Local Sponsorship Visa in Dubai, UAE
Setting up a mainland company in Dubai often means finding a local sponsorship visa arrangement with a UAE national, and getting the contract, the nominee, and the visa process right the first time matters more than most first-time investors realise. Helen & Sons manages the full sponsorship journey, from vetting your nominee to structuring a legally airtight agreement, so you keep full operational control of the business you built.
- 100% operational and financial control, backed by a notarized side agreement.
- UAE national sponsor for mainland activities, or a sponsor-free structure where your license qualifies.
- Transparent sponsorship fees agreed upfront, no hidden renewal surprises.
- Visa issuance and PRO follow-up handled end-to-end by our in-house team.
Want to Know How?
Do You Actually Need a Local Sponsor?
This is the first question every investor should get answered honestly, and it's the one most sponsorship pages avoid because it can talk a client out of the service.
Since the 2021 amendment to the UAE Commercial Companies Law (Federal Law No. 26 of 2020, effective June 2021), most mainland business activities now allow 100% foreign ownership without a local sponsor. A handful of "strategic activities" including oil and gas, banking, insurance, and some security-related sectors still require either a UAE national shareholder holding 51%, or a Local Service Agent (LSA) for professional licenses.
| Your Situation | Do You Need a Sponsor? |
|---|---|
| Free Zone company (any activity) | No, 100% foreign ownership always |
| Mainland, commercial/industrial license, standard activity | Usually no, post-2021 reform |
| Mainland, strategic sector (oil & gas, banking, defense) | Yes, Emirati shareholder required |
| Mainland, professional license (consultants, engineers, freelancers) | Local Service Agent required, no equity share |
Helen & Sons checks your specific activity code against current DED regulations before recommending a sponsorship structure so you're not paying for something the law no longer requires.
Types of Local Sponsors — Which One Fits Your Business
| Sponsor Type | Ownership | Involvement | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual UAE National | Holds 51% shares | Silent partner, no day-to-day role | Small to mid-size mainland trading companies |
| Corporate Sponsor | UAE-owned entity holds 51% | Structured agreement, dedicated account manager | Larger operations wanting formal governance |
| Local Service Agent (LSA) | No equity — fee-based only | Liaises with government on your behalf | Professional/consultancy licenses |
Helen & Sons works with all three structures and recommends the one that matches your license type, industry, and risk appetite — not a one-size-fits-all nominee.
What Does a Local Sponsor Actually Cost in Dubai?
Sponsorship fees vary by structure and activity, and any consultant who won't give you a range before the first meeting is worth a second look. As a general guide:
- Individual sponsor: Typically AED 10,000 – 20,000 per year, paid as an annual service fee.
- Corporate sponsor: Typically AED 20,000 – 40,000+ per year, often including added legal and compliance support.
Helen & Sons confirms your exact fee during the free consultation, based on your specific activity and Emirate before you sign anything.
Why Helen & Sons
First-time entrepreneurs are usually confused about three things: how to find a sponsor, how to build a working relationship with them, and how to open a corporate bank account once the paperwork clears. We handle all three under one roof.
- Sponsors vetted for reliability before we ever introduce them to a client.
- Legally drafted side agreements that spell out non-interference, profit rights, and exit terms.
- Direct support opening your corporate bank account once your license is issued.
- A single point of contact from first consultation through visa stamping.
Key Benefits of Our Corporate Sponsorship
- Run your business without sponsor interference in daily operations.
- Retain full control of financial benefits and decision-making.
- Complete legal protection of your shareholder rights.
- Clear exit clauses if you ever need to change sponsors.