Need a Local Sponsor in Dubai?

We Help You Find a Local Sponsor for Your Business!

Choosing the wrong sponsor can delay approvals, slow down your mainland license process, or even put your business at risk. Many entrepreneurs don’t realise how important trust, transparency, and legal protection are in a sponsorship agreement until an issue occurs.

At Vista Business Setup, we match you with a reliable, government-compliant local sponsor in Dubai who provides full transparency, legal protection, and zero interference in your day-to-day operations.

You focus on growth - we secure the right sponsor.

100% operational control
Legally drafted & notarised agreements
Safe, professional, and hassle-free sponsorship

Start your business setup with confidence.

Book a Free Consultation

Do You Really Need a Local Sponsor in Dubai?

One of the biggest questions new entrepreneurs ask when setting up in Dubai is whether they actually need a local sponsor. The answer isn’t the same for everyone. It depends on your nationality, your business activity, and where you plan to operate.

If you’re a non-GCC national planning to start a commercial or industrial business on the UAE mainland, then yes, a local sponsor (Nominee Shareholder) is legally required.

But if you’re launching a company in a free zone or operating under a professional licence, you can enjoy 100% ownership without a local sponsor.

For those who do need a local sponsor, this is where business owners often struggle. Choosing the wrong person or entity can affect your control, your security, and your peace of mind.

At Vista Business Setup, we remove that risk completely. We connect you with vetted, compliant, and trustworthy UAE national sponsors, ensuring total protection, zero interference, and complete peace of mind from Day One.

Set up your mainland business with confidence. We’ll secure the right sponsor, so you can focus on growing your company.

Local Sponsor Fees in Dubai

Local sponsor fees in Dubai differ based on your business activity, licence type, and the level of involvement required from the sponsor. Instead of a fixed rate, charges are mutually agreed upon to ensure clarity and fairness. We help you secure reliable UAE national sponsors with transparent terms and professionally managed agreements tailored to your mainland business needs.

Types of Local Sponsors For Business in Dubai

When forming a mainland company in Dubai, you can choose between individual sponsors, corporate sponsors, or local service agents, depending on your licence type and business structure.

Individual Sponsors

An individual sponsor is a UAE national aged 21 or above who holds 51% of the mainland company shares on paper. They don’t need experience in your business sector, but choosing someone reputable, educated, and professionally established ensures smoother communication, reliability, and long-term stability.

Corporate Sponsors

A corporate sponsor is a UAE-owned company (100% Emirati ownership) that acts as the 51% shareholder for your mainland LLC. This option offers higher stability and reduced personal dependency, as sponsorship is managed through a licensed entity rather than an individual, ensuring structured agreements and professional oversight.

Local Service Agents (LSA)

Local service agents support businesses with professional licences, where the foreign owner retains 100% ownership. The agent doesn’t hold shares; they simply represent your company in government procedures, approvals, and renewals, for a fixed annual fee, ensuring smooth administrative coordination.

Why Choose Vista for Business Setup in Dubai?

Trusted Business Partner

Vista Business Setup guides you through every stage of forming a company in Dubai, offering clear support, reliable expertise, and smooth processes to help you launch and operate confidently in the UAE.

Hassle-Free Sponsorship Support

Whether you need a dependable local sponsor or want to set up without one, we provide secure, transparent, and compliant solutions so your mainland business is fully protected and worry-free from the start.

What Makes a Good Dubai Local Sponsor?

Not all local sponsors offer the same level of reliability. A strong sponsor should be
transparent, trustworthy, legally aligned, and fully supportive of your business goals.
The right partner ensures your mainland company stays protected without interfering in your operations.

A good local sponsor is someone who:

Is a transparent and dependable UAE national
Does not interfere with daily business activities
Signs clear, professionally drafted legal agreements
Provides long-term stability and is available for approvals
Follows all UAE mainland rules and compliance standards

At Vista Corporate Global Business Setup, we connect you with the right UAE national sponsors
who meet every one of these criteria.

Frequently Asked Questions

A UAE local sponsor is an Emirati citizen who acts as a 51% nominee shareholder for mainland companies or serves as a Local Service Agent for professional licences. Their role enables foreign entrepreneurs who need a local sponsor in Dubai to legally operate a mainland business while retaining full operational control.

Yes. After the 2021 UAE law changes, many business activities on the mainland allow 100% foreign ownership without a UAE national sponsor. However, some activities still require a local sponsor for business in Dubai, especially in commercial or strategic sectors. It’s always best to check your activity list before starting your Dubai mainland company setup.

No, you do not. Free zones allow 100% foreign ownership, so you do not need a local sponsor for business in Dubai when setting up in any Dubai or UAE free zone. This option is ideal for entrepreneurs who want full control without mainland obligations or sponsorship requirements.

If disagreements arise between a foreign investor and a local sponsor in Dubai, the issue is usually settled through the terms of the legal agreement. Most cases are resolved through negotiation, arbitration, or, if needed, the UAE courts. Clear agreements help prevent misunderstandings, reduce risks, and can also protect you from unexpected local sponsor fees in Dubai.

Local sponsor fees in Dubai are not fixed. They depend on your business activity, licence type, and the level of involvement required from the sponsor. Most arrangements involve an annual fee agreed upon in advance, outlined clearly in the sponsorship agreement to avoid misunderstandings. Transparent terms ensure secure and smooth local sponsorship in the UAE.