Security Guard Services in San Marino

How to Become a Licensed Security Guard in San Marino

In San Marino, private security and private investigation are governed by Decree-Law No. 137 of September 29, 2009, as amended by Law No. 159 of September 21, 2010. Sworn security guards must be entered in the Register of Sworn Guards (Registro delle Guardie Giurate) kept by the Gendarmerie Command, and private security companies must hold a license.

Competent authorities: Comando della Gendarmeria (Gendarmerie Command: Register of Sworn Guards and checks); Ufficio Industria, Artigianato e Commercio (Office of Industry, Crafts and Commerce: licenses for security companies). Legislation: Decree-Law No. 137 of September 29, 2009 (Regulation of private security and investigation activities); Law No. 159 of September 21, 2010, amending Decree-Law No. 148 of October 26, 2009 on the same subject. consigliograndeegenerale.sm

Requirements

• Meeting the personal requirements of Art. 2(1), verified by the Gendarmerie Command: no pending criminal proceedings and no convictions for intentional offenses
• Not engaged in private investigation activities
• No conduct or acts contrary to honor or morality, or harmful to the safety of persons or property or to the image of the guard function
• Not an employee, contractor, partner or director of public bodies or publicly owned companies, in San Marino or abroad
• Psychological and physical fitness for the specific duties
• Attendance at the mandatory course organized by the Gendarmerie Command (the text does not state the length in hours)
• Passing the examination set by the Coordinator of the Police Department or, in the Coordinator’s absence, by the Commander of the Gendarmerie
• An oath before the Coordinator of the Police Department or the Commander of the Gendarmerie to observe the laws of San Marino and to perform the duties conscientiously and diligently
• Non-residents may register, subject to the rules on hiring and job placement
• Mandatory ID badge and a uniform that cannot be confused with those of the police or armed forces
• Hiring a guard requires clearance (nulla osta) from the Labor Office, issued only after registration in the Register has been verified

Application Steps

1. Apply to the Gendarmerie Command for entry in the Register of Sworn Guards
2. The Gendarmerie verifies the personal requirements and psychological and physical fitness
3. Attend the mandatory course organized by the Gendarmerie Command
4. Pass the examination
5. Take the oath
6. Obtain entry in the Register of Sworn Guards (valid for one year)
7. For armed service, pass a specific examination and obtain the relevant authorization

Agency Licensing

Private security companies must hold a license, and security must be their sole corporate purpose. The company must be an S.r.l. or an S.p.A., with shares held only by natural persons who meet the requirements of Art. 2(1); the director must meet the same requirements. The requirements are verified by the Office of Industry, Crafts and Commerce; the Gendarmerie checks them every year, and the Office must suspend the license if they are no longer met. Companies offering guarding or electronic surveillance must employ at least 10 guards within 6 months of the license being issued, or face suspension, and must run an operations center in San Marino that is active 24 hours a day. Directors must file an authenticated extract of the shareholder register with the Office by January 31 each year and whenever shareholders or officers change; otherwise the license is suspended immediately and restored only 30 days after filing. Companies may employ only guards entered in the Register and hired as employees, and new hires must work alongside an experienced colleague for at least one month. Unauthorized security or investigation activity carries a fine of 1,000 euros and the seizure of equipment and vehicles.

Armed service requires a specific authorization, issued after a dedicated examination by the Coordinator of the Police Department (or, in the Coordinator’s absence, by the Commander of the Gendarmerie). The authorization is valid for one year and is renewable; after the first issue, renewals are handled by the Commander of the Gendarmerie.

Entry in the Register is valid for one year and is renewed at the guard’s request after the Gendarmerie has confirmed that the requirements are still met. The Gendarmerie immediately removes from the Register any guard who loses a requirement. Employers must ask staff each year for a valid certificate of registration. The authorization for armed service also lasts one year.

Sources

• Consiglio Grande e Generale: Decree-Law No. 137 of September 29, 2009, Regulation of private security and investigation activities
• Consiglio Grande e Generale: Law No. 159 of September 21, 2010, Amendments to Decree-Law No. 148 of October 26, 2009
• Consiglio Grande e Generale: committee report approving amendments to Decree-Law 148/2009 (July 16, 2010)

Requirements change. Confirm current rules with the competent authority before applying. This summary is general information, not legal advice. Last reviewed November 2026.