Local content certificate: compete for government tenders
In Saudi government procurement, local content matters. The Local Content and Government Procurement Authority (LCGPA) issues certificates that state your company's local content score. We have hands-on experience preparing companies for this certificate, from collecting the data to the final issuance.
Why the local content certificate matters
Government & large-project tenders
Local content is part of how many government and major-project tenders evaluate suppliers.
A clear, official score
The certificate states your local content score, based on your company's disclosure and a report by an LCGPA-approved audit firm.
A roadmap to grow it
Knowing your score shows exactly where to invest: Saudi talent, local suppliers, training and local assets.
Trust with buyers
A certified score shows government entities and prime contractors that you contribute to the Saudi economy.
How we prepare your local content certificate
A typical path. Requirements depend on the certificate type and your fiscal year.
Assessment
We confirm which certificate and score you need and review your fiscal year and records.
Data collection
Labour costs (Saudi and non-Saudi), goods and services bought locally, assets, training and other inputs.
Calculation
We prepare the local content calculation in the authority's required format.
Audit
Coordination with an LCGPA-approved audit firm, which reviews and reports on your disclosure.
Submission & issuance
Submission through the authority's platform and follow-up until the certificate is issued.
Improve & renew
An improvement plan for your next fiscal year, and renewal before the certificate expires.
What RDO does
- Explains the requirements and timeline for your company
- Collects and organises the data with your finance team
- Prepares the local content calculation
- Coordinates with an approved audit firm
- Follows up on submission until issuance
- Builds a plan to raise your score next year
What you prepare
- Audited financial statements for the fiscal year
- Payroll and social insurance records
- Supplier list, invoices and origin of goods/services
- Fixed asset register
- Training and development spending
Local content certificate: FAQ
What is the LCGPA?
The Local Content and Government Procurement Authority (هيئة المحتوى المحلي والمشتريات الحكومية) develops local content policy in Saudi Arabia and issues local content certificates used in government procurement.
What does the certificate show?
It states your company's local content score for a fiscal year, issued based on your disclosure and the report of an approved audit firm.
Can a foreign-owned company get a local content certificate?
Yes. Companies operating in Saudi Arabia with a Commercial Registration can obtain a certificate; the score reflects how much of your spending stays in the Kingdom, such as Saudi salaries, local suppliers and local assets.
How long is it valid?
Validity is linked to the fiscal year the certificate covers and is stated on the certificate itself, so plan renewal around your financial year-end.
Can you help us raise our score?
Yes. After the first certificate we analyse the result and recommend practical steps, such as localising suppliers, hiring and training Saudi staff, and local investment.
Local content rules, formulas and procedures are set by the LCGPA and may change. We confirm the current requirements for your company.
Bidding on government tenders?
Let us prepare your local content certificate and a plan to raise your score.
Checklist: Local content certificate: compete for government tenders
Steps
- Assessment - We confirm which certificate and score you need and review your fiscal year and records.
- Data collection - Labour costs (Saudi and non-Saudi), goods and services bought locally, assets, training and other inputs.
- Calculation - We prepare the local content calculation in the authority's required format.
- Audit - Coordination with an LCGPA-approved audit firm, which reviews and reports on your disclosure.
- Submission & issuance - Submission through the authority's platform and follow-up until the certificate is issued.
- Improve & renew - An improvement plan for your next fiscal year, and renewal before the certificate expires.
What you prepare
- Audited financial statements for the fiscal year
- Payroll and social insurance records
- Supplier list, invoices and origin of goods/services
- Fixed asset register
- Training and development spending
Prepared by RDO - rdo.sa - WhatsApp +966 50 095 1660
