Regulatory foresight
Weekly intelligence briefings keep our clients aware of pricing shifts, substance rules, and MISA updates.
About SetupGulf
About SetupGulf
We guide ambitious founders, family offices, and multinationals through every regulatory checkpoint in the UAE and Saudi Arabia—from entity strategy to day-one operations.
10+ yrs
Regional expertise
500+ launches
Companies incorporated
98% renewals
Clients who stay with us
Preferred by venture-backed teams
4.9/5
- Playbook for VC entities
- Dedicated PRO desk
- Banking concierge
Who we partner with
From first-time founders to Fortune 500 subsidiaries
SetupGulf blends legal precision with operational empathy so you can move faster.
We launched in Dubai to simplify the maze of free zones, licensing regimes, and immigration rules that slow down expansion. Today we operate across the UAE and Saudi Arabia, coordinating with regulators, banks, and economic zones so our clients can execute with confidence.
Our in-house strategists, Arabic-speaking PRO team, and compliance desk work in sync, meaning every engagement is handled by specialists who understand your sector, your ownership structure, and the latest policy updates.
- Dedicated project lead from discovery to visa stamping
- Regulatory intelligence for 30+ free zones and mainland jurisdictions
- Banking concierge covering FAB, ADCB, Emirates NBD, Riyad Bank, and more
Our pillars
What makes SetupGulf different
Embedded PRO desk
In-house Arabic-speaking officers represent you at ministries, labor departments, and immigration counters.
Banking + compliance squad
We package KYC files, arrange signatory appointments, and prepare AML narratives that banks expect.
Cross-GCC coverage
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Riyadh, Jeddah, NEOM, and Dammam all under one playbook.
Impact snapshot
Proof points that matter to investors and boards
72 hours
Average free zone trade license issuance
When documents are ready
30+
Government & banking partners
Formal MOUs and service-level guarantees
65%
Clients in tech & services
Portfolio includes SaaS, fintech, logistics, and creative firms
How we work
Four-stage blueprint for clean expansion
1
Day 0
Deep-dive consultation
Clarify shareholders, cap tables, tax nexus, and target markets before suggesting jurisdictions.
2
Week 1
Entity architecture
Select free zone or mainland, reserve trade name, draft MoA, and prep ultimate beneficial owner (UBO) dossiers.
3
Week 2-3
Regulatory execution
Submit digital files, attend authority interviews, secure initial approvals, and coordinate site inspections.
4
Week 4+
Operational launch
Open bank accounts, issue establishment cards, process visas, and hand over compliance calendar.
Leadership mindset
Local relationships, global governance standards
Our leadership team combines Big 4 alumni, ex-free zone executives, and Arabic-native PRO managers. We operate with ISO-aligned information security, documented SOPs, and transparent fees approved before commencing work.
Every engagement is reviewed by compliance leads to ensure ESR, UBO, AML, and economic requirements are mapped out. You get clarity on costs, risks, and milestones from the first workshop.
Compliance guardrails baked in
We protect your reputation with proactive filings and transparent documentation.