The National In-Country Value (ICV) Certification is an integral part of our specialized certification services. We deliver reliable and authorized ICV Certification services across the UAE, helping businesses align with national economic goals
ICV Certification in Dubai
In the UAE, obtaining an In-Country Value (ICV) Certificate is critical for participating in government and ADNOC tenders. The ICV Program aims to boost the UAE economy by increasing the localization of goods and services, creating private-sector job opportunities for Emiratis, and localizing core business functions across industries. Initiated under the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) in 2021, the program has since been adopted nationwide.
What does the ICV Certificate Program offer?
The National In-Country Value (ICV) Program authorizes accredited certifying bodies in the UAE to issue ICV Certificates. The program helps businesses enhance their ICV Score by emphasizing Emiratization, local investment, and sustainable growth. Audit firms in the UAE play a vital role by ensuring that companies prepare audited financial statements—a key requirement for ICV certification. These firms also ensure full compliance with ICV guidelines, helping businesses meet regulatory expectations and maintain eligibility for key contracts.
Main Objectives of ICV Certification
The In-Country Value (ICV) certification program was introduced with several core objectives in mind: to enhance employment opportunities for Emiratis in the private sector, promote economic diversification within the UAE, transfer technical knowledge to local businesses, and strengthen regional supply chains. An ICV certificate quantifies a company’s contribution to the UAE economy, and having one can provide suppliers and contractors with a significant competitive advantage during government and ADNOC tender evaluations.
Before applying for an ICV certificate in the UAE, suppliers must be aware of several key requirements. Businesses can work with approved ICV certification service providers in Dubai to obtain their certificates. Each legal entity within a business must have its own ICV certificate, even if owned by the same person. If multiple branches within the same Emirate conduct similar operations and are under the same ownership, the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) may issue a consolidated ICV certificate for that Emirate.
The ICV scores stated in the certificate must precisely match the company’s audited financial statements, which must comply with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The audited financials must be no older than two years from the certification year—for instance, to be certified in 2025, financial statements should not be older than 2023. New companies (less than 10 months old) may submit management accounts for up to 9 months, which will be considered for ICV calculation. If these accounts are older than 9 months, an audit is required. Once issued, the ICV certificate remains valid for 14 months from the date of the audited financials. Suppliers can recertify using the same financials within that period, but the 14-month validity remains fixed from the original issue date.
Suppliers must select from the MoIAT-approved certifying bodies to obtain their ICV certificate. Switching certifying bodies within the same year is generally not allowed unless valid reasons are presented. Companies producing and supplying finished goods are classified as goods manufacturers and must hold an industrial license. Suppliers without an industrial license are categorized as service providers under the ICV framework.
MoIAT has streamlined the process for applying for an ICV certificate. Leading ICV certification service providers in Dubai guide businesses through the following essential steps: ensure the company’s audited financial statements are prepared in line with IFRS, complete the official application form with accurate financial data, and submit the certificate in accordance with the applicable authority's requirements.
In sectors like oil and gas, the ICV score plays a vital role in the tendering process. ADNOC vendors, in particular, must submit their ICV scores through the ADNOC vendor registration form and obtain certification from a recognized ICV certifying body. Only audit reports prepared by external auditors licensed by UAE authorities are accepted for issuing an ICV certificate.
Securing an ICV certificate in the UAE requires precise compliance with MoIAT regulations and professional expertise. Beyond preparing audited financial statements and submitting forms, suppliers must meet several specific criteria to successfully complete the certification. As a premier ICV certification service provider in the UAE, we help businesses navigate this complex process smoothly. Our team of experienced auditors and consultants ensures that all Template Filing and submission requirements are met. From compiling IFRS-compliant financial reports to offering strategic advice on improving ICV scores, our services are designed to meet your business’s certification needs. Reach out to our experts today—we're here to support your ICV compliance journey with efficiency and confidence.
In the UAE, ICV (In-Country Value) Certificates are issued by designated certifying bodies. Organizations both within and outside the UAE can obtain an ICV Certificate.
This certification is particularly important for Tier 1 suppliers—those directly providing products or services to Program Partners—as the ICV Score plays a vital role in the contract review and award process.
Tier 2 and lower-tier suppliers may also be encouraged to obtain the certificate to remain competitive when bidding alongside or for Tier 1 suppliers. The ICV Score represents a company’s value addition to the UAE economy and is calculated as a percentage based on various factors such as the production of goods for regulated suppliers, procurement from third parties, local investment, Emiratization of the workforce, contribution of expatriates, and revenue generated from outside the UAE.
ICV Certificates are valid for 14 months from the date the audited financial statements were issued or signed, or until new financials are released. There is no required minimum ICV Score to submit a tender bid; however, a company without an ICV Certificate will receive a score of zero.
The In-Country Value Program includes two components: ICV Certification and ICV Implementation. The certification process is standardized across all participating entities and managed by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT). A single, unified ICV Certificate is accepted by all participating companies and must be issued per legal entity. On the other hand, implementation differs across entities, as each organization applies the certificate according to its own policy. Suppliers are strongly encouraged to undergo the certification process to obtain and benefit from an ICV Certificate.
