Q: 4. Which companies need ICV certification?

ICV certification is particularly relevant to manufacturers, contractors, engineering companies, trading businesses, professional service providers and suppliers participating in government or major enterprise procurement.Small and medium-sized enterprises can also obtain certification, subject to the applicable requirements.The National ICV Programme applies across the UAE, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates.

Question 1

1. What is the UAE National ICV Certificate?

Accepted Answer

The UAE National In-Country Value (ICV) Certificate is an independently verified assessment of a company's contribution to the UAE economy. It is issued under the National ICV Programme overseen by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT).The certification evaluates eligible financial and operational information using the applicable National ICV methodology. It supports procurement evaluations by participating government entities and major enterprises.

Question 2

2. Who governs the National ICV Programme in the UAE?

Accepted Answer

The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) oversees the UAE National ICV Programme, including its certification framework, methodology and authorised certifying bodies.ICV Certificates are issued through MoIAT-approved certifying bodies, such as Assist Plus Accounting & Auditing Services, following the required independent verification procedures.

Question 3

3. Is an ICV Certificate mandatory in the UAE?

Accepted Answer

An ICV Certificate is not universally mandatory for every business operating in the UAE.However, ICV certification may be required for participation in certain government or enterprise tenders. Other procurement processes use the certified ICV score as part of their evaluation criteria.Suppliers should review the specific tender requirements. A valid ICV Certificate can strengthen procurement competitiveness, but it does not guarantee qualification or contract awards.

Question 4

4. Which companies need ICV certification?

Accepted Answer

ICV certification is particularly relevant to:

Manufacturers and industrial companies supplying the UAE market.
Contractors participating in government and enterprise tenders.
Engineering, construction and infrastructure businesses.
Professional and technical service providers.
Trading companies and distributors.
Suppliers to ADNOC and other participating national enterprises.
Small and medium-sized enterprises seeking to demonstrate their contribution to the UAE economy.

ICV requirements vary by procuring organisation and tender. Some procurement processes require certification, while others use the ICV score as an evaluation criterion.

Question 5

5. What are the benefits of obtaining an ICV Certificate?

Accepted Answer

An ICV Certificate enables a company to demonstrate its independently verified contribution to the UAE economy.Potential benefits include:Meeting ICV-related tender requirements.Participating in procurement evaluations that consider ICV scores.Demonstrating investment and economic activity within the UAE.Supporting supplier registration and procurement documentation.Improving transparency regarding the company's local economic contribution.The commercial benefits depend on the requirements of each procuring organisation.

Question 6

6. How is the ICV score calculated in the UAE?

Accepted Answer

The ICV score is calculated using MoIAT's applicable National ICV methodology.The assessment considers factors such as UAE-based procurement and manufacturing expenditure, investments, Emiratisation, expatriate workforce contribution and eligible bonus components.The formula differs between manufacturers and service providers. The certifying body verifies the submitted information and calculates the score according to the applicable methodology.

Question 7

7. What is Green ICV in the UAE?

Accepted Answer

Green ICV is an initiative introduced by MoIAT to recognise eligible sustainability-related contributions within the National ICV framework.It supports the programme's broader objectives of encouraging sustainable industrial development, advanced technologies and responsible economic growth.The treatment of sustainability-related information depends on the applicable ICV formula, eligibility criteria and supporting documentation.

Question 8

8. How can I apply for an ICV Certificate in the UAE?

Accepted Answer

To obtain an ICV Certificate:Prepare the latest eligible audited financial statements.Complete the applicable National ICV template and supporting schedules.Register or access the relevant MoIAT certification platform.Select an authorised ICV Certifying Body, such as Assist Plus.Submit the required financial and operational information.Complete the independent verification process.Receive the certificate following satisfactory completion of the certification requirements.Companies may request a certification quotation from Assist Plus before commencing the engagement.

Question 9

9. What documents are required for ICV certification?

Accepted Answer

The documentation generally includes:Valid UAE trade or industrial licence.Latest eligible audited financial statements.Completed National ICV template.Procurement and supplier expenditure records.Fixed asset and investment schedules.Payroll and employee information.Emiratisation supporting records.Revenue breakdowns and relevant financial schedules.Additional documents may be required depending on the company's activities, size and applicable certification methodology.

Question 10

10. Can a newly established company obtain an ICV Certificate?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Newly established businesses may qualify for ICV certification under specific MoIAT provisions.Companies less than ten months old without audited financial statements may use management accounts covering up to nine months, subject to the applicable guidelines.Management accounts covering more than nine months require auditing. Eligibility and documentation must be verified during the certification process.

Question 11

11. Does each UAE trade licence require a separate ICV Certificate?

Accepted Answer

Generally, an ICV Certificate is obtained for each legal entity or trade licence being certified.MoIAT's guidelines provide specific treatment for qualifying branches, including certain branches within the same Emirate that have identical activities and ownership.The certification requirements depend on the legal structure, licensing arrangements and applicable financial reporting rules. Companies operating under multiple licences should confirm their certification scope before applying.

Question 12

12. How much does ICV certification cost in the UAE?

Accepted Answer

ICV certification fees depend on the company's activities, size, financial information, documentation readiness and verification requirements.Assist Plus provides quotations based on the expected certification scope and applicable procedures.To receive a quotation, complete the ICV Certification Questionnaire at:https://www.assistplus.ae/icv-questionnaire

Question 13

13. How long does ICV certification take?

Accepted Answer

The certification timeline depends on the completeness of the submitted information, the company's activities, the complexity of verification and any additional clarification requirements.A straightforward engagement with complete documentation may be processed more quickly than one requiring extensive reconciliation or additional evidence.Assist Plus can provide an indicative timeline after reviewing the company's certification requirements. Processing times are estimates and cannot be guaranteed.

Question 14

14. How long is an ICV Certificate valid in the UAE?

Accepted Answer

Under MoIAT's September 2025 Supplier Certification Guidelines, an ICV Certificate is generally valid for 14 months from the issuance date of the audited financial statements used for certification.A company may obtain recertification using the same eligible financial statements, but doing so does not extend the original 14-month validity period.Businesses should monitor their certificate's expiry and arrange recertification when required.

Question 15

15. How can my company obtain ICV certification through Assist Plus?

Accepted Answer

Assist Plus Accounting & Auditing Services provides independent UAE National In-Country Value (ICV) certification services for companies operating across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain.

Whether your business is applying for its first ICV Certificate or renewing an existing certificate, our certification team verifies the relevant financial and operational information in accordance with the applicable MoIAT requirements.

ICV Certificate UAE – National In-Country Value Certification

Obtain Your National ICV Certificate with a MoIAT-Approved Certifying Body

What Is the UAE National ICV Programme?

Who Needs an ICV Certificate in the UAE?

One National ICV Certificate Across the Seven Emirates

How to Obtain an ICV Certificate in the UAE

Step 1 – Prepare Your Financial Information

Step 2 – Complete the ICV Application

Step 3 – Select an Approved ICV Certifying Body

Step 4 – ICV Verification and Assessment

Step 5 – Certificate Issuance

ICV Most Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ