Many small business owners in Qatar ask the same question: “Do I really need an ICV certificate?” The answer depends on who your customers are and how big your business is. If you want to sell to Qatar’s energy sector, ICV can decide whether you win or lose a contract.

The good news is that the rules have become easier for small companies. This guide explains what ICV is, whether your startup needs it, and how to get started without spending too much time or money.

What Is ICV?

ICV stands for In-Country Value. It measures how much of your spending stays in Qatar. This includes money you spend on local suppliers, Qatari employees, training and local investment.

The ICV program is run by Tawteen, which is QatarEnergy’s program for local supply chains. A certified ICV score tells buyers how much your business adds to the local economy. In energy sector tenders, this score is part of how bids are judged, along with price and technical quality.

Does Your Small Business Need an ICV Certificate?

Not every business needs one. ICV mainly matters if you sell, or plan to sell, to QatarEnergy, its partners, or large contractors in the energy and infrastructure sectors.

In 2023, QatarEnergy announced that suppliers with revenue above QAR 20 million must provide an ICV certificate to take part in energy sector tenders. The same announcement said companies less than two years old were exempt from this rule. It also said certified suppliers with revenue below QAR 20 million could get a scorecard extension of up to three years, renewed each year at no extra cost.

So what does this mean for you?

• Small and growing suppliers: You may not be forced to certify today, but a certificate still gives you an edge over bidders who have none.
• Startups under two years old: You may be exempt for now, but it is smart to prepare early so you are ready when the exemption ends.
• Subcontractors: Many large contractors ask their own subcontractors for an ICV score, even when the rules do not require it.

Rules can change, so always check the latest requirements on the Tawteen website or ask your certifier before you bid.

New Support for Micro and Small Companies

In October 2024, QatarEnergy launched an enhanced ICV program. According to Gulf Times, the update includes two changes that help small businesses:

1. A “Blanket Score” policy. Micro and small enterprises can use a standard ICV score, which helps them compete without a full detailed calculation.
2. A simpler certification process. This is meant to reduce the paperwork and cost for micro and small companies that work directly with the energy sector.

The update also added a bonus scheme for positive local contributions and a policy called ICV+ to support local manufacturers.

Whether your company qualifies for the simpler route depends on its size and activity. A certifier can check this for you before you spend time on a full submission.

Why ICV Matters for a Young Company

Even if you are not required to certify, ICV can help you in four ways:

• Better chances in tenders. When two bids have a similar price, a higher ICV score can tip the result. Our guide on how to improve your ICV score in Qatar shows practical ways to raise it.
• More trust from big buyers. A certificate shows your numbers have been checked by an independent firm.
• A clear record of local spending. Preparing for ICV forces you to organise your books, which helps in every part of the business.
• Early start. Companies that track local spending from day one find certification much easier later.

Steps for a Small Business or Startup

Here is a simple path to follow:

Step 1: Check if ICV applies to you. Look at the tenders you want to join. If they are in the energy sector or its supply chain, ICV is likely to matter.

Step 2: Register on the ICV portal. You create an account and fill in your company details.

Step 3: Get your records ready. You will need your financial figures, a list of local and foreign suppliers, payroll details and proof of training or local investment. Good books make this step much easier. If your accounts are weak, consider outsourcing your accounting to a professional firm.

Step 4: Complete your scorecard. You enter your spending and employment data into the ICV scorecard.

Step 5: Choose an approved certifier. Only certifiers approved by Tawteen can check your data and issue the certificate. Read our post on choosing the right ICV certification consultant in Qatar to compare your options.

Step 6: Review and receive your certificate. The certifier checks your documents, asks questions if needed and then issues the certificate and report.

Step 7: Renew on time. Your certificate does not last forever. See our guide to ICV certificate renewal in Qatar for the timeline.

Common Mistakes Small Businesses Make

Small companies often lose points for simple reasons:

• Keeping poor or late records of local spending
• Mixing up local and foreign suppliers
• Forgetting to count training costs or Qatari staff
• Missing deadlines for renewal
• Not having audited accounts ready when they are needed

We cover these in more detail in our post on common ICV mistakes that lower your score. If you are unsure what documents an audit needs, see what documents are required for an audit in Qatar.

Tips for Startups Planning Ahead

• Track local spending from the first month. Use a separate column for local and foreign suppliers.
• Hire and train Qatari staff where you can. This is one of the strongest parts of the score.
• Use local suppliers when the quality and price are fair.
• Plan your business carefully. A feasibility study can help you see how local spending fits into your budget before you start.
• Keep your audit work organised. Read whether an audit is mandatory in Qatar so you are not caught off guard.

How Kreston SVP Can Help

Kreston SVP Chartered Accountants works with startups, SMEs and large companies across Qatar. Our team can check whether ICV applies to your business, help you prepare your data and guide you through the process. You can read more about our ICV certification service on our services page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all small businesses in Qatar need an ICV certificate?
No. ICV mainly matters for companies that sell to the energy sector and its supply chain. Check the rules for the specific tender you want to join.

Are startups exempt from ICV?
In 2023, QatarEnergy said companies less than two years old were exempt from the mandatory requirement. Rules can change, so confirm the current position before you bid.

What is the ICV Blanket Score?
It is a standard ICV score for micro and small enterprises, introduced in the enhanced ICV program to help them compete. Ask your certifier whether your company qualifies.

Is ICV certification expensive for small companies?
Costs depend on the size and complexity of your business. The simpler process for micro and small companies is meant to lower the burden.

How long does it take to get certified?
It depends on how ready your records are. Companies with clean books and clear supplier lists usually move faster.

Ready to Start Your ICV Journey?

If you run a small business or startup and want to sell to Qatar’s energy sector, now is a good time to prepare. Contact Kreston SVP on +974 4469 4481, email info@krestonsvp.com, or visit our contact page to talk to our team.