The Complete Guide to China’s ICP Filing

A website hosted in Mainland China needs an ICP Filing before it can go live. Foreign companies can apply through a Chinese subsidiary or work with a local publishing partner, such as AppInChina.

This guide explains who needs ICP Filing, the documents and hosting required, how to apply, the costs and timing, and what to do after approval.

What is ICP Filing in China?

ICP Filing (ICP备案), often referred to as the ICP Registration, ICP Recordal, or Internet Content Provider Filing, is a mandatory registration system established by China’s Ministry of Information Technology (MIIT) to regulate and monitor internet content and services within Mainland China. It is often mistaken for the ICP License, which is a different license altogether. The ICP Filing system requires all websites and online services hosted on servers located in mainland China to obtain proper registration before going live.

The ICP Filing system serves as China’s primary mechanism for internet governance, ensuring that all digital content and services comply with local laws and regulations. Without valid ICP Filing, websites cannot legally operate in China and risk being blocked by the Great Firewall.

ICP Filing vs Commercial ICP License

ICP Filing and Commercial ICP License are often confused, but they are different requirements.

Requirement	Applies To	Typical Use Case
ICP Filing (ICP备案)	China-hosted websites, apps and online services	Corporate websites, landing pages, app backends, informational services
Commercial ICP License (ICP许可证)	Commercial internet information services	Paid SaaS, online marketplaces, paid memberships, transaction platforms, monetised internet services

Most companies need ICP Filing before they can host legally in China. Some companies also need a Commercial ICP License if their China-facing service involves online commercial activity. To learn more about the difference between an ICP Filing and a Commercial ICP License, read our full guide.

Who Needs ICP Filing in China?

It is worth noting that websites can still be visible without an ICP Filing if they haven’t been blocked in China. The ICP Filing ensures that your business’s website is always compliant and does not suddenly fail to load due to it being blocked. 

ICP Filing is a legal obligation for:

Corporate Websites: Companies wanting to establish an official online presence in China must obtain ICP Filing for their corporate websites, product showcases, and informational portals. 

Foreign Company Websites: International businesses with informational websites hosted on Chinese servers need ICP Filing to ensure legal compliance and accessibility within China.

Content Platforms: Non-commercial blogs, news sites, educational platforms, and informational websites require ICP Filing to operate legally.

Subsidiary Websites: Chinese subsidiaries of foreign companies must obtain ICP Filing for their local websites, even if the parent company operates internationally.

Apps and other digital assets such as WeChat Mini Programs require their own ICP Filing. 

Do Foreign Companies Need ICP Filing?

Yes, foreign companies need ICP Filing if they want to host websites, apps or online services on Mainland China servers. However, an overseas company cannot complete ICP Filing directly using only its foreign business registration.

Foreign companies usually need one of the following structures:

Route	How it works
Chinese subsidiary, including a WFOE	Apply using the subsidiary’s Chinese business licence and responsible-person details.
Chinese-registered representative office	Some provinces accept the office’s registration certificate for a non-commercial informational website. Confirm acceptance with the hosting provider before applying.
Local publishing partner	The partner operates the website and applies under its Chinese entity. AppInChina can help obtain ICP Filing for eligible websites, apps or digital services through its local structure.

You do not need to establish your own Chinese company if a suitable local publishing arrangement is available. AppInChina’s Cloud Services can provide the Chinese entity, cloud account and filing support through its China cloud services.

What Are the Requirements for ICP Filing?

The requirements for ICP Filing focus on basic compliance and informational accuracy:

Documentation Requirements

All ICP Filing applicants must provide:

Business Documentation: Valid business licenses, registration certificates, and legal entity verification documents.

Legal Representative Information: Identification documents and contact information for the legal representative or responsible person.

Domain Registration: Proof of domain ownership and registration certificates for all domains requiring filing.

Hosting Agreements: Contracts with approved Chinese hosting providers confirming server location and technical specifications.

Website Information: Detailed descriptions of website content, purpose, and target audience.

Technical Requirements

Websites applying for ICP Filing must meet specific technical standards:

Chinese Server Hosting: All website files and databases must be hosted on servers physically located within mainland China.

Approved Hosting Providers: Websites must use hosting services from government-approved providers such as Alibaba Cloud, Tencent Cloud, Baidu Cloud, or China Telecom.

Domain Registration: Domains must be properly registered and owned by the applying entity or individual.

Content Compliance: Website content must comply with Chinese internet content regulations and guidelines.

Provincial Filing Requirements

You must complete ICP Filing in the same province where your business license was issued. This geographical requirement ensures proper jurisdictional oversight and compliance with local regulations. Foreign companies should consider this when selecting their WFOE registration location. To check if there are any province-specific requirements for where your business is located, refer to this guide.

Why Is Chinese Hosting Required?

ICP Filing is only available for websites and services hosted on Mainland China infrastructure. If a website is hosted in Hong Kong, Singapore, Europe, the US or another overseas region, it generally cannot obtain Mainland China ICP Filing.

Chinese hosting matters because:

• It is required for ICP Filing
• It improves loading speed for users in Mainland China
• It reduces cross-border latency
• It enables access to Chinese CDN services
• It improves Baidu SEO readiness
• It creates a compliant foundation for China digital operations

How Do I Get an ICP Filing?

The ICP Filing process is streamlined compared to commercial licensing but still requires careful attention to detail:

Stage 1: Pre-Application Preparation

Begin by establishing your legal presence in China if you’re a foreign company. Alternatively, choose a trusted local partner, such as AppInChina, who can help you file for the ICP Filing. Ensure you have all required documentation and that your website content complies with Chinese regulations. Select an approved Chinese cloud hosting provider who will facilitate your ICP Filing application.

Stage 2: Hosting Provider Setup

Choose your Chinese hosting provider and set up your hosting account; note that a Chinese entity is required to successfully open a cloud account and purchase a domain. Major providers offer dedicated ICP Filing support services and will guide you through their specific submission requirements. Upload your website files to the Chinese servers and configure your technical setup. Many cloud providers in China can help host your website; popular choices include: 

• AWS China
• Azure China
• Alibaba Cloud (Aliyun)
• Tencent Cloud
• Huawei Cloud

These popular cloud providers all provide ICP Filing application services and assistance. For provider options and account requirements, see our Cloud Provider Index and China Cloud Hosting guide.

Stage 3: Application Submission

Submit your ICP Filing application through your hosting provider’s management platform. This involves uploading all required documentation, providing detailed website information, and confirming technical specifications. Your hosting provider will conduct an initial review to ensure completeness.

Stage 4: Initial Review

The hosting provider performs a preliminary review of your application, checking for completeness and obvious compliance issues. They may request additional documentation or clarifications during this stage. Once satisfied, they forward your application to the relevant provincial communications administration bureau.

Stage 5: Government Review

The provincial communications administration reviews the application. The review period is up to 20 working days after the authority receives complete materials. Missing or incorrect information must be corrected before the filing can be approved.

Stage 6: Approval and Implementation

Once approved, you receive an ICP Filing number. Display it in the website’s homepage footer and link it to the MIIT filing database. This number typically follows the format “省份简称ICP备XXXXXXXX号”(省份简称 refers to the region abbreviation – this will reflect the region where the ICP is filed. 京 is Beijing, for instance). With your ICP Filing number, your website can legally operate within China’s internet ecosystem. Your ICP Filing number will be publicly available in an online database for companies to verify. Check that any other approvals required for the website are also in place before launch. Complete the separate PSB Filing after launch, as explained below.

To read more about how to get an ICP Filing or an ICP Commercial License, read our complete guide.

What Are the Common Challenges in ICP Filing?

While ICP Filing is more straightforward than commercial licensing, businesses still face several challenges:

Language and Communication Barriers

All ICP Filing applications and communications must be conducted in Chinese. Foreign companies should work with local partners or professional services that can provide accurate translations and navigate cultural nuances in the application process.

Documentation Accuracy

Chinese authorities require precise documentation with exact matches between business information, domain ownership, and hosting arrangements. Any discrepancies can result in application delays or rejections.

Content Compliance

Understanding and adhering to China’s content guidelines is crucial for successful ICP Filing. Websites must avoid prohibited content categories and implement appropriate content management policies.

Technical Configuration

Properly configuring hosting arrangements and ensuring all technical requirements are met can be challenging for businesses unfamiliar with Chinese internet infrastructure requirements.

How Long Does ICP Filing Take?

ICP Filing timelines are generally predictable. Government review takes up to 20 working days after the authority receives complete materials, with additional time needed for document preparation and cloud account setup. Below is a typical time breakdown:

Processing Time: Standard ICP Filing applications take 20 business days for government review, with additional time needed for preparation and hosting setup.

Preparation Time: Allow 1-2 weeks for document preparation and hosting setup before submitting your application.

Total Timeline: Most businesses should plan for 6-8 weeks from initial preparation to final approval.

How Do You Maintain ICP Filing Compliance?

Successful ICP Filing requires ongoing compliance and maintenance:

Annual Verification

ICP Filing requires annual verification to confirm continued compliance and accuracy of registered information. This process involves updating any changes to business information, contact details, or website content.

Content Management

Websites must maintain compliance with Chinese content regulations and implement appropriate content moderation where necessary. Regular content audits help ensure continued compliance.

Technical Maintenance

Maintain your hosting arrangements with approved Chinese providers and ensure your website remains accessible and functional. Any significant technical changes should be reported to authorities.

Information Updates

Notify authorities of any changes to business structure, legal representatives, domain ownership, or website purpose. Keeping your ICP Filing information current is essential for maintaining compliance.

What Are the Best Practices for Successful ICP Filing?

Maximise your chances of successful ICP Filing with these proven strategies:

Work with Experienced Partners

Engage local partners or professional service providers with proven experience in ICP Filing such as AppInChina. Their expertise can prevent common mistakes and accelerate the approval process.

Prepare Comprehensive Documentation

Gather all required documents well in advance and ensure accuracy and consistency across all materials. Double-check translations and verify that all information matches exactly.

Choose Reliable Hosting Providers

Select established, government-approved hosting providers with strong track records in supporting ICP Filing applications. Their guidance and support services are invaluable during the process.

Plan Content Carefully

Develop website content that clearly complies with Chinese regulations and accurately reflects your business purpose. Avoid ambiguous content that might raise compliance concerns.

Allow Adequate Time

Start your ICP Filing process well before your planned launch date. Build buffer time into your timeline to accommodate potential requests for additional information or minor delays. Most businesses should plan around 6–8 weeks from initial preparation to final ICP Filing approval, plus PSB Filing after approval.

What is China’s PSB Filing and Why Do You Need It After ICP Filing?

After successfully obtaining your ICP Filing, there’s a crucial additional step that many businesses overlook: Public Security Bureau (PSB) Filing, known in Chinese as the 公安备案. You must apply for PSB Filing within 30 days of receiving your ICP Filing approval or your website going live. Read our PSB Filing guide for the application process and required information.

How Should You Display Your ICP Filing Number?

According to Article 13 of the Administrative Measures for the Filing of Non-Commercial Internet Information Services, you must display the complete ICP Filing number in your website’s homepage footer and link it to the MIIT filing database.

Using the same footer across the website keeps the number visible on other pages. After PSB Filing approval, add the PSB registration number and its required verification link.

How Much Does ICP Filing Cost?

ICP Filing itself is free, but the total project is not usually free. Companies still need to pay for Chinese hosting, domain setup, cloud configuration, local partner support, translation, documentation and professional assistance where required.

Cost Area	What It Covers
ICP Filing government fee	Free. No Government Application Fee
Chinese hosting	Mainland China cloud server, CDN, storage or managed hosting
Domain preparation	Domain ownership, registration alignment and DNS setup
Documentation support	Business documents, responsible-person information, translations and consistency checks
Local partner support	Filing support where the foreign company does not have its own Chinese entity
Website localisation	Chinese content, compliance review and technical preparation
PSB Filing	Public Security Bureau filing after ICP approval

The practical cost depends on whether the company already has a Chinese entity and hosting account, or needs AppInChina to provide the local structure and cloud setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does ICP Filing Apply to Mobile Apps in China?

Yes. Since September 1, 2023, apps providing internet information services in China must complete the applicable app-filing process. Mini Programs also require their own filing information. An existing website ICP Filing does not automatically cover an app. An operator with an existing website filing can reuse its entity information, but must still submit the app’s details.

See our Mobile App Filing guide and WeChat Mini Program Filing guide for their requirements and application steps.

Are There Industry-Specific ICP Filing Considerations?

Different industries may face specific requirements or considerations during ICP Filing:

Technology Companies: Software and technology companies should clearly describe their products and services while ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.

Educational Institutions: Schools and educational organisations may need additional documentation regarding their educational mission and student data protection measures.

Healthcare Organisations: Medical and healthcare websites face stricter content guidelines and may require additional certifications.

Manufacturing Companies: Industrial and manufacturing businesses should focus on product information and avoid claims that might require additional regulatory approval.

What Are the Performance Benefits of Chinese Hosting?

Beyond legal compliance, hosting your website on Chinese servers with proper ICP Filing provides significant performance advantages:

Faster Loading Speeds: Websites hosted on Chinese servers load significantly faster for users in mainland China, improving user experience and engagement.

Better SEO Performance: Chinese search engines like Baidu favor websites hosted domestically with proper ICP Filing, potentially improving search rankings.

Reduced Latency: Local hosting eliminates the latency associated with international data transfers, providing smoother browsing experiences.

CDN Access: ICP Filing enables access to Chinese Content Delivery Networks (CDNs), further optimising website performance across different regions of China.

What Are Recent Changes to ICP Filing Regulations?

China’s ICP Filing regulations have undergone significant updates in recent years:

Mobile App Extension (2023): The most significant change was extending ICP Filing requirements to mobile applications, affecting thousands of international apps.

Enhanced Enforcement: Authorities have increased inspection and enforcement activities, with regular audits of website and app compliance.

Provincial Coordination: Improved coordination between provincial authorities has streamlined the filing process while maintaining strict compliance standards.

Data Security Integration: ICP Filing now incorporates broader data security and privacy requirements, reflecting China’s evolving digital governance framework.

What Happens If You Operate Without ICP Filing?

Operating a website in China without proper ICP Filing can result in serious consequences:

Website Blocking: The Great Firewall immediately blocks websites operating without valid ICP Filing once detected, making them inaccessible to Chinese users.

Financial Penalties: Fines ranging from CNY 10,000 to 50,000 can be imposed on businesses operating non-compliant websites.

Hosting Suspension: Chinese hosting providers are required to suspend services for websites without proper ICP Filing.

Legal Liability: In severe cases, website operators may face criminal liability for violations of internet regulations.

How Can AppInChina Help?

ICP Filing represents the foundational requirement for establishing a legal online presence in China. While the process requires careful preparation and attention to detail, it provides businesses with legitimate access to China’s digital market.

AppInChina helps international companies obtain the ICP Filing and prepare their websites for Mainland China hosting. Our services include:

• A free consultation to determine whether you need an ICP Filing, a Commercial ICP License, or both. 
• Hosting your website in China under your own entity or under our entity.
• Helping you obtain an ICP Filing for your website or solution under our own entity and cloud accounts.
• Ensuring you stay compliant with ICP guidelines once you have received it, this includes ensuring the helping you obtain the PSB Filing within the 30 days specified by the Public Security Bureau. 

Contact us today to get started!