent step in the application can only proceed once the previous one is finalised, so starting with a clear, compliant trade name avoids early delays in the overall timeline.
Apply for a Security Consultancy License in Dubai
Dubai's security sector is expanding rapidly — driven by mega-infrastructure projects, financial hubs, and a regulatory environment that demands professional risk advisory at every level. Whether you are an independent consultant, a regional firm, or an international operator looking to establish a UAE presence, the security consultancy licence (activity code 7490.95) is your entry point.
This guide covers what the licence covers, who the market serves, and the exact steps to get licensed in Dubai — whether on the mainland or in a free zone.
Key Stats at a Glance
- Activity code: 7490.95 — Security Consultancies, under ISIC Division 74
- UAE security services market forecast to grow at a steady CAGR through 2030, per IMARC Group and Mordor Intelligence
- Mainland professional licence fees: AED 10,000–20,000 annually
- Free zone packages (with visa allocation): from AED 12,000–18,000 per year
- Typical mainland processing time: 5–10 working days; free zone: 2–5 days
- VAT registration threshold: AED 375,000 in taxable turnover
- 100% foreign ownership now permitted in most professional activities on the mainland
What a Security Consultancy Licence Covers
Activity code 7490.95 sits within ISIC Division 74 — Other Professional, Scientific and Technical Activities. It is a professional services licence, not an operational security licence.
The permitted scope includes risk assessment, security audits, threat analysis, protective intelligence, crisis management advisory, and consultancy services to corporates, governments, and high-net-worth individuals. It does not cover physical guarding, manned security, or armed protection — those activities fall under entirely separate regulatory frameworks and require distinct licensing.
The client base is broad: real estate developers, financial institutions, logistics operators, event organisers, diplomatic missions, and multinational firms operating across the GCC. Dubai's position as a regional headquarters city means demand for credible, independent security advisory is structural, not cyclical.
Market sizing data from IMARC Group and Mordor Intelligence consistently places the UAE among the fastest-growing security services markets in the Middle East, underpinned by Expo legacy infrastructure, NEOM-adjacent supply chains, and sustained government capital expenditure on critical infrastructure protection.
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Explore Over 2,500+Mainland vs Free Zone — Choosing the Right Jurisdiction
The jurisdiction decision shapes everything: who you can contract with, your ownership structure, your cost base, and your operational flexibility.
A mainland licence issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DED) allows you to contract directly with UAE government entities, semi-government bodies, and local corporates without restriction. For security consultancies targeting public sector mandates — infrastructure protection, government risk advisory, or national event security planning — mainland is typically the only viable route.
Following the 2021 amendments to the UAE Commercial Companies Law, 100% foreign ownership is now permitted in most professional activities on the mainland. Verify your specific activity eligibility via DED e-Services before proceeding.
A free zone licence — Meydan Free Zone being a practical option for consultancies — offers 100% foreign ownership, faster incorporation, lower initial capital requirements, and streamlined visa processing. It suits international consultancies whose primary clients are regional or multinational firms rather than UAE government bodies. Note that free zone entities advising UAE government bodies may require a local branch or a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the relevant authority.
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The process is sequential. Each step must be completed before the next can proceed.
Step 1 — Trade name reservation. Check name availability and reserve your chosen trade name via the DED portal or your chosen free zone authority. Names must comply with UAE naming conventions — no offensive terms, no references to political or religious bodies.
Step 2 — Initial approval. Submit activity details, passport copies of all shareholders, and a summary business plan to the relevant authority. This confirms the activity is permissible and triggers the formal application process.
Step 3 — MOA and ownership documentation. Draft your Memorandum of Association. For mainland structures, confirm your ownership arrangement under the updated FDI rules. For free zones, the authority typically provides a standard template.
Step 4 — Office space. Mainland licences require a physical tenancy contract registered via Ejari. Most free zones accept a flexi-desk arrangement, which reduces overhead significantly for early-stage consultancies.
Step 5 — Licence issuance. Pay the applicable government fees and receive your trade licence. Mainland processing typically takes 5–10 working days from completed submission; free zones generally turn around in 2–5 days.
Step 6 — Visas and banking. Apply for investor and employee visas through MOHRE. Open a corporate bank account — all UAE banks operate under the framework set by the Central Bank of the UAE, and compliance documentation requirements are consistent across institutions.
Additional consideration: Certain security advisory scopes — particularly those involving government facilities, critical infrastructure, or sensitive intelligence functions — may require a clearance or NOC from Dubai Police or a relevant federal security authority. Confirm your precise scope before submitting the application to avoid delays or reclassification.
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Get Your LicenseCosts, Timelines, and Ongoing Compliance
Mainland professional licence fees typically range from AED 10,000 to AED 20,000 annually, depending on office type, activity classification, and visa allocation. Free zone packages, including one or two visa allocations, generally start between AED 12,000 and AED 18,000 per year.
Annual licence renewal is mandatory. Failure to renew on time triggers administrative fines and, if sustained, can result in licence cancellation — which creates downstream complications for visa holders and banking relationships.
VAT registration is required once your taxable turnover exceeds AED 375,000. The Federal Tax Authority governs registration, quarterly filing, and compliance. Security consultancy services provided to UAE-based clients are standard-rated at 5%; cross-border advisory may qualify for zero-rating depending on the nature of the supply and the client's location.
Mainland LLCs are subject to audit requirements. Maintain proper financial records from day one — retrofitting bookkeeping is costly and creates compliance exposure.
Conclusion
A Security Consultancy licence in Dubai is straightforward to obtain. The critical decisions are jurisdiction, ownership structure, and ensuring your activity scope aligns precisely with what the licence permits. Get those three elements right at the outset and the process is clean, predictable, and fast.
The market opportunity is real — Dubai's infrastructure pipeline, its role as a regional HQ city, and its growing demand for independent risk advisory create durable commercial conditions for well-positioned consultancies. The licence is the foundation; the rest is execution.
Speak to a business setup specialist to confirm the right jurisdiction and structure for your security consultancy before you apply.
References
- IMARC Group (imarcgroup.com)
- Mordor Intelligence (mordorintelligence.com)
- DED e-Services (eservices.dubaided.gov.ae)
- MOHRE (mohre.gov.ae)
- Central Bank of the UAE (centralbank.ae)
- Federal Tax Authority (tax.gov.ae)
