Your Trusted Partner for Mainland Business Setup
For certain business activities on the Dubai mainland, it is mandatory to partner with a UAE national, or a “local sponsor,” who holds a majority stake in the company. We provide the legal framework to make this a secure and seamless process for foreign investors.
Secure a reliable local sponsor while retaining full control of your business.
How we handle Local Sponsor Services matters, and the approach we take to protect your interests.
Beyond our general approach, we adapt our strategy to your business structure and your situation. Contact us for guidance on your specific case.
Understanding the Role of a Local Sponsor
A local sponsor is a UAE citizen who acts as a service agent. In a Limited Liability Company (LLC), the sponsor holds a nominal 51% of the company's shares. This is a legal requirement for many mainland business structures. But it does not mean you have to give up control of your company.
A Legal Framework for 100% Investor Control
We protect foreign investors by putting in place a full set of legal documents. These include trust deeds, nominee shareholder agreements and detailed Memorandums of Association. This means you keep full ownership and control, while the local sponsor receives a fixed annual fee for taking part.
Sourcing a Trustworthy Sponsor at a Fair Cost
Our firm provides reliable and efficient local sponsors for your business. We make sure the annual sponsorship fee is minimal and fair. Our main goal is to find you a partner who understands their role and respects your full authority over the business.
A Sponsor in Name, Not in Operations
Our legal consultants make sure the agreements are structured to keep the local sponsor out of the direct, day-to-day running of your company. Your business decisions, management and profits stay entirely under your control.
Comprehensive Support for Expat Entrepreneurs
Our highly qualified team provides end-to-end services for expat entrepreneurs. We find the right local sponsor and draft all the protective legal documents you need. We make sure no loopholes are left, so your business is built on a secure and compliant foundation.
Navigate Mainland Requirements with Confidence
If you need a local sponsor for your business in Dubai, contact us. Nour Attorneys is committed to delivering positive results and ensuring your business venture is a success.
PARTNER WITH NOUR ATTORNEYS FOR YOUR LEGAL NEEDS
Work with Nour Attorneys on Local Sponsor Services. We explain your options in plain terms, plan ahead to limit risk, and protect your legal position in the UAE. Book a consultation to get started.
Reviewed by Mohamed Noureldin, Founder, Managing Partner & Senior Legal Consultant
Frequently asked questions about Company Formation
- What is the difference between mainland, free zone and offshore company formation in the UAE?
The main differences are where the company can trade, how it is owned and which authority licenses and regulates it. Mainland entities serve the home market. Free zone entities work within their zone's rules. Offshore companies are most often used for holding and structuring. We look at your activities and suggest the structure that fits.
- What documents are required to form a company in the UAE?
The documents you need depend on the licensing authority, the legal form and who the shareholders are. Shareholders who are people and shareholders that are companies need different papers. Some activities call for extra approvals. We prepare the application file and check every document before we file it. We fix gaps that would otherwise delay licensing or, later, opening a bank account.
- Can you help with opening a corporate bank account after company setup?
Yes. Opening a bank account is part of our formation work, not an afterthought. Banks look closely at the company's structure, activity and papers. Weak points in the setup often show up at this stage. We prepare the company file and support the compliance side of the application. We deal with the bank's questions as they come up.
- Do I need a local sponsor or local service agent to start a business in the UAE?
It depends on the legal form you choose and where the company is licensed. Many structures do not involve one at all. Where a local sponsor or local service agent is part of the setup, we draft and review the arrangement. That way your control, revenue and exit terms are protected in writing.
