ICV certificate in the UAE: what it is and how to get one
A practical guide from a contractor that holds one. TOTS Groups is ICV certified at 51.19% under the National ICV Program.
What is an ICV certificate?
ICV stands for In-Country Value. The National ICV Program is run by the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT). An ICV certificate gives your company a verified score that shows how much of your spending, workforce and investment stays in the UAE economy.
Government entities and the large companies that take part in the program use that score when they evaluate tenders. A higher score can win a contract even when your price is not the lowest.
Who issues it?
Certificates are issued by certifying bodies approved by MoIAT, usually audit firms. They review your figures, check the evidence and issue the certificate on the official ICV template. Certified companies are listed on the MoIAT National ICV page.
What documents do you need?
- — Latest audited financial statements under IFRS, no older than two years (new companies can use recent management accounts)
- — Valid trade licence
- — Records of costs and revenue for the financial year, in AED
- — Payroll and headcount, including UAE nationals
- — Supporting evidence for every figure you report
- — Electricity and gas consumption for industrial companies
Each legal entity is certified separately. Branches in the same emirate with the same activity and ownership can apply together.
How long is it valid?
The certificate is valid for 14 months from the date of the audited financial statements it is based on, so plan your renewal around your audit.
What raises your score?
- — Buying goods and services from UAE-based, ICV-certified suppliers
- — Employing and developing UAE nationals
- — Investing in assets in the UAE
- — Manufacturing and adding value locally
The first point matters for buyers: every dirham you spend with an ICV-certified contractor counts toward your own score. Bidding for ADNOC work? Read our ADNOC vendor registration guide.
Quick answers
Is an ICV certificate mandatory?
It is not a licensing requirement, but many government and oil and gas tenders ask for it, and bidding without one usually means a weaker score.
How long does certification take?
Once your audited financials are ready, the certifying body’s review normally takes a few weeks, depending on how quickly you supply evidence.
Does a free-zone company qualify?
Free-zone companies can be certified. Your score depends on your UAE spending, workforce and investment, the same as a mainland company.
Where can I check if a supplier is ICV certified?
On the MoIAT National ICV page, or ask the supplier for the certificate number. Ours is on our certifications page.
This guide is general information, not legal or audit advice. Requirements change; confirm the current rules with MoIAT or an approved certifying body.
