The In-Country Value (ICV) Certification is a government-backed programme that measures how much your business contributes to the local economy. It directly impacts your chances of securing tenders and building long-term business in Abu Dhabi and beyond.
According to the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), local procurement through the ICV programme reached AED 67 billion with over 19,000 Emiratis employed in ICV-certified companies. The message is clear: the ICV programme is growing fast, and being part of it gives your business a real edge in a highly competitive market.
What is the National In-Country Value (ICV) Program?
The In-Country Value (ICV) programme is a government initiative that measures how much your business supports the UAE’s local economy.
Originally launched by ADNOC in 2018, the ICV programme has since grown into a national-level strategy. Today, it is overseen by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT). What started in the oil and gas sector is now a key part of how suppliers and businesses across different industries work with the government and large entities in the UAE.
The goal is simple but powerful—keep more value within the country. That means creating jobs for Emiratis, encouraging local spending, and building stronger industries. For your business, it’s a chance to be recognised not just for what you sell but for how you contribute.
Who Needs an In-Country Value Certificate?
If your business wants to work with ADNOC or other government-related organisations in the UAE, you’ll likely need an ICV certificate.
This includes:
Tier 1 suppliers – companies that deal directly with government entities like ADNOC, Etisalat, or other ICV partners.
Tier 2 suppliers – companies that supply or support Tier 1 vendors with goods or services.
The ICV certificate applies to both:
Manufacturers – businesses that produce or assemble goods in the UAE and hold an industrial licence.
Service providers – businesses offering professional, commercial, or operational services (no industrial licence needed).
It’s also relevant for companies operating in:
The UAE mainland
Free zones across the Emirates
Foreign countries – if they supply goods or services to ICV-participating entities in the UAE
If your business interacts with these sectors or clients, securing an ICV certificate helps keep you eligible, competitive, and visible in the market.
Key Benefits of Getting Your ICV Certification in UAE
The ICV certificate gives your business a clear advantage when bidding for government and semi-government tenders. Companies with a strong ICV score are often prioritised in the evaluation process, especially by entities like ADNOC. This can improve your chances of winning contracts and building long-term relationships.
It also helps build trust and credibility. Having an ICV certificate shows that your business supports the UAE economy and follows recognised standards. This can strengthen your brand and make you a more attractive partner to larger organisations.
Lastly, the ICV programme gives your business a chance to support national goals. By hiring locally, investing in the UAE, and sourcing from other local companies, you’re not just following a requirement—you’re contributing to the country’s growth. That’s something your clients, partners, and community will value.
How the ICV Score is Calculated
Your ICV score shows how much value your business brings to the UAE economy. It is based on your financials and how your business supports local development. The higher the score, the stronger your position is when bidding for government-related contracts.
Components of the ICV score:
These are the key areas that affect your ICV score:
Emiratisation – the number of UAE Nationals you employ and how much they earn. This helps support local jobs.
Investment in the local economy – this includes spending on assets like buildings, machinery, and other capital inside the UAE.
Local sourcing and procurement – buying goods and services from local suppliers will improve your score.
Expatriate contribution and revenue outside UAE – spending on expatriate employees and income generated outside the UAE may reduce your score.
Manufacturer vs Service Provider score formulas
The ICV formula is slightly different depending on your business type:
Manufacturers are scored based on the value of their production and how much of it happens locally.
Service providers are scored mainly on operational spending, staff, and sourcing—without the manufacturing element.
Each formula looks at how your business contributes to local goals, but both aim to measure the same thing: your real impact on the UAE economy.
The ICV Certification Process: Step-by-Step
Getting your ICV certificate involves a few key steps. Each one is important to make sure your business is properly reviewed and your ICV score is accurate.
Step 1. Prepare audited financial statements (IFRS-compliant)
You must have audited financial statements ready before you apply. These need to follow International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). If your company is new and under 10 months old, you can use management accounts, but they must still be reviewed by an external auditor.
Step 2. Fill out the official ICV template
Next, complete the ICV template provided by MoIAT. This form includes details about your financials, staff, local spending, and more. It’s the main document used to calculate your ICV score, so accuracy is important.
Step 3. Appoint an MoIAT-approved certifying body
You must choose a certifier from the list approved by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology. Only these certifying bodies are authorised to review your documents and issue the certificate.
Step 4. Undergo the ICV audit
Once your documents are submitted, the certifier will check everything carefully. They might ask for clarification or additional details. Their job is to make sure your template matches your financial records and that all numbers are correct.
Step 5. Receive your certificate (valid for 14 months)
After the audit is complete, your ICV certificate will be issued. It is valid for 14 months from the date of your audited financials. You can use the same certificate with all ICV partner organisations during that time.
Requirements for ICV Certification in Abu Dhabi
To apply for an ICV certificate, your business must meet certain conditions. These requirements help ensure your financial and operational data are ready for review and aligned with the programme’s rules.
1. Each legal entity must apply separately
If your business operates under more than one trade licence, you’ll need a separate ICV certificate for each entity. Even if the owner is the same, each licence is treated as a different legal unit.
2. Branches in the same Emirate can apply together
If you have multiple branches in the same Emirate doing similar activities, and they are under the same ownership, you can apply for a combined ICV certificate.
3. New companies (under 10 months) can still apply
If your company is less than 10 months old and doesn’t yet have audited financial statements, you can submit management accounts for the certification. These accounts must still be reviewed and approved by a registered auditor.
4. Financial statements must follow IFRS and be recent
All financials used must follow International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and should not be older than 2 years from the date of applying. Statements must be audited by an external auditor approved in the UAE.
5. Internal costs are excluded, and owner salaries are limited
Most internal costs, like overheads, are not counted in your ICV score. However, owner salaries are included only if paid through the Wage Protection System (WPS) and capped at AED 120,000 per month per owner.
ICV Certificate Renewal: What You Should Know
An ICV certificate is valid for 14 months from the date your audited financial statements were issued. After that, you’ll need to renew it if you want to continue using it for tendering or supplier registration with ICV-partner organisations.
You should start the renewal process before your certificate expires, especially if you're actively bidding or registered as a supplier. To renew, you’ll need updated audited financial statements and a new ICV template. The process is similar to your first application and must go through an approved certifying body.
If your financials are still valid—meaning they are less than two years old—you may re-use them for renewal. However, the 14-month validity starts from the date of those financials, not the date of renewal. If you want a longer validity, it’s best to use the most recent set of audited accounts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During the Certification Process
Getting ICV certified requires careful attention to detail. Avoiding these common mistakes can save time and prevent delays.
1. Misclassifying your business activity
Make sure your company is correctly identified as either a manufacturer or a service provider. The ICV scoring method is different for each. If your activity is wrongly classified, your score may be inaccurate, and the certifier might reject your submission.
2. Using incomplete or outdated financials
Your financial statements must be audited, follow IFRS, and be no more than two years old. If your documents are incomplete or too old, the certifier won’t be able to process your application.
3. Choosing the wrong certifying body
You must use a MoIAT-approved certifying body. Not all audit firms are authorised to issue ICV certificates. Choosing the wrong one can lead to delays or rejection.
4. Making errors in the ICV submission template
The ICV template must match your financial statements. Even small mistakes—like entering the wrong cost, salary, or headcount—can affect your score. Double-check every detail before submitting.
Need Support with Your ICV Certification?
Getting your ICV certificate doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're applying for the first time or renewing your certification, our team is here to guide you through every step—accurately, efficiently, and in line with MoIAT requirements.
If you're looking for a seamless, stress-free experience for your ICV certification or any part of your business setup in the UAE, we're here to help. Get in touch with us today to book a consultation or ask your questions—we’re just one message away.