If you are applying for a licence from overseas you may find the following information useful.
Paying the Application Fee
We can accept payment from a UK bank account, a credit card that is registered in the UK or a bankers draft in Pounds Sterling. Cheques from foreign bank accounts cannot be accepted, nor can credit cards that are billed or registered outside the UK.
Supporting Documentation
Information on the type of supporting documents we require can be found in the 'SIA Licence Application Form Guidance Notes' booklet (download size: 413kb).
In some cases it is impractical or illegal for passports to be posted outside of their country of issue. Consequently, we will accept a notarised copy of a passport from a suitably accredited notary in the country in which you reside. All other documents must be originals.
Documents will be accepted as long as their contents are clear or they are supported by a translation into English by an accredited translator (for example: a bank statement must show your name and address and be identifiable as a bank statement).
Overseas Criminal Record Checks
You must provide evidence of a criminal record check from the country or countries in which you have resided over the last five years.
More information
Overseas Qualifications
If you hold a qualification in security or a security-related discipline which was obtained overseas you may be exempt from part of the SIA approved training.
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Private Security Licences Issued Overseas
You will be breaking the law if you work in the UK without the correct SIA licence, even if you hold a licence to work in the private security industry that was issued overseas. This may not apply if you are a citizen of a country within the EEA and you wish to work in the UK on a temporary basis.
More information
Please call our contact centre on +44 844 892 1025 if you have any questions relating to our application process.