Local Sponsor Services in the UAE & PRO Services in Dubai, UAE
Starting a new business in Dubai is an exciting venture, but the process often involves a complex web of legal requirements, government approvals, and cultural distinctions.
Two key components that make this journey smoother for foreign investors are Local Sponsorship and PRO Services.
In 2021, the UAE underwent significant reforms with the introduction of the UAE Commercial Companies Law (CCL), which profoundly impacted the role of local sponsors in Dubai and other Emirates.
Under the revised CCL, UAE mainland companies can now be fully foreign-owned, eliminating the previous requirement for a local sponsor in most sectors.
However, some strategic sectors like banking, insurance, and oil & gas still require either a local sponsor or an Emirati shareholder due to national interest and regulatory considerations.
This blog breaks down what these components are, why they matter, and how you can benefit from the right partnerships.
Local Sponsor Services in the UAE & PRO Services in Dubai, UAE
CLA Emirates (formerly Emirates Chartered Accountants Group) brings over 20 years of experience as trusted professionals in arranging Local Sponsors for your company and providing PRO Services in Dubai, UAE.
Call for Consultation
Mr. Ragesh Mattummal | Partner
M: +971 50 357 8031
E: Ragesh.Mattummal@claemirates.com
Chat with us on WhatsApp
A Local Sponsor is a UAE national or a UAE-owned corporate entity that acts as a local service agent or a shareholder (typically with a 51% stake) in certain types of business setups, particularly for mainland companies.
Investors and company formation in the UAE are a thriving business in this country. Business magnates from all over the universe choose UAE for investment and forming a company in the UAE. ‘Local sponsor is a general term used in the UAE to refer to local service agents when you form a company in the mainland with foreign investment.
Running errands is not always feasible and an easy task. CLA Emirates [formerly Emirates Chartered Accountants Group] provides the most efficient PRO Services in Dubai, UAE with utmost commitment and excellence to our valuable customers maintaining crystal clear relationships with all the proceedings that we do. The PRO Service team assures that the work is commenced and progressed as per it has been committed to the clients.
We will take up all the burden of running errands across the government departments with regard to formal proceedings and allow you to utilize your time for other important works.
To streamline all your government-related transactions, our expert PRO services in Dubai manage end-to-end documentation and approvals.
PRO Services include trade license processing, visa applications, immigration support, company registration, legal notary services, permit acquisition, document attestation, translation, and clearance solutions.
We handle every detail—ensuring compliance and efficiency across every stage.
Establishing a mainland company in the UAE often requires a local sponsor in Dubai, particularly for industries that restrict full foreign ownership.
A local sponsor plays a crucial legal role, including signing official documents, assisting with trade license applications, and representing the business before UAE government authorities.
Sponsors ensure compliance with local regulations while receiving a fixed annual fee—without entitlement to business profits.
CLA Emirates is a member of CLA Global, a leading international network of independent advisory and accounting firms, providing clients with the advantage of local expertise supported by global reach. As a proud member, CLA Emirates combines local expertise with global insights to deliver seamless company formation services across UAE tailored to your business needs.
With over 20 years of experience, CLA Emirates specializes in helping global enterprises, foreign subsidiaries, and offshore entities establish their presence in Dubai and across the UAE Mainland.
Whether you're based in London, Mumbai, New York, or Singapore—we ensure a smooth, hassle-free company formation journey with dedicated local sponsor and PRO support.
To ensure clients progress financially and socially.
News & Articles
Feb 19, 2025
Mubdia’h Programme: A Game-Changer for Emirati Women in Business In today’s global scenario where entrepreneurship is the driving force behind economic growth, the Mubdia&rs...
VIEW ALLPeople usually ask
A foreign expatriate can be a 100% owner, without the need of a local sponsor. However, in many business activities or sectors still require the need of a local sponsor or service agent. You can get a local sponsor with the support of a professional consultant.
You will require a local Emirates or GCC national or a corporate service agent to sponsor your business in the UAE.
No, you can become a 100% owner of a business in the UAE. However, in Dubai mainland, some strategic sectors still require either a local service agent or an Emirati shareholder (typically with a 51% stake).
Copyright © 2025 CLA Emirates