Required Documents for ICV Certificate in Dubai

 

Required Documents for ICV Certificate in Dubai: Full List & Guide (2025)

If you're planning to apply for an ICV Certificate in Dubai, understanding the required documents is the first crucial step. The In-Country Value (ICV) certification, introduced by ADNOC and now adopted across various UAE government entities, plays a key role in evaluating a company's contribution to the local economy.

In this article, we’ll break down the complete list of required documents for ICV Certificate in Dubai, along with tips to prepare for a smooth application process in 2025.

What Is an ICV Certificate?

The ICV (In-Country Value) Certificate is a formal document issued to UAE-based companies that evaluates their economic contribution based on specific criteria such as:

  • Local procurement

  • Emiratization

  • Investment in the UAE

  • Exports

  • Revenues generated within the country

It’s especially important for companies looking to work with ADNOC, government contracts, or other entities that prioritize local value creation.

Who Needs an ICV Certificate in Dubai?

Any company wishing to participate in tenders from:

  • ADNOC and its group of companies

  • Government-owned entities (e.g., DEWA, Etihad Rail, etc.)

  • Other private sector clients following the ICV program

...must have a valid ICV Certificate.

Required Documents for ICV Certificate in Dubai

To obtain an ICV Certificate in Dubai, you must submit a set of financial and company-related documents. These may vary depending on your business type (LLC, FZE, Branch, etc.), but the core documents typically include:

1. Audited Financial Statements

  • Mandatory

  • Should be issued by a UAE-registered auditor (approved by MoE)

  • Must cover the latest financial year

  • Should not be older than 2 years

2. Trade License

  • A copy of your valid Dubai Trade License (also known as the commercial license)

3. Company Ownership Structure

  • UAE shareholding information

  • Valid UAE passport and Emirates ID copies (for UAE nationals, if applicable)

4. Employee Data

  • Emirates ID-based staff list

  • Details of Emirati employees (for Emiratization scoring)

  • Wage Protection System (WPS) report for at least 3 months

5. Lease Agreement or Ejari

  • Proof of physical office space in Dubai

6. VAT Certificate

  • Federal Tax Authority (FTA)-issued VAT registration certificate

7. Purchasing and Supplier Data

  • List of local and international suppliers

  • Amount spent on local vs. foreign suppliers

8. Export and Revenue Breakdown

  • If applicable, provide details of:

    • Revenue from UAE-based operations

    • Revenue from exports or foreign clients

How Long Does the Process Take?

Once all documents are in place, the ICV Certificate process in Dubai usually takes 7–15 working days, depending on the complexity of your financials and whether all required information is correctly submitted.

Tips to Prepare for ICV Certificate Application

  • Ensure your financial statements are audited and up-to-date.

  • Keep your Emiratization records organized (for companies with UAE nationals).

  • Consult with an ICV-approved certifying body to avoid delays.

  • Consider ICV pre-assessment services to improve your score.

Where to Apply for ICV Certificate in Dubai?

You can apply through any of the approved ICV certifying bodies, such as:

  • Ernst & Young

  • KPMG

  • PwC

  • BDO

  • Other entities approved by MOIAT

A full list is available on the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MOIAT) website.

Final Thoughts

Having the correct required documents for ICV Certificate in Dubai is essential to avoid rejections or delays. Whether you're a startup or a well-established company, staying compliant with the ICV framework can significantly increase your chances of winning major government and private sector contracts in the UAE.


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Where to Apply for an ICV Certificate in UAE

Powering Local Value: The Business Case for ICV Certification

ICV Certification vs. ISO: What’s the Difference?