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Importance of Local Sponsorship for foreign investors in Dubai

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Local Sponsorship for foreign investors in Dubai

Dubai is one of the most popular business hubs in the world which has become a top destination for foreign investors who are seeking to expand their businesses in the Middle East. It offers multiple opportunities for entrepreneurs with its developing  economy, great locality, and business friendly-policies. However, one important aspect which investors are required to understand before setting up their business in Dubai is the concept of local sponsorships. 

Local Sponsorship for foreign investors

In this blog, we will discuss the importance of local sponsorships for foreign investors in Dubai and how it works and about its perimeter of why it is essential to grow in the Dubai and UAE market. 

What is local Sponsorship in Dubai? 

The Local Sponsorship is that when a foreign investor is needed a partner with a UAE national, which is known as a sponsor. As per the UAE business law, the majority share in the business must be held by a local sponsor, which would hold 51% of share of the business, and the foreign investor would hold 49% of shares. This rule applies to businesses that are set up in Dubai outside of the special area known as “ Free Zone”. 

Meanwhile, the local sponsor helps foreign investors to make them understand the local law & regulation and the act between business and the government. While, the sponsors are generally received a fixed fee or amount of the company’s profit. 

Why is Local Sponsorship Important? 

The Local sponsorship plays an important role to make easy foreign investment in Dubai which is required by law for several reasons. Below are some reasons why local sponsorship is crucial for foreign investors:

  1. Legal Requirement

The main reason foreign investors need a local sponsor in Dubai is that it is required by law. Most businesses outside of the Free Zones must have a local sponsor. This law ensures that foreign businesses follow the rules set by the UAE government.

  1. Agree with Local Regulations

The business environment in Dubai can be complicated because of local rules and cultural practices. A local sponsor, who understands the local business method, can help you to navigate the legal and regulatory processes, avoiding delays and ensuring everything runs smoothly.

  1. UAE Market Access

To have a local sponsor will be very important in gaining access to the UAE market. The sponsor can help you to connect with the local networks, suppliers, clients, and government which can be particularly helpful for the new businesses. Their knowledge of the market and established relationships with stakeholders can help your business to get more easily into the local economy.

  1. Cultural and Business Insights

A local sponsor can give information about the culture and the way that locals run businesses, maybe very different from what the foreign investors are used to. Meanwhile, you need to be aware of the differences in business operations in Dubai. Also, if you are working with a local sponsor which can save foreign investors the expensive mistakes of not knowing local customs and business etiquette.

  1. Government Approvals and Licensing Support

The most important advantage of a local sponsor is that he or she can make the process of getting government approvals and licenses easier. Whereas, some businesses in Dubai require specific permits or approval from local authorities, which a local sponsor can easily make possible. However, the local sponsors know about bureaucratic processes and how to deal with government business systems that would help to avoid delay in starting your business. 

  1. Risk Management

Although the local sponsor holds most of the shares, they usually don’t get involved in the day-to-day business. The investor and sponsor can agree on their roles in a contract, which helps reduce risks. A good sponsor will focus on the business’s success and protect the investor’s interests.

  1. Compliances with UAE Laws

The UAE government has strict business laws, and all companies must follow them. A local sponsor can help make sure the business align with important laws, like those related to employment, taxes, and company registration. This helps avoid legal issues caused by not following the rules.

Types of Local Sponsorship Models

There are several models of local sponsorship that foreign investors can choose from when setting up a business in Dubai:

  1. Individual Local Sponsor
  • In this model, the foreign investor will partner with an individual UAE national who must be a local sponsor. The individual will hold the majority of shares in the business usually 51% while the foreign investor will hold the remaining 49%. This model is commonly used by smaller businesses and startups.
  1. Corporate Local Sponsor
  • In other cases, foreign investors may prefer to enter into partnership with a UAE-based company rather than an individual. This is called the corporate local sponsor model. The business has the majority of shares of the company and acts as the sponsor. This might be preferred by foreign investors who wish to have more of a business-to-business relationship.
  1. Service Agent Model
  • For some businesses, like professional services, a foreign investor doesn’t have to give up 51% of the company. Instead, they can use a service agent model, where a local sponsor acts as an agent for the business without owning more than 51%. This option is available for businesses in fields like consulting, legal services, and IT.

Considerations When Choosing a Local Sponsor

Local sponsorship is required by law, but it is important to choose a trustworthy sponsor that supports your business goals. Here are several factors to keep in mind when choosing a local sponsor:

    • Reputation and Trustworthiness: It is very important to work with a reputable sponsor who is trustworthy and interested in supporting your business. You need to find out the research potential sponsors carefully and select someone with a good reputation in the local business community.
    • Clear Agreement: In simple words, the agreement should be clear between sponsor and investor, what they are responsible for. It should cover how profits are divided, the sponsor’s share, and how much the sponsor will be involved in the business.
    • Business Expertise: The sponsor must have some experience or expertise in your industry. This will make it easier for them to provide valuable advice and help your business grow in the local market.
  • Long-Term Partnership: Since the sponsor starts owning most of the business, it’s important to build a strong, trusting partnership. So, you need to choose a sponsor who is ready to invest time and effort into making your business successful.

 

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