Is the security approval for the individual or the company? Dubai has recently been considered one of the best investment countries in the world, especially in attracting foreign investments, as it ranked sixth in the world in the field of foreign investments. Therefore, any investor must know the steps for security approval to invest in Dubai before starting investment in Dubai. Security approval is Approval of security authorities; Such as investigating you and ensuring that there are no previous cases or violations related to residency and entry visas to the country, and nationality may sometimes be an acceptance factor and is considered an initial approval that the government of the State of Dubai has no objection to establishing a company in the Emirates , and states that it is possible to move to the next step to obtain the license. Commercial, but in all cases it does not grant the authority to start operating or carry out work directly.

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ToggleSome activities before applying for initial approval
Foreign investors must obtain the approval of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs before obtaining initial approval, as some activities require, before applying for initial approval, obtaining approvals from government agencies related to the activity, such as the following:
- Activities related to legal matters.
- Activities related to security agencies and the Securities and Commodities Authority.
- If you apply for security approval to work in Dubai from within the country, it may take about 14 days to obtain the visa. The security approval and work permit are valid for two months from the date of its issuance by the Ministry of Labor.
Specific steps to obtain the security approval service
There are specific steps to obtain the security approval service for establishing companies in Dubai, such as:
Initial preparation
Collection of documents: All necessary documents must be collected, such as study certificates, previous work documents, and any other important documents required by the body granting security approval.
Submit the application
Fill out the form: You must fill out the official form required to obtain security approval, ensuring that all required fields are completed accurately and in detail.
Security check
- The next step could include verifying the applicant’s identity via fingerprint scan or digital ID verification.
- The applicant’s background is evaluated to ensure there are no criminal records or matters that pose a security risk.
Approval and follow-up
- After all examination requirements are met, a decision is issued for approval or rejection.
- If accepted, some security approvals may require periodic follow-up to maintain continued compliance with security standards.
Maintain compliance
- Some security approvals may need to be renewed periodically to ensure continued compliance with security standards.
- The applicant or legal entity must report any changes to their security status, including address, position, or legal status.
Security clearance granting bodies are committed to fair and expeditious handling of all applications, and follow specific procedures to ensure the security and reliability of evaluating individuals and entities.
Instant license
This type of license is one of the facilities provided by the Emirates to encourage foreign investments in it when starting the investment steps in Dubai. It is the Dubai Instant License, as the Dubai Instant License summarizes the steps of establishing a company in Dubai in one step.
It is issued in just one step and within five minutes for a group of activities that do not require external approvals, with the option of optionally providing a company incorporation contract in Dubai and providing a virtual website for the first year. This service enables obtaining membership in the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, through the same procedure immediately and obtaining The facility card of the General Administration of Residency and Foreigners Affairs is issued immediately, in addition to the facility card of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, where the customer receives a text message approving the opening of the facility card and opening an automatic file to employ 3 employees. The instant license is also issued with only one exchange permit, but there is a condition. When obtaining the Dubai instant license.
Security approval procedures to work in the Emirates
There are some important steps that must be followed, which in turn will help you succeed in your investments in the United Arab Emirates. Among the steps to invest in Dubai are the following:
- Applying for security approval: The applicant must submit a request for security approval either through his employer or directly to the competent authority in his area.
- Submitting the necessary documents: The security approval request requires the submission of valid personal identification documents, personal photos, and documents proving education and work experience if necessary.
- Background Check: A background check is conducted on the applicant, which may include checking criminal record and other security records.
- Approval and issuance: If all conditions are met, security approval is issued.
- Approval renewal: Some jobs may need security approval to be renewed periodically, depending on the policies and conditions of the approval granting agency.
- Periodic follow-up: Subsequent steps may include periodic follow-ups to ensure that the applicant continues to comply with the required security standards.
The process is managed by the relevant authorities in the Emirates, and procedures vary slightly between different emirates, so it is important to check with the security approval authority in each emirate to find out the exact requirements.
Costs of investor entry into the UAE market
When an investor enters the market and invests in the UAE requires consideration of several aspects, including costs related to the necessary licenses and approvals. Here are some key points to take into consideration without talking about specific prices:
- Licenses and Permits: A foreign investor who wishes to enter the UAE market must apply for a license from the relevant authorities. These licenses vary according to the type of activity to be carried out, whether it is in the financial, real estate, technological, or other sectors.
- Legal documents and procedures: There may be legal documents and other regulatory procedures required by local authorities before a license is granted. For example, these documents can include business registration certificates, financial agreements, etc.
- Fees and Costs: Fees are charged for the process of obtaining licenses and approvals, including processing and evaluation fees and sometimes annual license fees.
- Financial Responsibility: Some licenses and permits may require foreign investors to demonstrate the ability to assume financial responsibility, whether through proof of available capital or otherwise.

The importance of security approval to work in the UAE
Obtaining security clearance to work in the UAE is crucial for several reasons:
Legal requirements
- The UAE requires security approval for all workers in the country, whether they are citizens or foreigners.
This is a legal requirement for issuing work and residence permits. - Security approval ensures that the employee’s criminal record is free of any cases or violations.
- This helps maintain security and public order in Emirati society.
Protecting institutions and companies
- Security clearance enables companies to ensure the integrity and security of employees.
- This protects organizations from potential risks such as theft, tampering, or any terrorist activities.
Reputation of the company and employees
- Obtaining security approval enhances the reputation of the company, employees and customer confidence.
- This contributes to strengthening the company’s competitive position in the market.
Facilitating employment and residency procedures
- Without security clearance, work or residency visas cannot be issued to employees.
- This hinders the hiring process and running the business as desired.
- Therefore, obtaining security approval is an essential and vital measure to ensure legal compliance and maintain security and safety in the UAE work environment.
In conclusion, it is clear that security approval in the UAE is a shared responsibility between the individual and the company. The individual is required to provide the required personal documents and ensure the integrity of his criminal record, while the employing company must adhere to the security requirements of the concerned authorities and provide the necessary support to the employee during the approval process.
Close coordination and cooperation between the individual and the company is key to ensuring quick and smooth security approval procedures. Joint efforts will help avoid any delays or obstacles, thus facilitating the employee’s transition to his new position in the UAE without any obstacles. In this way, the mutual interest of both the individual and the company is achieved.
Frequently asked questions about whether security approval is for an individual or a company
Who is responsible for obtaining security approval, the individual or the company?
Responsibility is shared between the individual and the company. The individual is required to provide personal documents, while the company must adhere to the security requirements of the relevant authorities.
What documents must an individual submit to obtain security approval?
Required documents include a passport, identity card, and a criminal record
What is the company’s role in the process of obtaining security approval?
The company must provide the necessary support to the employee and ensure that all security requirements of the competent authorities are met.
What are the consequences of not obtaining security approval?
The employment application may be rejected or the employee’s move to his new position in the UAE may be delayed.