Local Sponsorship
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Built for growing businesses
Local Sponsorship for foreign investors and entrepreneurs, a local sponsor in the UAE is a necessity for certain business types. These local sponsors help facilitate smooth business operations. A local sponsor means an Emirati individual can be a business partner in such entities. In the UAE mainland company structure, a local sponsor is mandatory as per the UAE Civil Law and Commercial Companies Law. This local sponsor must be either a UAE national or a company that is owned and operated completely by UAE nationals. They often take up a shareholding stake or 51% in the said company. In most cases, these sponsors are not involved directly with the day-to-day operations of the company. However, their role in the organizational setup is crucial for doing business in the UAE. They can help in getting the licenses, permits etc. for the company. Their role is also crucial because they provide the know-how of the local market, competition, local operations, cultural farsightedness, consumer psyche, and business etiquette for the company. They can also help the company in creating a local network of stakeholders, arrange crucial business meetings, help in new alliances and tie-ups etc. RAG has been supporting various new businesses and startup companies in securing efficient local sponsorships over the years. Our business association, experience in the sector and knowledge of the local business environment helps us in bringing together new companies and prospective local sponsors together.
local Sponsorship
Local Sponsorship is When setting up a business in the UAE mainland, selecting the right local sponsorship is more than a legal requirement—it is a strategic decision. A reliable sponsor can help entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of business registration, licensing, and renewals, ensuring that the process is smooth and hassle-free. Beyond compliance, a trusted sponsor can also open doors to valuable business opportunities by connecting companies with the right networks, stakeholders, and decision-makers.
For many foreign investors, one of the major concerns is maintaining control over their business operations while meeting local regulations. With a carefully structured local sponsorship agreement, investors can retain financial and operational authority, while the sponsor fulfills the mandatory legal role. This ensures that businesses remain compliant with UAE laws without compromising their autonomy or long-term vision.
Types of Local SponsorshipÂ
Individual sponsorship
An individual sponsor is an Emirati national who has the individual capacity to become the local sponsor of a company.
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Corporate partnership
In a corporate partnership, a UAE Company holds at least 51% shares and liabilities of a company owned by partners of foreign origin or individuals.
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Local Service Agent
A local service agent is a UAE national who merely acts as a representative of the company in all dealings with government departments. LSA is mainly applicable to professional companies where they don’t hold any shares of your company.