The ICV certificate is issued under the UAE's In-Country Value programme, which aims to grow the local economy, support Emiratisation, increase local manufacturing and strengthen domestic supply chains.
What the ICV is
The ICV score measures a company's contribution to the UAE economy through local spending, Emirati employment, investment, manufacturing and supplier engagement. Entities such as ADNOC, Aldar, large telecom groups and the industry ministry often ask for it from their partners.
Who needs one
- Businesses bidding for government tenders
- Suppliers of goods or services to ADNOC group companies
- Firms working with major semi-government entities
- Companies who want a stronger position in UAE procurement
It is not always mandatory, but a higher score improves your chance of winning contracts.
How to get one, step by step
1. Prepare audited financial statements
The statements must follow IFRS, cover the most recent financial year and be audited by an approved auditor. Without audited financials you cannot apply.
2. Gather the documents
- Trade licence and company registration
- Audited financial statements
- Payroll details and Emiratisation records
- A breakdown of local versus international supplier spend
- A fixed asset schedule
3. Submit to an approved certifying body
Applications go through a certifying body approved by the industry ministry. It reviews the statements, calculates the score, verifies the documents and issues the certificate. The certificate is valid for a limited period, so check the validity with your certifying body and note the renewal date.
4. Improve the score (optional)
Hire more Emirati employees, increase your spending with local suppliers, invest in UAE-based assets, enhance local manufacturing and reduce foreign procurement where you can.
Documents in more detail
Audited financial statements, a detailed trial balance, an employee list with nationality, a supplier list with the spend breakdown, lease agreements and asset purchase invoices.
How long it takes
Document preparation commonly takes 3 to 7 days, and review and certification another 5 to 10 working days. It depends on how complex your business is and how ready your documents are.
Benefits
- A competitive advantage in government tenders
- A stronger market position
- A greater chance of winning contracts
- Compliance with ADNOC and ministry requirements
- Better supplier credibility
Mistakes to avoid
- Submitting unaudited statements
- Incomplete supplier data
- Misclassifying payroll
- Ignoring Emiratisation factors
- Waiting until after the expiry to renew
Why use a professional
An experienced consultant helps with accurate reporting, correct score calculation, advice on improving the score, faster compliant certification and renewal support.
Our audit team prepares the audited statements the application needs. See our audit services and our shorter article on ICV meaning and benefits.
Key takeaways
- You cannot apply for an ICV certificate without audited IFRS statements.
- Applications go through an approved certifying body.
- A higher score improves your chances in government and ADNOC tenders.
Frequently asked questions
Is an ICV certificate mandatory?
Not always, but many tenders and large buyers require or favour it.
How long does it take?
Roughly one to two weeks once the documents are ready.
Do I need an audit?
Yes. Audited financial statements are required.
Talk to a chartered accountant
Questions about your own situation? Reach us directly and we will reply with clear next steps.
This article is general information and not advice for your specific circumstances. Rules and thresholds change, so confirm the current position before you act.
