ICV Certificate in the UAE: Requirements, Cost and Process in 2026
The National In-Country Value (ICV) Programme has become an important part of procurement and supplier evaluation in the UAE.
An ICV Certificate measures the economic value that a business contributes within the UAE through areas such as local procurement, investment, employment and other qualifying expenditure.
For companies supplying government entities and major national organisations participating in the National ICV Programme, the ICV score can influence competitiveness during procurement and tender evaluations.
Obtaining the certificate involves more than simply submitting a company application. Businesses generally need audited financial statements, a valid trade licence, supporting financial and operational data, and certification through an authorised ICV Certifying Body.
The cost of certification varies according to the company and the work required. According to the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, ICV certification fees can currently range from AED 500 to AED 10,000.
This guide explains the UAE ICV Certificate requirements, certification process, costs, validity, calculation principles and practical steps businesses should consider before applying.
What Is the National ICV Programme in the UAE?
The National In-Country Value Programme is a UAE government initiative designed to increase the economic value retained within the country through government and major corporate procurement.
The programme encourages businesses to increase their contribution to the UAE economy through areas such as:
Purchasing goods and services within the UAE
Manufacturing and production activities carried out in the UAE
Investment in UAE-based assets
Employment and development of UAE nationals
Local workforce expenditure
Export activities and other qualifying economic contributions
Companies participating in the programme are assessed according to the National ICV methodology and receive an ICV score expressed through their certificate.
The certificate can then be used when dealing with participating entities that incorporate ICV into their procurement and supplier evaluation processes.
A higher ICV score can strengthen a supplier's competitive position where ICV forms part of the commercial evaluation, although it does not replace the other technical, commercial or qualification requirements of a tender.
Who Needs an ICV Certificate in the UAE?
An ICV Certificate is particularly relevant for businesses that supply goods or services to organisations participating in the National ICV Programme.
This can include companies bidding for contracts with government entities, major national companies and other participating organisations that incorporate ICV into their procurement processes.
The certificate is especially important for suppliers operating in sectors such as:
Oil and gas
Manufacturing
Construction
Engineering
Logistics
Professional services
Technology
Industrial services
Maintenance and technical support
Other sectors supplying participating entities
Businesses that regularly participate in tenders should check whether the contracting entity applies National ICV requirements as part of its supplier evaluation.
An ICV Certificate can also be commercially useful for companies that want to strengthen their position within UAE supply chains, particularly where procurement strategies favour businesses that demonstrate stronger local economic contribution.
Is an ICV Certificate Mandatory in the UAE?
An ICV Certificate is not universally mandatory for every business operating in the UAE.
Whether it is required depends on the company’s commercial activities and the procurement requirements of the organisation it wants to supply.
For example, ADNOC currently states that an ICV Certificate is not mandatory simply to participate in its tenders. However, suppliers with higher ICV scores can receive a competitive advantage during the tender evaluation process.
Other participating entities may apply their own procurement requirements, and some tenders may place significant weight on ICV performance.
Businesses should therefore distinguish between:
A legal requirement to operate in the UAE, and
A commercial or procurement requirement connected with a specific tender, client or supplier programme
For companies that regularly bid for government or major corporate contracts, obtaining an ICV Certificate can therefore be strategically important even where it is not technically mandatory.
What Are the Main Requirements for ICV Certification?
To obtain an ICV Certificate, a business must submit financial and operational information for review by an authorised ICV Certifying Body.
The core requirements generally include:
A valid UAE business licence
Audited financial statements
Completion of the applicable ICV supplier template
Supporting documents required to substantiate the information submitted
Review by an authorised ICV Certifying Body
Payment of the certification fee
Completion of any required field audit or verification process
The exact supporting documents can vary depending on the size, structure and activities of the company.
Businesses should ensure that the figures submitted in the ICV template are consistent with their audited financial statements and supporting records.
Incomplete, inconsistent or unsupported information can delay certification or affect the final ICV score.
The certification must be issued by a body authorised under the National ICV Programme. Businesses should therefore verify that the selected certifying firm appears on MoIAT's current list of approved ICV Certifying Bodies.
What Is the ICV Certification Process in the UAE?
The National ICV certification process is completed through an authorised ICV Certifying Body and is based on the company's financial and operational information.
The general process is:
Prepare the required financial information. The company should have the required audited financial statements and supporting accounting records available.
Complete the ICV supplier template. The applicable ICV template is completed using information relating to expenditure, assets, employees, Emiratisation and other qualifying contributions.
Apply through the National ICV service. The business submits its application through the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology's digital services.
Select an authorised ICV Certifying Body. The applicant chooses an audit firm authorised under the National ICV Programme.
Submit supporting documents. Financial statements, licences, payroll information, supplier information, asset records and other supporting documents may be requested to substantiate the figures in the ICV template.
Pay the certification fees. The certification fee is paid to the selected certifying firm.
Complete the verification process. The certifying body reviews the submitted information and may conduct a field audit or request additional evidence or clarification.
Receive the ICV Certificate. Once the information has been verified and the certification process completed, the company's ICV Certificate and score are issued.
Businesses should prepare their supporting records before beginning the process. Differences between the audited financial statements, accounting records and ICV template can result in additional queries and may delay certification.
MoIAT currently indicates an expected service period of approximately 14 to 28 working days, although the actual timeframe can depend on the completeness and complexity of the company's information.
How Is the ICV Score Calculated?
The ICV score is calculated using the National ICV formula published by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology.
The methodology differs slightly depending on whether the business is classified as a goods manufacturer or a service provider, but the assessment focuses on how much economic value the company creates and retains within the UAE.
For service providers, the principal components currently include:
Third-party spend – 50%
Investment – 25%
Emiratisation – 15%
Expatriate contribution – 10%
Additional ICV bonuses may also be available for qualifying activities such as exports and other programme incentives.
For manufacturers, the calculation similarly assesses:
Manufacturing costs incurred in the UAE – 50%
Investment – 25%
Emiratisation – 15%
Expatriate contribution – 10%
Additional bonuses can apply for qualifying activities, including advanced technology and sustainability initiatives.
The final score therefore depends not simply on the company's revenue or size, but on how its expenditure, assets, workforce and economic activities contribute to the UAE economy.
For example, increasing qualifying purchases from UAE suppliers, investing in UAE-based assets and employing and developing UAE nationals can positively influence the ICV calculation.
Businesses planning to improve their ICV score should therefore consider ICV as part of their broader procurement, investment and workforce strategy rather than only as a certification exercise.
How Long Is an ICV Certificate Valid in the UAE?
A National ICV Certificate is currently valid for one year.
Businesses that continue to participate in procurement processes where ICV is relevant should therefore monitor the certificate's expiry date and plan for renewal in advance.
The certification is based on the company's financial and operational information. When renewing the certificate, updated audited financial statements and supporting information may therefore be required.
Businesses should avoid waiting until an important tender is approaching before reviewing the validity of their certificate.
If an ICV Certificate expires during a procurement process, the supplier may need to provide an updated certificate depending on the requirements of the participating entity.
Companies that regularly tender for government or major corporate contracts should therefore incorporate ICV renewal into their annual compliance and financial reporting calendar.
How Much Does an ICV Certificate Cost in the UAE?
The cost of obtaining an ICV Certificate is not fixed.
MoIAT currently states that certification fees can range from approximately AED 500 to AED 10,000, depending on the company and the certification work required.
The final cost can vary according to factors such as:
Company size
Complexity of the financial information
Number of transactions and supporting documents
Whether the business is a manufacturer or service provider
Time required by the Certifying Body to verify the information
Whether additional clarification, documentation or audit work is required
The certification fee is generally paid to the authorised ICV Certifying Body selected by the applicant.
Businesses should therefore request a quotation before appointing a Certifying Body and confirm exactly what work is included in the quoted fee.
Companies should also consider the wider preparation cost. Where financial statements require auditing, accounting records require reconciliation or supporting documentation is incomplete, additional professional costs may arise before the ICV certification itself can be completed.
Are Audited Financial Statements Required for ICV Certification?
Audited financial statements are one of the core requirements for National ICV certification.
The financial statements used for certification should be prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards and audited by an independent licensed auditor.
The figures entered into the ICV template should correspond with the company's audited financial statements and supporting accounting records.
Under the current ICV certification guidelines, the audited financial statements used for certification must generally not be more than two years old relative to the certification year.
Different rules apply to newly established companies.
Where a company has been established for less than 10 months and does not yet have audited financial statements, management accounts covering a period of up to nine months may be used for the ICV calculation.
If the management accounts cover more than nine months, they must be audited.
Businesses preparing for ICV certification should therefore review their financial reporting position early, particularly where an audit has not yet been completed.
Can Free Zone Companies Obtain an ICV Certificate?
Yes. UAE free zone companies can obtain National ICV certification.
The National ICV methodology specifically addresses free zone companies and includes rules for how their workforce and financial information should be treated.
For example, where a free zone company is not registered under the Wage Protection System, it may be required to provide an official employee list issued by the relevant free zone authority so that qualifying employee numbers, salaries and benefits can be considered in the ICV calculation.
Revenue generated from customers located in UAE free zones is also treated as revenue from UAE customers under the current ICV methodology.
Free zone companies should therefore not assume that their location prevents them from participating in the programme.
As with mainland companies, certification is completed at the level of the relevant legal entity, and the company's financial statements, licence, employee information and supporting documentation must satisfy the applicable National ICV requirements.
How Can a Company Improve Its ICV Score?
Improving an ICV score generally requires changes to the way a business spends, invests and employs within the UAE.
Because the National ICV formula measures different components of local economic contribution, businesses can improve their position by reviewing the areas that carry the greatest weighting.
Practical strategies may include:
Increasing qualifying UAE procurement. For service providers, third-party spend represents a significant part of the ICV calculation. Purchasing from suppliers with stronger ICV credentials can positively affect the calculation where the applicable methodology permits.
Increasing investment in UAE-based assets. Investment in qualifying assets located in the UAE contributes to the investment component of the score.
Strengthening Emiratisation. Employment, salaries, training and benefits provided to UAE nationals can contribute positively to the Emiratisation component.
Reviewing workforce contribution. The formula also considers expatriate employee contribution according to the applicable methodology.
Developing UAE-based manufacturing activities. For manufacturers, qualifying manufacturing costs incurred in the UAE form a major part of the ICV calculation.
Increasing qualifying exports. Export activities may contribute to the ICV bonus available under the programme.
Investing in sustainability and advanced technology. Depending on the type of company, additional bonus points may be available for qualifying sustainability measures, certifications or advanced technology initiatives.
Companies should not focus only on achieving a higher score immediately before a tender.
ICV performance is more effectively improved when procurement, workforce planning, investment and operational decisions are considered throughout the year.
Regularly reviewing these areas can help a company identify where changes may produce the greatest improvement before the next certification cycle.
Common Mistakes When Applying for an ICV Certificate
ICV certification is based on verified financial and operational information. Errors in preparation can therefore delay certification or reduce the score achieved.
Common mistakes include:
Using Inconsistent Financial Figures
The figures entered into the ICV template should reconcile with the audited financial statements and supporting accounting records.
Differences that cannot be properly explained may result in additional queries from the Certifying Body.
Waiting Until a Tender Is Announced
Certification involves preparation, verification and supporting documentation.
Businesses that wait until an important tender is already open may not have sufficient time to complete the process.
Incomplete Supplier Information
The treatment of third-party expenditure can materially affect the ICV calculation. Companies should maintain accurate supplier records and supporting documentation throughout the financial year.
Poor Employee Records
Incomplete payroll, employee, Emiratisation or benefit information may prevent the company from fully substantiating workforce-related elements of its ICV score.
Failing to Keep Supporting Documents
The Certifying Body may request evidence supporting figures reported in the ICV template. Businesses should retain appropriate accounting, payroll, asset, supplier and operational documentation.
Treating ICV as a One-Time Exercise
A company's ICV score reflects its underlying economic activity. Businesses seeking to improve their score should therefore consider ICV when making procurement, employment and investment decisions throughout the year.
Using an Unauthorised Certifying Body
National ICV Certificates must be issued through Certifying Bodies authorised under the programme. Businesses should verify the current authorised list published by MoIAT before appointing a provider.
Frequently Asked Questions About ICV Certification in the UAE
What does ICV stand for?
ICV stands for In-Country Value. The National ICV Programme measures the contribution that suppliers make to the UAE economy through areas including local expenditure, investment and employment.
Is an ICV Certificate mandatory for every UAE company?
No. An ICV Certificate is not a general licensing requirement for every company in the UAE. Its importance depends primarily on whether the business supplies organisations that participate in the National ICV Programme or tenders where ICV forms part of the evaluation.
How much does an ICV Certificate cost?
MoIAT currently indicates certification fees ranging from approximately AED 500 to AED 10,000. The actual amount depends on the Certifying Body and the complexity of the certification work.
How long does ICV certification take?
MoIAT currently indicates an expected service period of approximately 14 to 28 working days. Actual completion time may depend on the company's readiness, the quality of its supporting documents and whether additional information is required.
How long is an ICV Certificate valid?
Under the current National ICV guidelines, an ICV Certificate is generally valid for 14 months from the date of issuance of the audited financial statements used for the certification. Businesses should monitor this date carefully when planning future tenders.
Are audited financial statements required?
Generally, yes. Audited financial statements are a core part of the certification process, although special provisions apply to newly established companies that have not yet completed a full financial year.
Can a new company obtain an ICV Certificate?
Yes. Under the current guidelines, a newly established company that is less than 10 months old may use management accounts covering a period of up to nine months. If the management accounts cover more than nine months, they must be audited.
Can a free zone company obtain an ICV Certificate?
Yes. Free zone companies can participate in the National ICV Programme, subject to the applicable documentation and certification requirements.
Who issues the ICV Certificate?
The certificate is issued by an ICV Certifying Body authorised under the National ICV Programme. The company selects an authorised Certifying Body as part of the certification process.
Does a high ICV score guarantee that a company will win a tender?
No. A higher score may provide an advantage where ICV forms part of the procurement evaluation, but tenders normally also consider technical, commercial and other qualification criteria.
Can an ICV score be improved?
Yes. The score can change as the company's procurement, UAE investment, workforce profile, Emiratisation, manufacturing activity and other qualifying economic contributions change. For this reason, companies that regularly participate in ICV-sensitive tenders should treat ICV improvement as an ongoing business strategy rather than only a certification exercise.
How NUR Advisors Group Can Help with ICV Certification
ICV certification requires coordination between a company's accounting records, audited financial statements, supplier data, employee information and supporting documentation.
NUR Advisors Group can assist businesses with the practical preparation and coordination required before and during the ICV certification process.
Our support can include:
Reviewing the company's readiness for ICV certification
Coordinating the preparation of required financial and supporting documents
Assisting with the collection and organisation of supplier information
Reviewing employee and payroll documentation relevant to the certification
Coordinating with auditors and authorised ICV Certifying Bodies
Supporting newly established companies with the documentation required under the applicable rules
Assisting free zone companies with relevant supporting documentation
Helping businesses understand the areas that may influence their ICV score
Supporting annual certification planning and renewal preparation
Where a business regularly participates in government or major corporate tenders, ICV should ideally be considered as part of its broader procurement, workforce and financial planning rather than only when certification becomes urgent.
NUR Advisors Group can help businesses prepare their documentation and coordinate the administrative process so that certification can be completed more efficiently and with fewer avoidable delays.
Need Assistance with ICV Certification in the UAE?
Whether you are applying for your first ICV Certificate, preparing for renewal or reviewing how your business can strengthen its ICV position, proper preparation is essential.
NUR Advisors Group can assist with the documentation, financial coordination and administrative requirements involved in the National ICV certification process.
Contact our team to discuss your requirements and prepare your business for certification.
