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HOW TO APPLY FOR AN SIA LICENCE WITH IRISH PASSPORT
Are you an Irish Passport holder seeking job opportunities in the UK security industry? This page guides you through the SIA Licence application process, improving your chances for a wide range of security jobs in the UK.
How to apply for your licence
Follow these steps to get your SIA licence and start your security career.
Book and pass your SIA training courses
Enrol in an SIA-approved course, which typically takes around 6 days to
complete. The course includes exams and practical assessments. Once
you pass, you’ll receive a certificate required for your licence application.
Complete licence application on the SIA website
Once you’ve received your training certificate, complete the online licence
application on the official SIA website. The application fee is £204.
Complete identity checks
You’ll need to verify your identity as part of your SIA application. Have your required
SIA licence documents ready, which you can submit at your local Post Office.
Await application processing
After submitting your application and completing identity verification, the SIA will
process your application. This includes background checks and can take up to
4-6 weeks.
Receive your SIA licence via post
Once approved, your licence will be mailed to you and will be valid for 3 years.
*Result times may vary depending on the course plan you purchase.
Compare SIA licences
Which licence do you need?
Pick the job you want and we will point you at the right licence.
- Door Supervisor
- Patrol Officer
- Security Officer
- CCTV Operator
- Retail Security
- Nightclub/Doorman
- Revenue Protection
- Static Security Guard
- Control Room Officer
- Security Concierge
- Bodyguard
- VIP Security
Door Supervisor Licence
Doors, events, retail, offices. Covers all guarding roles
Pay
£13 to £25 an hour
Training
6 days
Training from
£229.99
SIA licence
£204
Estimated total
£433.99
Security Guard Licence
Static guarding, patrols, key-
holding, retail
Pay
£12.71 to £18 an hour
Training
4 days
Training from
£189.99
SIA licence
£204
Estimated total
£393.99
CCTV Operator Licence
Control rooms, public space
surveillance
Pay
£12.71 to £20 an hour
Training
3 days
Training from
£219.99
SIA licence
£204
Estimated total
£423.99
Close Protection Licence
Bodyguard, VIP security, asset
protection
Pay
£25 to £100 an hour
Training
16 to 19 days
Training from
£1,994
SIA licence
£204
Estimated total
£2,198
SIA licence guides based on your passport
Get step-by-step SIA licence guidance tailored to your nationality.
Ready to get your SIA licence?
Launch a new career in security by enrolling in
SIA training. Find your nearest course today.
Explore SIA training courses
Renewing your SIA licence
SIA licences don’t last forever—most need to be renewed every three years. To stay legally compliant and avoid work disruption, make sure you plan your licence renewal ahead of time and complete the required SIA refresher training.
Not sure where to start?
We'll clear it up!
The licence application cost is £184. This is paid directly to the SIA, the licensing authority for the security industry.
A newly issued SIA licence is valid for 3 years.
The roles that you can undertake will depend on which SIA licence you have. A holder of an SIA CCTV Licence can watch public images but can’t work as a security guard. In the same way a holder of an SIA Door Supervisor licence can’t work as a CCTV Operative.
Yes, your Pakistani passport can serve as a primary identity document during the SIA application process. Ensure it is valid and up-to-date to avoid any complications.
It is illegal to work in the security industry without an SIA Licence. However, some employers can qualify for exemptions under Section 4(4) of the Private Security Industry Act 2001.
If you've recently moved, you'll need to provide address history and may also be required to provide police clearance from Pakistan. It's crucial to have all your documents in order before initiating the SIA application process.
To obtain an SIA Licence, you must have the right to work in the UK. The SIA will verify your right to work against records held by the Home Office. If your right to work in the UK has expired or is pending, you'll need to provide evidence of a valid right to work within 21 days, or your application will be cancelled. Directors of UK-registered companies may be eligible for a non-front-line licence even if they don't have the right to work in the UK.
The age requirement for applying for an SIA Licence is the same for all applicants, regardless of nationality. You must be at least 18 years old to apply. There are no upper age limits, but you must meet all other eligibility criteria.
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