Getting an ICV certificate in UAE involves registering through the MoIAT ICV platform, preparing the required financial and supporting documents, selecting an authorised ICV Certifying Body, and completing the verification process. The certificate reflects a company’s contribution to the UAE economy and can be important when participating in procurement opportunities with entities that apply the In-Country Value (ICV) programme.
The main ICV certificate requirements are a valid trade licence, IFRS audited financial statements that are not older than two years, the official ICV template, and a MoIAT-authorised Certifying Body.
This guide explains how to get an ICV certificate in UAE, including the ICV certificate requirements, documents needed, application process, Certifying Body selection, processing time, validity, and common mistakes to avoid.
What is an ICV Certificate in UAE?
The In-Country Value (ICV) Certificate is an official document issued primarily in the UAE, certifying the level of local economic contribution made by a company. It was initially introduced by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and is now managed by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MOIAT). The certificate reflects a company's commitment to promoting local sourcing, investments, and employment, thereby enhancing the economic impact within the UAE.
ICV Certificate Requirements in UAE: Who Can Apply?
To get an ICV certificate in UAE, a company must meet the requirements set by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) and be verified by a MoIAT-authorised Certifying Body. Mainland and free zone companies, SMEs and large companies can all apply, as long as they meet the points below.
Eligibility Requirements
- Valid trade licence: The company must be registered with the relevant UAE authority and hold a valid trade licence.
- UAE presence and active business: The business must be physically located in the UAE and actively providing products or services.
- Independent verification: The ICV score must be verified by a MoIAT-authorised Certifying Body, which carries out the independent audit of your ICV submission.
- Industry-specific requirements: Each company must follow the ICV requirements relevant to its industry, which may include local content and workforce Emiratization.
Financial and Application Requirements
- IFRS audited financial statements: Your ICV figures must match your latest audited financial statements, prepared under IFRS by a licensed auditor and not older than two years.
- Official ICV template: The ICV score must be calculated using the official MoIAT ICV template.
- Separate certificate per legal entity: Each trade licence or legal entity needs its own ICV certificate.
- Annual certification: The certificate is based on the previous financial year and must be renewed with updated audited statements.
- No minimum score: There is no minimum ICV score required to get the certificate.
- New companies: If audited statements are not yet available, check with MoIAT or your Certifying Body whether management accounts can be used.
Benefits of ICV Certificate for Businesses in UAE
An ICV Certificate can help businesses demonstrate their contribution to the UAE economy and meet ICV-related requirements in applicable procurement processes.
Key benefits include:
- Procurement Opportunities: An ICV score may be considered in procurement and tender processes conducted by participating entities.
- Demonstrates Local Contribution: The certificate shows a company's contribution to the UAE through areas such as local spending, investment and employment.
- Supports Local Procurement: The ICV programme encourages businesses to develop and strengthen relationships with local suppliers.
- Improves Business Positioning: A strong ICV score can help businesses present their local economic contribution when participating in relevant procurement opportunities.
- Supports UAE Economic Development: The programme encourages businesses to increase local economic value through spending, investment and other qualifying contributions.
How ICV Certification Benefits the UAE Economy and Businesses?
The ICV Certificate strengthens the UAE economy while helping businesses grow and stay competitive. Here’s how it benefits both the economy and businesses.
| ICV Certificate’s Impact on UAE’s Economy | ICV Certificate’s Benefits for Businesses |
Encourages local sourcing and investment to strengthen domestic industries. | Helps businesses tap into new markets, contracts, and partnerships. |
Promotes employment and training of UAE nationals. | Gives businesses a competitive advantage, helping them expand and grow. |
Companies contributing to the local economy attract global investors. | Builds trust with international investors by demonstrating local economic commitment. |
Align with the UAE’s vision for a self-sustaining, diversified economy. | Encourages investment in local talent, technology, and infrastructure. |
Promotes supply chain optimization and reliance on local resources. | Helps businesses streamline procurement, reduce costs, and enhance performance. |
Types of Businesses That May Need an ICV Certificate in UAE
ICV certification can be relevant to various businesses participating in procurement processes where ICV requirements apply, including:
- Manufacturing Companies : Businesses involved in manufacturing products in the UAE.
- Service Providers: Companies providing professional, technical, logistics, maintenance and other services.
- Construction Companies: Businesses involved in construction and related activities.
- Suppliers and Contractors: Companies supplying goods or services to entities that apply ICV requirements in their procurement processes.
Whether an ICV certificate is required depends on the applicable procurement requirements and the entity involved.
How to Get an ICV Certificate in UAE: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Register or Log In to the MoIAT ICV Platform
Visit the official MoIAT ICV platform and log in using UAE Pass. If your company does not already have a profile, complete the required company registration details.
Step 2: Prepare Your Financial Statements and ICV Information
Before starting the certification process, prepare the latest audited financial statements and the supporting information required for the ICV submission. The financial information used for the certificate should be consistent with the applicable MoIAT ICV requirements.
Step 3: Select an Authorised ICV Certifying Body
Use the ICV platform to identify authorised Certifying Bodies. You can request quotations from available Certifying Bodies and compare the options before selecting one for your certification.
Step 4: Complete the ICV Submission
After selecting a Certifying Body, provide the required company, financial, procurement, employee and other relevant information needed for the ICV calculation and verification process.
Step 5: Submit Supporting Documents for Verification
The Certifying Body reviews the submitted information and supporting documents. Additional clarification or evidence may be requested if required during the verification process.
Step 6: Complete the Certification Review
The Certifying Body reviews the ICV submission, verifies the relevant information and completes the certification process in accordance with the applicable MoIAT requirements.
Step 7: Receive Your ICV Certificate
Once the certification process is completed and the submission is approved, the ICV certificate is issued. The certificate can then be used for applicable procurement opportunities where ICV requirements apply.
How Long Does It Take to Get an ICV Certificate? Validity and Renewal
Processing time: Once all documents are submitted, certification is usually completed within a few weeks. Delays normally come from incomplete audited statements or ICV figures that do not match the supporting documents.
Validity: An ICV certificate is valid for 14 months from the date of the audited financial statements, not from the date the certificate is issued. A company can recertify during this period using the same statements, but the original 14-month validity still applies.
Renewal: Apply again with your latest audited financial statements before the current certificate expires, so there is no gap when you bid for tenders.
Cost: There is no fixed fee. The cost depends on the Certifying Body you choose, so request quotations on the MoIAT ICV platform and compare them.
Documents Needed to Get an ICV Certificate in UAE
Your Certifying Body will ask for documents that support every figure in the ICV template. The exact list can vary, so confirm it with your Certifying Body before you start. Commonly required documents include:
- Valid trade licence (one certificate is needed for each licence or legal entity)
- IFRS audited financial statements, not older than two years
- Completed official ICV template
- Purchase details: a list of goods and services bought, with supplier invoices to support local spend
- Payroll and Wage Protection System (WPS) reports, with employee details including UAE national staff
- Fixed asset details, showing assets located in the UAE
- Management accounts, only for new companies that do not yet have audited statements
Conclusion
Understanding how to get an ICV certificate in UAE can help businesses prepare for procurement opportunities where ICV requirements apply. The process involves preparing the required financial and supporting information, using the MoIAT ICV platform, selecting an authorised Certifying Body and completing the required verification process.
Businesses should always check the latest MoIAT requirements before applying and ensure that their financial and supporting information is accurate and ready for verification. For professional assistance, Reyson Badger can help businesses understand the ICV certification requirements and prepare for the certification process.
FAQs
What are the ICV certificate requirements?
A valid trade licence, recent IFRS audited financial statements (not older than two years), the official ICV template, supporting records and a MoIAT-authorised Certifying Body.
Is an ICV certificate mandatory in UAE?
You can take part in tenders without one, but your ICV score is treated as zero in evaluation.
Can SMEs and free zone companies apply?
Yes, subject to the ICV certification requirements.
Do I need a separate certificate for each company?
Yes, one certificate per legal entity or trade licence.
