PSIRA Compliance Made Simple for Security Companies

PSIRA is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing the private security industry in South Africa. It ensures that companies and individuals in the industry comply with ethical, operational, and legal standards.

Registration is mandatory for any business offering guarding, protection, monitoring, response, or security advisory services. Operating without PSIRA approval is illegal and can result in fines and criminal charges.

All companies and individuals providing private security services must be registered.

This includes:

• Guarding companies

• VIP protection companies

• CCTV monitoring companies

• Alarm response units

• Bodyguards

• Security training institutions

Even subcontractors must be registered.

You will need:

• Company registration documents

• Directors Certified ID copies

• Director's CVs

• Proof of Address / business premises

• Criminal clearance for all directors

• Tax clearance

• Proof of landline

• Design, sketch, photo of uniform and insignia/title/symbol the business will use (pants, shirts, t-shirts, jackets, reflectors, etc.)

• Business Plan for 1 Year

• PSIRA Specimen Resolution on business letterhead

• Resolution Letter on a business letterhead stating that the business will be able to operate within the year of application

• Detailed information on infrastructure (PSiRA 24a)

• A Suretyship signed form in the prescribed formal (PSIRA 4) in respect of each director, member, partner, trustee, or administrator of a security business unless already registered as a security service provider.

PSIRA may request additional documents depending on your business model.

NOTE: At least one director MUST be PSIRA Registered.

PSIRA prioritizes public safety and requires all controlling members of a security organization to be vetted for criminal offences.

Any serious offence can disqualify a director.

This ensures integrity and reduces risks within the security industry.

Yes. Guards must be trained and qualified under PSIRA grading levels (Grade A, B, C, D, or E).

Companies must also employ staff appropriate to the services offered — e.g., VIP units require Grade A supervisors.

Yes. PSIRA does not approve businesses using virtual offices or residential-only addresses.

A physical operational location is required for inspections and audits.

Yes, but at least one responsible individual must legally reside in South Africa.

Foreign directors must also undergo vetting and provide valid immigration documents.

The process can take 4–12 weeks, depending on document readiness, inspections, and background checks.

Common reasons include:

• Missing documents

• Invalid criminal clearance

• Unverified business address

• Staff without valid PSIRA grades

• Incomplete tax compliance

We ensure your application avoids all common rejection triggers.

Yes. Before issuing registration, PSIRA may inspect your business premises to assess operational readiness and verify compliance.

Individuals register as security officers (Grade A–E).

Companies register to legally operate as security service providers.

Both registrations are required for a compliant company.

Yes. Companies must renew annually, ensuring compliance with regulations and fee requirements.

You cannot employ unregistered security personnel.

Staff must be graded and registered before they can work legally.

Yes, but PSIRA must approve each service category.

Training, guarding, investigations, VIP protection, etc., all have specific requirements.

Minor offences may be allowed depending on type and date.

Serious or recent offences usually result in disqualification.

Yes. PSIRA requires proof of COIDA registration to ensure staff are protected against workplace injuries.

You must notify PSIRA and submit a formal update.

Unreported changes can lead to suspension.

Yes — for noncompliance, expired certificates, failing inspections, or hiring unregistered guards.

Yes. Training centres must meet strict requirements to become accredited providers.

Your company receives a PSIRA registration certificate and number, allowing you to operate legally, apply for contracts, and employ registered guards.