Local sponsorship, arranged properly — only where it's needed.
Many business activities in Dubai now qualify for 100% foreign ownership. For the activities that still need a local service agent or Emirati partner, BAEZ checks your eligibility first, then arranges a reliable sponsorship relationship with clear, properly documented terms.
- We check if you actually need a sponsor before recommending one
- Clear, documented agreement terms from day one
- Fixed quote before we submit — no surprises at collection
Foreign ownership rules have changed — start here first.
The UAE has significantly expanded 100% foreign ownership for mainland companies in recent years, meaning many activities that once required an Emirati partner no longer do. A local sponsor is now genuinely required only for a narrower set of cases: certain professional or "civil company" licence types that use a Local Service Agent structure, and a smaller list of strategic or restricted activities that still require Emirati ownership.
Because this list is set by government decision and can change, we don't assume you need a sponsor by default. The first thing we do is check your specific business activity against current requirements — and if you don't need one, we'll tell you that plainly.
Please note: BAEZ arranges sponsor introductions and prepares agreement paperwork. We are not a law firm — given how significant this relationship is to your business, we strongly recommend having the sponsorship agreement's terms reviewed by an independent lawyer before signing.
From eligibility check to a signed, registered agreement.
Sponsor Eligibility Check
We assess whether your specific business activity actually requires a local sponsor or service agent under current rules.
Local Service Agent Arrangement
For professional and civil licence types, where you retain 100% ownership and the agent has no equity or profit share.
Agreement Drafting & Registration
Preparing the sponsorship agreement and registering it with the relevant notary or authority.
Sponsor Introduction
Connecting you with a reliable local partner or service agent, if you don't already have one in mind.
Annual Fee Coordination
Managing the yearly sponsorship fee arrangement and renewal, so it's never a surprise at licence renewal time.
Sponsor Change & Transition
Support if you need to change your local sponsor or service agent, handled with minimal disruption to your licence.
Four steps, starting with whether you need one at all.
Tell us your activity
Share your business activity and licence type on WhatsApp so we can check your eligibility.
Eligibility confirmed
We confirm whether a sponsor or service agent is actually required, and what structure applies.
Agreement prepared
We prepare the sponsorship agreement, which we recommend you have independently reviewed before signing.
Registered & ready
The agreement is registered and your licence application can proceed with the sponsorship in place.
Typical documents for a sponsorship arrangement.
Exact requirements depend on your activity and licence structure. Send us your details on WhatsApp and we'll confirm your specific checklist — starting with whether you need a sponsor at all.
We tell you when you don't need us, too.
Eligibility checked honestly
We won't arrange a sponsor you don't actually need — many activities qualify for 100% ownership today.
Fixed price upfront
Government fees and our service charge quoted separately, agreed before any arrangement begins.
The MD on your file
Osman Mohammed personally oversees these arrangements — call +971 55 836 0200 to reach him directly.
Documented terms, from day one
Every arrangement is properly documented — no informal handshake deals on something this important.
Common questions about local sponsorship.
Do I still need a local sponsor for my business?
It depends entirely on your specific activity. Many mainland activities now allow 100% foreign ownership, while some professional licence types and a smaller list of strategic activities still require a local service agent or Emirati partner. We check this against your exact activity before recommending anything.
What's the difference between a Local Service Agent and an equity partner?
A Local Service Agent typically has no ownership stake or profit share — you retain 100% ownership and pay the agent a fixed annual fee for their role. An equity partner, required for a smaller set of restricted activities, holds an actual ownership share in the company. The structure that applies depends on your specific licence type.
Does my local sponsor get a share of my profits?
Under a Local Service Agent arrangement, no — the agent is paid a fixed fee, not a profit share. Where an activity requires an actual equity partner, profit-sharing terms depend on what's agreed in the company documents. We'll clarify which structure applies to your case.
Can I change my local sponsor later?
Yes, this is possible, though it involves updating your licence records and the sponsorship agreement. If you're considering a change, tell us your situation and we'll advise on the process for your specific licence type.
Should I have a lawyer review the sponsorship agreement?
Yes, we genuinely recommend this. BAEZ prepares and registers the agreement, but we're a document clearing company, not a law firm — given how important these terms are to your business, an independent legal review before signing is a sensible precaution.
Tell us your activity — we'll confirm if you need a sponsor.
Message us on WhatsApp with your business activity for an honest answer and, if needed, a fixed quote.