What is China’s B22 License and Who Needs One?

Businesses operating multi-party communication platforms in China, such as enterprise video conferencing, remote education and training, or telemedicine consultations, are legally required to obtain a B22 License, also known as the Domestic Multi-Party Communications License or 增值电信业务经营许可证-国内多方通信服务业务 in Chinese. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the B22 License: its legal foundation, who needs it, the application process, and how to stay compliant with Chinese regulations.

What is the B22 (Domestic Multi-Party Communications) License?

The B22 License, formally known as the “Domestic Multi-Party Communication Services Business License” (国内多方通信服务业务许可证) is a commercial operating license required for businesses that provide real-time interactive or on-demand voice, video, and data communication services between two or more points within Mainland China. The B22 License is specifically designed for companies that operate multi-party communication platforms enabling remote meetings, online education, telemedicine, and collaborative work environments.

The B22 designation refers to the specific category within the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology’s (MIIT) telecommunications business classification system, where “B22” represents “Domestic Multi-Party Communication Services Business” (国内多方通信服务业务). This is classified as a Second-Class Value-Added Telecommunications Service.

This license serves as the government’s primary mechanism for regulating multi-party communication platforms, ensuring that businesses providing real-time communication services in China comply with local laws and maintain service quality and security standards.

What is the Legal Foundation of the B22 License?

As part of the Value-Added Telecommunications Services (VATS) or 增值电信业务, the Telecommunications Regulations of the People’s Republic of China (中华人民共和国电信条例) applies to the B22 License.

Article 7 of the Telecommunications Regulations establishes that all telecommunications businesses require a license:

“The State shall implement a licensing system for telecommunications businesses in accordance with the classification of telecommunications businesses. Telecom operators shall apply to the information technology administration department of the State Council or the telecommunications administration authorities of the province, autonomous region or centrally-administered municipality for a telecommunications business permit pursuant to the provisions of these Regulations. No organisation or individual shall engage in telecommunications business without obtaining a telecommunications business permit.”

Article 8 clearly states that there are two types of telecommunications businesses: basic telecommunications and value-added telecommunications.

“Telecommunications businesses are categorised into basic telecommunications businesses and value-added telecommunications businesses. Basic telecommunications businesses shall mean the businesses of providing public network infrastructure, public data transmission and basic voice communication services. Value-added telecommunications businesses shall mean making use of public network infrastructure to provide telecommunications and information services.”

Who Needs a B22 (Domestic Multi-Party Communications) License?

The B22 License is required when providing domestic multi-party communication services that enable real-time interactive or on-demand communication between two or more parties within China. According to MIIT’s Classification Catalogue of Telecommunication Services (2015), Domestic Multi-Party Communication Services refer to:

“the real-time interactive or on-demand voice and image communication services realized domestically between two points or among multiple points by virtue of a multi-party communication platform, public communication network or the Internet.”

MIIT further defines that domestic multi-party communication services include:

“domestic multi-party telephone conference services, domestic visual telephone conference services, and domestic Internet conference TV and image services.”

This therefore means that you will need a B22 License if your business revolves around any of the following:

Types of Multi-Party Communication Services:

• Domestic Multi-Party Telephone Conference Services (国内多方电话会议服务业务) – Conference platform services with real-time two-way voice communication among multiple points. This includes audio conferencing platforms connecting telephone terminals at two or more locations within China using multi-party communication platforms or public communication networks
• Domestic Visual Telephone Conference Services (国内可视电话会议服务业务) – Conference platform services with real-time two-way voice, video, and data communication held in a visual manner. This includes video conferencing systems connecting visual telephone conference terminals between two or more locations within China
• Domestic Internet Conference TV and Image Services (国内互联网会议电视及图像服务业务) – Interactive comprehensive multimedia application services provided between two or more points over the Internet

Common Application Scenarios:

• Remote conferencing (远程会议) – Enterprise video/audio conferencing platforms for business meetings, team collaboration, and corporate communications
• Remote education (远程教学) – Online education platforms providing live interactive teaching, virtual classrooms, and distance learning services
• Remote diagnosis (远程诊断) – Telemedicine platforms enabling real-time medical consultations, remote patient monitoring, and healthcare collaboration
• Cooperative work (协同工作) – Collaborative work platforms enabling teams to work together in real-time across different locations
• Business negotiation platforms – Systems facilitating multi-party business discussions and deal negotiations
• Project discussion tools – Platforms for distributed teams to discuss and manage projects collaboratively

The B22 License covers multi-party communication platforms for real-time interaction. It does not cover social media applications, which require a B25 ICP License, or live streaming platforms, which require different entertainment or broadcast licenses.

It is important to note, any business that provides platforms or software enabling real-time or on-demand communication between two or more parties within China will require a B22 License.

What are the Basic Requirements to Apply for the B22 License?

Obtaining a B22 License requires meeting specific ownership, operational, and infrastructure requirements set by MIIT. 

Ownership Structure

Foreign ownership limits vary by region:

• Pilot Regions: According to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology’s Notice on Launching Pilot Work for Expanding Opening Up of Value-Added Telecommunications Services (工业和信息化部关于开展增值电信业务扩大对外开放试点工作的通告), as of April 8, 2024 Beijing, Shanghai, Hainan, and Shenzhen have eliminated foreign capital restrictions for certain VATS businesses. Multi-party communication services (B22) are included in the pilot program liberalisation. In these four pilot regions, WFOEs (Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprises) can apply for VATS Licenses, including the B22 License.

It is important to note, while legally permissible, obtaining a VATS license as a WFOE in pilot regions remains exceptionally difficult in practice. Approval thresholds are extremely high, with authorities primarily approving well-known multinational enterprises. As of 2025, only 13 companies total have successfully obtained VATS licenses as WFOEs across all categories since the pilot program began.

Other Regions: According to the Administrative Measures for Foreign-Invested Telecommunications Enterprises (外商投资电信企业管理规定), foreign-invested enterprises are restricted to 50% foreign capital maximum for IP-VPN services. Foreign companies must establish a joint venture (JV) structure with a Chinese partner holding at least 50% equity or collaborate with a Chinese partner such as AppInChina.

Domestic companies face no ownership restrictions and can operate with 100% Chinese ownership nationwide.

Company Requirements

• Your company must be legally established under Chinese law with “Value-Added Telecommunications Business” (增值电信服务) or “Telecommunications Business” (电信业务) explicitly listed in your business scope.
• You need minimum registered capital of CNY 1 million for provincial operations or CNY 10 million for cross-provincial operations (nationwide operations).
• The company and its key personnel must have clean records with no telecommunications violations in the past three years and cannot be included in the list of dishonest telecommunications business operators.

Technical Infrastructure

• Multi-party communication platform infrastructure must demonstrate capability for real-time voice, video, and data transmission with support for multiple simultaneous participants.
• Network architecture must demonstrate capability for stable, high-quality communication with appropriate bandwidth, latency management, and redundancy measures.
• Technical plans must demonstrate platform functionality, service quality assurance, network structure, and service level agreements.
• Equipment requirements include servers, routers, switches, and other network equipment necessary to provide stable multi-party communication services. Equipment must meet national standards for telecommunications services.
• A cybersecurity department with supporting internal regulations is mandatory, including network security monitoring, incident response procedures, and data protection measures.

Companies must ensure compliance with data localization regulations and implement robust security controls for user communications and data.

Personnel Requirements

• You need at least 3 Chinese employees with social security (社保) records covering recent months from your company for the application materials.
• Technical staff with relevant qualifications in network engineering, communication systems, software development, and cybersecurity are required. Staff should have backgrounds in computer science, network engineering, or related fields.
• Management personnel with relevant experience in telecommunications or multi-party communication services are also required.

Foreign Enterprise Requirements

Foreign-invested enterprises face additional requirements:

• For pilot regions (Beijing, Shanghai, Hainan, Shenzhen): Foreign enterprises including WFOEs can apply for the B22 License, with the great level of difficulty detailed above, and must submit applications to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) rather than provincial authorities.

For all foreign-invested enterprises, regardless of region:

• Your legal representative may need to be a Chinese national or permanent resident (requirements vary by region).
• You must demonstrate multi-party communication platform operational experience through platform architecture diagrams, service quality documentation, technical specifications, and case studies.

Additional documentation required for foreign enterprises:

• Foreign Investment Security Review Decision (《外商投资安全审查决定书》) if applicable
• Foreign shareholder overseas registration certificates with notarization and authentication
• Articles of association showing foreign investment structure
• Proof of foreign investor’s financial stability and business qualifications

Businesses registered in Hong Kong, Macau, or free-trade zones may enjoy additional advantages and have additional application requirements.

How to Apply for the B22 (Domestic Multi-Party Communications) License

The B22 License application process is administered through regional telecommunications authorities under MIIT oversight. The process is complex and typically takes 30 to 60 business days from initial submission to final approval, though complex applications or requests for supplementary materials may extend this timeline to three months or more. Depending on the scale of your operations, the authority managing your application will differ:

Provincial Operations: Approved by the Provincial Communications Administration Bureau (省通信管理局) where the company is registered.

Cross-Provincial Operations: Must apply to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (国家工业和信息化部).

Major filing authorities include:

• Shanghai Communications Administration (上海市通信管理局) for Shanghai
• Beijing Communications Administration (北京市通信管理局) for Beijing
• Guangdong Communications Administration (广东省通信管理局) for Guangdong
• Shenzhen Communications Administration (深圳市通信管理局) for Shenzhen

Step 1: Material Preparation

Confirm enterprise qualifications meet requirements and prepare all application materials organized by category:

• Business license with telecommunications or value-added telecommunications business scope
• Company articles of association
• Legal representative identification and proof
• Technical personnel and management personnel credentials (ID cards, education certificates, work experience proof)
• Office premises proof (lease agreement or property certificate)
• Equipment inventory and network structure diagrams
• Information security assurance system documentation
• Commitment letter for lawful telecommunications business operations (signed by legal representative and stamped with company seal)

Step 2: Online Submission

Access the Telecommunications Business Market Comprehensive Management Information System (电信业务市场综合管理信息系统). Complete and submit application forms, uploading all materials in PDF format.

Step 3: Material Review and Evaluation

MIIT’s local Communications Administration conducts initial formal review followed by substantive review. The review focuses on:

• Enterprise qualifications and registered capital
• Personnel qualifications and staffing levels
• Equipment configuration and network architecture
• Information security measures

If the initial review passes, authorities may conduct an on-site evaluation to verify actual operational conditions, including office premises, equipment, and personnel.

Step 4: Approval and Public Announcement

After passing review and evaluation, the application enters the approval phase. Upon approval, the company information will be publicly announced on the Communications Administration’s official website. If no valid objections are received during the announcement period (typically 15-30 days), the process moves to the final stage.

Step 5: Certificate Collection

After the announcement period ends without objections, the company can officially receive the B22 License. Choose on-site pickup or mail delivery. The certificate is valid for 5 years and requires renewal before expiration. Companies must apply for renewal 90 days before expiration and submit all complete materials at least 30 days before expiration, otherwise renewal will not be granted and this is considered automatic abandonment of renewal. Finally, to remain compliant with local laws and regulations, companies are required to display the B22 License number provided on the certificate on their website.

Failure to renew on time may result in being listed on telecommunications bad faith lists.

The entire process generally takes 30 to 60 business days (approximately 2 to 3 months) from submission to approval, though applications requiring additional review or supplementary materials may take up to three months or slightly longer.

What Documents are Required for Application?

According to the Administrative Measures on Telecommunications Business Permits (2017), the following documents are required: 

• Company Documents – Business license (营业执照) with telecommunications or value-added telecommunications business scope, company articles of association, legal representative identification, and shareholder identification.
• Personnel Documents – Social security certificates for at least three employees, identification cards of key management and technical personnel, education certificates (degrees and diplomas), and relevant work experience proof or certifications.
• Business Materials – License application form, business development plan, technical solution demonstrating multi-party communication platform capabilities, service quality assurance plan, and operational procedures.
• Infrastructure Documents – Network structure diagrams showing platform architecture, equipment inventory lists with specifications (servers, routers, switches, etc.), office premises proof (lease agreement or property certificate), and platform functionality documentation.
• Compliance Documents – Information security assurance system documentation, cybersecurity department establishment records, data protection regulations and procedures, incident response plans, operational security policies, and commitment letter for lawful telecommunications business operations (signed and stamped).

All copies must be stamped with your company seal. Foreign language documents require certified Chinese translations. Requirements will vary by province and local Communications Administration. Due to the complexity of this process, it is recommended you work with a partner that is familiar with this process, such as AppInChina. This will not only reduce application delays, but will also increase the likelihood of the application being successful.

What Are the Consequences of Operating Without a B22 License?

Operating telecommunications or multi-party communication services in China without a valid B22 License directly violates Chapter 6 of the Telecommunications Regulations of the People’s Republic of China (中华人民共和国电信条例) and carries significant legal and operational risks:

• Criminal liability for serious offenses such as unauthorized telecommunications operations.
• Administrative penalties including warnings, rectification orders, and confiscation of illegal gains.
• Fines calculated as 3 to 5 times the amount of illegal income; if there is no illegal income or it is less than CNY 50,000, fines ranging from CNY 100,000 to CNY 1 million will be imposed.
• Business restrictions including suspension of operations, forced shutdown of communication services, or revocation of telecom permits in severe cases.
• Blacklisting of the entity and key personnel, preventing future telecommunications business operations.
• Additional liability for companies and approval agencies if services are carried out during the application process before license approval.

You cannot operate multi-party communication services while your B22 License application is pending. Both your company and the approval agency will face penalties if unlicensed operations are discovered during the application period.

How Can AppInChina Help?

China’s B22 License requirements can be complex and time-consuming. At AppInChina, we provide comprehensive B22 License services to help international businesses succeed in China. We can help by:

• Providing a free compliance assessment to identify what is required for you to stay compliant in China
• Publishing your solution under our Chinese entity to ensure you meet entity requirements, obtaining the B22 License on your behalf.
• Preparing application documents and guiding you through the submission process.
• Translating any documents that aren’t already in Chinese.
• Liaising with provincial authorities throughout the approval process.
• Managing annual audits and ensuring ongoing compliance.

Contact us to get started with deploying your multi-party communication and video conferencing solutions in China.