Short answer: A sponsoring LIR maintains the RIPE NCC contractual and registry relationship for eligible independent resources held by an End User. It does not turn independent resources into leased space or guarantee RIPE NCC approval.
Network resources guide
RIPE sponsoring LIR: what it does
Independent resources are not leased resources
A sponsoring LIR provides the contractual and registry relationship for eligible independent Internet number resources. The End User is the registered holder of independent resources, while leased address space remains held by the lessor.
What to check before choosing a sponsor
Check resource eligibility, annual fees, End User agreement, registry responsibilities, ROA and route objects, reverse DNS, termination terms and the process for changing sponsor.
RIPE NCC review
The RIPE NCC applies its current policies and due-diligence checks. A sponsorship enquiry does not guarantee a new assignment, transfer or processing timeline.
Compare sponsoring LIR fees and scope and ASN and PI space for small networks.
Read the related Elisteka service and the current RIPE NCC policy resources.