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.
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.
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.”
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:
Common Application Scenarios:
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.
Obtaining a B22 License requires meeting specific ownership, operational, and infrastructure requirements set by MIIT.
Foreign ownership limits vary by region:
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.
Companies must ensure compliance with data localization regulations and implement robust security controls for user communications and data.
Foreign-invested enterprises face additional requirements:
For all foreign-invested enterprises, regardless of region:
Additional documentation required for foreign enterprises:
Businesses registered in Hong Kong, Macau, or free-trade zones may enjoy additional advantages and have additional application requirements.
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:
Confirm enterprise qualifications meet requirements and prepare all application materials organized by category:
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.
MIIT’s local Communications Administration conducts initial formal review followed by substantive review. The review focuses on:
If the initial review passes, authorities may conduct an on-site evaluation to verify actual operational conditions, including office premises, equipment, and personnel.
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.
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.
According to the Administrative Measures on Telecommunications Business Permits (2017), the following documents are required:
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.
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:
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.
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:
Contact us to get started with deploying your multi-party communication and video conferencing solutions in China.