Corporate sponsorship *:This is the preferred choice of local sponsorship within the UAE. A UAE national company (Local Sponsor) holds a 51% share and obligations of an organisation and the remaining 49% is owned by an individual or group of foreign investors. In this type of sponsorship, the business is sponsored by a company, rather than an individual.
Individual Sponsorship *:Individual sponsorship is a more common type of local sponsorship in Dubai. A UAE national (Local Sponsor) in his/her individual capacity becomes your sponsor and holds a 51% share and liability of the company. Whilst the Emirati sponsor is the main shareholder of the company, he/she can hand over the Power of Attorney (POA) to the foreign partner in return for a fixed annual fee.
| Considerations | Corporate Nominee | Individual Sponsor / Local Partner |
|---|---|---|
| Signatories | Multiple Signatories | Single Signatory - This can cause significant issues and delays if/when the individual leaves the country or is unavailable for signature |
| Succession | Succession Protection - In the case of a death or incapacity of one of the local shareholders, the Company or Branch that sponsor will not be affected | In case of the death of the Individual Sponsor, then Sharia law comes into play and all company files and licences can be frozen whilst probate is undertaken. The heirs will split the assets and new contracts and agreements will be required. The company will be unable to do business during this time and this can lead to massive disruption |
| Agreements | Side Agreements – The agreements are with a Corporate Entity not an individual and therefore have a stronger basis in Companies Law. They are legally binding providing full protection to the foreign party | With an individual Local Shareholder or Sponsor, the side agreements are seen as less robust. Powers of attorney can be revoked by the sponsor unilaterally and in case of a dispute, the Sharia Courts will have final decision which can often fall in favour of the Local Sponsor |
| Number of Sponsorship Control | Controlled number of clients - Limits the number of companies that we partner with in any one corporate entity which reduces cross partner risk and safeguards clients’ day-to-day activities. | Uncontrolled number of company sponsorships - Often individual local partners / sponsors will partner will many ‘unknown’ other companies with no oversight. If there are any issues with any of these other companies, it can cause the client company significant issues, such as labour blocks, court cases, delays and fines |
| Locations/Availability | We are physically located and alwasy availbale to help you in 24*7 | An Individual Sponsor may have to travel from/to different Emirates, or his/her e-signature card may be being used in multiple locations by multiple unconnected companies and PROs causing time delays and further problems |
| Reliability | Full range of Emiratis with the required family books and with no conflict or PEP status. This allows us to offer a multitude of solutions for different activities, locations and approvals – e.g. ADNOC/SPC approval, Dubai Municipality Approvals, Insurance, Recruitment, RERA etc | If an individual sponsor is from another emirate, it could limit the company on what they can achieve in certain instances. Certain activities require local partner exclusivity and external approvals that the individual may not be able to obtain |
| Exit Clause | 90 day exit / sale / transfer clause with no penalty. We provide the client with a clear exit plan and ensure the foreign party has 100% control of IP, brand and profit & loss, thus allowing the foreign client to build a business which they fully own and control | With an individual in practice there is no exit clause that can be enforced and this presents a significant risk to the foreign party in the event of a sale of the business (for example). It is much more difficult to fully secure 100% control and ownership |