To set up a business in Dubai Mainland you are required to engage a local sponsor with your business. It is a UAE national who acts as a service agent of the business. The local shareholder will own 51% of the company, deal with the government, obtain labor and immigration approvals and visas, so it is important to find a reliable person to collaborate with.

The type of local sponsorship required can be tailored to align with the specific activity of your business

CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP

  • This form of sponsorship entails your business being sponsored by a UAE national company. The sponsor retains 51% ownership, and the annual fee is determined through a legal agreement. This sponsorship structure is essential for establishing a limited liability company (LLC), a trading company, or a manufacturing unit.

INDIVIDUAL SPONSORSHIP

  • Individual Sponsorship closely mirrors Corporate Sponsorship, differing in that the shareholder is an individual, not a company. In this scenario, an Emirati national possesses 51% of the company’s shares and liabilities. Should a fixed fee be established, this individual can legally represent your business as a proxy. This form of sponsorship is required when establishing an LLC or a trading company.

LOCAL SERVICE AGENT

  • A local service agent acts as the representative of your company, handling interactions with authorities for a predetermined fee. With this arrangement, you retain 100% ownership of your business. This option is viable if you intend to acquire a professional license or establish a new branch of a foreign company in the UAE.

Our team is dedicated to assisting you in securing local sponsors for your business or serving as your Local Service Agent