How to Publish Your App in China: The Complete Guide

China’s mobile app market already reaches over 1.1 billion smartphone users and is projected to reach $285 billion by 2029 according to Statista. To enter this increasingly valuable market,  publishers need to navigate mandatory licenses, unique distribution channels, and strict regulatory requirements that differ significantly from Western markets. This guide covers everything you need to know about publishing your app in China, including required documentation, compliance requirements, distribution strategies, costs, and how long it takes.

What Are My Options for Publishing an App in China?

Foreign companies cannot publish Android apps in China without either a Chinese legal entity or an authorized local distribution partner. The Apple App Store China currently allows publishing in the Mainland China region through a Global Developer account. To learn more about publishing on the Apple App Store China, read our full guide. App publishers, therefore, have two ways of entering the Chinese market:

1. Distribute Through a Chinese Partner

Partnering with a licensed Chinese distribution service provider such as AppInChina allows you to publish under their local business license. This approach reduces documentation burden as the partner provides end-to-end support and handles the entire submission process. 

2. Distribute Through Your Own Chinese Entity

This option requires registering a legal entity in China, obtaining all necessary licenses independently, and maintaining ongoing regulatory compliance. While this provides complete operational control, it involves significant upfront investment, typically 6-12 months for entity establishment, and requires dedicated local legal and compliance expertise.

What Do I Need to Publish My App in China?

To publish you app in China, you need the following: 

Chinese Business License or Distribution Partner

Due to ICP Filing (ICP备案) requirements, only domestic legal entities can publish apps on Android app stores. Overseas companies must either establish a Chinese entity or partner with a licensed distributor. As of Novermber 2025, this requirement only applies to Android app stores, as publishing in the Mainland China region from a Global Apple App Store developer account is still possible. 

Chinese Domain

A Chinese domain is required for to publish an app in China as it is a requirement to complete the ICP filing process. We recommend reserving your primary brand domain name (e.g., nike.cn) for marketing and using a variant for the ICP filing (e.g., nikeapp.cn). The domain must be registered through a China-based registrar and linked to your Chinese hosting infrastructure before you can proceed with the ICP filing.

ICP Filing (Internet Content Provider Filing)

The ICP Filing (ICP备案) is a mandatory registration with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (工业和信息化部) required for all apps providing internet information services in China. Only Chinese legal entities can obtain ICP Filings. The process typically takes 20-30 days. Operating without an ICP Filing violates Chinese law and risks app removal, service suspension, and regulatory fines.

Mobile App Filing

The App Filing (移动互联网应用程序备案) is a mandatory registration that comes after obtaining your ICP Filing. Introduced in 2023, this additional requirement applies to all apps providing services to users in China. Without an App Filing, your app cannot be published or updated on Chinese app stores. To learn more about the complete requirements and process, read our full guide.

Software Copyright Certificate (SCC)

The Software Copyright Certificate (软件著作权登记证书) is mandatory for publishing on all Android app stores in China. While copyright protection exists automatically under Chinese law, the SCC provides official government certification required for app store submission. 

The application process requires:

• User Manual: A comprehensive user manual (用户手册) with screenshots of every screen, menu, and feature in your app, along with descriptions explaining functionality and user interactions. The manual typically ranges from 10-15 pages depending on app complexity. AppInChina provides templates to streamline this process.
• Code Submission: 3,000 lines of code (typically basic UI or menu code—you can exclude sensitive code). This is held by the government agency as evidence in case you need to claim copyright violation.

Foreign entities can apply directly but must provide translated and notarized documentation through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chinese embassy in their country. This process takes 2-3 months and may face higher rejection rates from app stores. To learn more about the SCC and how to obtain it, read our complete guide.

Localized App Build and Metadata

Your app must be fully localised for the Chinese market. This means: 

• All user-facing text needs to be translated to Simplified Chinese.
• All user data routed through servers hosted in Mainland China.
• Services blocked by the Great Firewall such as Google Services, and Firebase, should be removed or replaced.
• Your app name needs to localised too.  Choose your Chinese app name carefully, as it must exactly match the name registered on your Software Copyright Certificate. Changing the name later requires applying for a new SCC.
• Your app description should be optimized for Chinese app stores, which favour detailed explanations of features and benefits compared to Western platforms.

Additional Licenses Based on App Category

Certain app categories require specialized licenses beyond basic publishing requirements:

• Games: All games published in China require an ISBN number (游戏版号) from the National Press and Publication Administration. The approval process takes 6-12 months and requires extensive content review. Foreign companies cannot obtain an ISBN number and must partner with a licensed Chinese publisher, such as AppInChina.
  
• Apps with Social Functions: Platforms offering user-generated content, messaging, forums, live streaming, or content sharing must complete Security Assessment Filings with the Cyberspace Administration of China. Read our complete guide to learn more about social functions for apps in China.
  
• Other Categories: Educational platforms, healthcare apps, and financial services apps require specialized approvals from relevant authorities.
  

AppInChina provides complimentary compliance assessments to determine exactly which licenses your app requires to comply with China’s laws and regulations. 

What Compliance Requirements Must My App Meet?

Data Localization

Article 37 of the Cybersecurity Law (网络安全法) and Article 31 of the Data Security Law (数据安全法) mandates that all user data collected within China must be stored on servers physically located in Mainland China. This means your apps user data has to be stored via Chinese cloud providers. AppInChina has partnerships with approved Chinese cloud service providers such as Alibaba Cloud, Tencent Cloud, Huawei and AWS China.

Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL)

The Personal Information Protection Law (个人信息保护法 or PIPL) states that all apps must obtain explicit user consent before collecting personal information, implement data minimization principles, and provide users with rights to access, correct, and delete their information. For users under 14 years old, explicit parental consent is required. 

Real-Name Verification

Article 24 of the Cybersecurity Law (网络安全法) requires Real-name Verification (实名认证) for apps providing interactive or social features. Platforms must verify users’ real identities through approved APIs that connect to national databases. 

Age Verification for Games and Youth-Accessible Platforms

All games and platforms accessible to minors must integrate China’s Age Verification System (游戏适龄提示). This mandatory system restricts minors’ gaming time to Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM with strict spending limits. 

Content Review and Moderation

Apps with user-generated content must implement comprehensive content review systems including automated filtering APIs and manual review teams. Platforms must establish user reporting mechanisms and maintain visible complaint channels.

Which Chinese App Stores Should I Publish On?

China’s Android ecosystem consists of numerous independent app stores operated by device manufacturers and internet companies. Once you have gathered and completed all of the above, you have to submit the application materials to each app store individually, each app store has a unique application process. Successful distribution requires submitting to multiple platforms to achieve market coverage. Find the most up to date and accurate data on China’s android app stores and there market share in AppInChina’s official app store index. 

1. Huawei AppGallery (华为应用市场) Huawei AppGallery consistently tops the ranks with approximately 25% market share and approximately 325 million monthly active users. Pre-installed on every Huawei and Honor device, it is one of the most important stores for apps to be on if they want to be succeed. 
2. Tencent MyApp (应用宝) Tencent MyApp commands approximately 13% market share and approximately 172 million monthly active users. Deep WeChat Pay integration and one-tap sharing make it a great choice for those seeking fast growth. Universal app store (no matter the OS, can be used)
3. Xiaomi GetApps (小米应用商店) Xiaomi GetApps holds approximately 12% market share and approximately 157 million monthly active users. 
4. OPPO Software Store (OPPO软件商店) OPPO Software Store captures approximately 11% market share and approximately 145 million monthly active users. 
5. Vivo App Store (VIVO应用商店) Vivo App Store delivers approximately 11% market share and approximately 138 million monthly active users. 
6. Honor App Store (荣耀应用商店) Honor App Store secures approximately 7% market share and approximately 97 million monthly active users.

Additional platforms include Meizu App Store, Lenovo App Store, and Wandoujia. As aforementioned, each store has its own submission requirements and review processes.

How Long Does the Publishing Process Take?

Standard Apps (Non-Gaming): The complete publishing timeline typically spans 1-3 months depending on app complexity and whether you use a distribution partner.

• Software Copyright Certificate application: 2-4 weeks with a Chinese entity
• ICP Filing: 3-4 weeks
• Additional specialized licenses: 1-3 months (varies by category)
• App store submission and review: 1-2 weeks per store

Using a distribution partner like AppInChina significantly accelerates this process through established relationships and streamlined documentation handling.

Games: Game publishing requires 6-12 months due to ISBN license requirements. The ISBN application process takes 6-9 months for regulatory content review and approval, followed by standard app store submissions.

Apps with complex social features or incomplete documentation face extended timelines due to additional security assessments and potential resubmissions.

What Are the Costs of Publishing an App in China?

Basic Documentation Costs:

• Software Copyright Certificate: CNY 2,200 to 3,200 (USD 300 to 450) for government fees.
• ICP Filing: No government fees.
• User manual preparation: Often included in service packages or can be done by yourself. 

Chinese Entity Establishment:

Should you choose to set up your own Chinese entity, your app publishing will incur the following extra costs.

• Registration and legal fees: USD 50,000 to 100,000 
• Ongoing operational costs: USD 20,000 to 50,000 annually
• Dedicated local team required

Specialized Licenses:

• Game ISBN: USD 10,000 to 50,000 or revenue-sharing arrangements
• Live streaming licenses: USD 5,000 to 20,000
• Other category-specific licenses vary

What Are the Consequences for Non-Compliance?

Operating an app in China without meeting local regulatory requirements directly violates the following laws and regulations:

• Cybersecurity Law (中华人民共和国网络安全法)
• Data Security Law (中华人民共和国数据安全法)
• Personal Information Protection Law (中华人民共和国个人信息保护法 or PIPL)
• Administrative Provisions on Mobile Internet Applications Information Services  (移动互联网应用程序信息服务管理规定)

Non-compliance with these regulations can result in the following penalties:

• Administrative fines ranging from CNY 50,000 to CNY 500,000 for standard violations under the Cybersecurity Law. Draft amendments propose increases up to CNY 50,000,000 or 5% of annual revenue for severe cases.Administrative fines ranging from CNY 50,000 to CNY 500,000 for standard violations under the Cybersecurity Law. Draft amendments propose increases up to CNY 50,000,000 or 5% of annual revenue for severe cases.
• Data privacy penalties under the Personal Information Protection Law, with fines up to CNY 50,000,000 or 5% of annual revenue, and potential suspension of related business operations.
• Individual liability for executives or responsible personnel, including fines between CNY 10,000 and CNY 100,000, increasing to CNY 100,000 to 1,000,000.
• Service suspension with immediate blocking of app operations and mandatory rectification orders issued by regulatory authorities.
• License revocation, including cancellation of business licenses, Software Copyright Certificates (软件著作权登记证书), or ICP Filings (ICP备案) required for app operation in China.
• App store removal from all Chinese marketplaces, including the Apple App Store China and major Android app stores (Huawei, Tencent, Xiaomi, OPPO, Vivo, Honor).
• Payment processor disconnection, as Alipay, WeChat Pay, and UnionPay suspend or terminate payment services for non-compliant platforms.
• Criminal liability, including fixed-term imprisonment of up to three years or criminal detention for standard violations, and three to seven years for serious cases, alongside concurrent fines.
• Regulatory blacklisting, resulting in long-term difficulty obtaining new licenses and potential permanent exclusion from the Chinese market.

How Can AppInChina Help?

AppInChina provides end-to-end app publishing and distribution services designed to navigate China’s complex regulatory environment efficiently and compliantly.

We can help you with: 

• Compliance Assessment. We provide a free assessment of your app to confirm what filings, certificates and licenses are required to make your app fully compliant in China’s app stores.
• Technical Localization. We ensure your app is both fully functional and technically localised for the Chinese market. This includes ensuring that app descriptions are optimised for Chinese app stores
• App Store Distribution. We help you submit your app to major Chinese platforms including Tencent, Huawei, Oppo, Vivo, Xiaomi, and Apple App Store China
• Ongoing Support. We ensure your app continues succeeding in China once it has bee successfully published with App Store Optimization (ASO), compliance monitoring, and performance analytics

If you’re looking to publish your app in world’s largest digital market with China’s leading publisher of international software, contact us today to get started.