How to Obtain an ICP License in China: Step-by-Step Guide

Major companies have been expanding to China to secure a portion of the market there. With internet penetration in China reaching 78.6% in 2024, translating to over 1.1 billion internet users, China’s digital landscape continues to grow rapidly. This is why businesses worldwide are trying to build their brands and expand their presence in the Chinese market.

If you are planning to improve your online presence in China, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about obtaining an ICP license and operating legally within China’s digital ecosystem.

What is an ICP license?

An ICP license is mandatory for all businesses that want to manage a website in China. ICP, or Internet Content Provider, also known as ICP Bei-an (备案), is a registration issued by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) that allows websites to legally operate on servers located within mainland China. This license system was introduced in 2000 by the Telecommunications Regulations of the People’s Republic of China. Therefore, with an ICP license, you can host a website in China, which translates to having a website that runs and loads faster. You will also gain access to a Chinese CDN (Content Delivery Network). Before your website goes live, you need to choose a suitable domain name for your website. After that, you must complete your ICP registration and obtain a license.

Why Do I Need an ICP License in China?

An ICP license gives you unrestricted access to China’s online market. In contrast, websites without an ICP license are subject to continuous monitoring by China’s public network security agencies to ensure compliance with national security regulations. This results in slower website performance and could lead to blacklisting. These measures are part of the Great Firewall of China, a nationwide network security framework designed to protect the country’s digital ecosystem from foreign influence. With an ICP license, your content is delivered efficiently to end-users, and you have ensured a fast and accessible website in China!

What types of ICP licenses are there?

Knowing the difference between the types of ICP licences can help you understand which type would be suitable for your website.

ICP Filing

An ICP Filing (also known as ‘Bei-an’ in Chinese) is a license for non-commercial and informational websites that do not engage in direct sales or online transactions. Applying for an ICP Filing license is simple and allows hosting on servers in mainland China. The ICP Filing registration process is faster than for the commercial license. Applicants can expect to have their request handled within two months.

Commercial ICP License

The commercial ICP license is required for businesses that are selling products online in China, such as a Chinese e-commerce website. The ICP License application process is longer and has stricter requirements. It could also take longer for the license to be approved (about 60-90 working days). If you want to make your website work better for your business, you need to apply for the ICP commercial license.

How Do I Get an ICP License?

Obtaining an ICP license is crucial for your digital presence in China. This is why we are providing you with more information on the documentation and steps needed to get one.

ICP License Requirements and Documentation

Some documents and information that you will need to have prepared for the registration process include:

• Signed copy of application form for ICP license
• Business website domain name certification
• Copy of your business license in China
• Info on contact person in China (must be a Chinese national)
• Info on company owner (can be a foreigner)
• Photo of the webmaster

What is the Process for an ICP Registration?

The application process is available on the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) website. As the application is only available in Chinese, you will require assistance from someone who is able to read Chinese.

STEP 1: Establish Legal Presence in China

If your business is not yet registered in China, you won’t be able to apply for an ICP license. There are a few options you can consider:

• Setting up a Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise (WFOE). This will take up to 6 months to process.
• Partnering with a Chinese company
• An agency registers your ICP license for your website. There are significant risks in handing over your Intellectual Property, website database, or domain name. The preferred option for many of our clients is to host their website in Hong Kong, as the proximity to China provides better speed than other countries.

For those in the initial phase, our guide on how to launch your startup in China is a great place to start!

STEP 2: Register for a Domain Name and a Hosting Server Based in China

Your website must be hosted on a server physically located in mainland China. Choose the best hosting provider in China for your business that will be familiar with ICP regulations. We can support you with the initial steps of registering your domain in China.

STEP 3: Acquire your ICP service number

This number, also known as the Bei-an service number, will be bound to the server and domain that you had previously registered for. If you have more than one domain and server, you will be able to obtain more than one ICP server number.

STEP 4: Register and Log In To the ICP Management System.

Here, you will be required to input the following information:

• ICP service number
• Province/district you are located in
• Type of ICP license you are applying for
• Type of identification
• Identification number
• Domain name
• Chinese landline number and an office in China
• Chinese mobile number
• Passport photo
• Additional information on your website and business

STEP 5: Verification and Approval

The MIIT reviews your application, which typically takes 3 to 6 weeks, depending on the region. If your application is rejected, common reasons include incomplete documentation, content violations, or inconsistent information. You will receive feedback to correct and resubmit.

What Happens When I Get My ICP License Number?

Once the verification and approval process is complete, your ICP license is issued.

In case of ICP license rejection, some of the reasons could be incomplete documentation, content violations, or inconsistent information.

Display and Verification of ICP Number

You need to display your ICP number on the website’s footer and ensure compliance with the Chinese regulations. What you need to do to maintain compliance is to regularly update the content on your website and report any major changes to your business or the website. You also need to apply annually and renew it.

What Are the Risks of Operating a Website in China Without an ICP License?

Operating a website in China without a valid ICP license exposes your business to serious risks:

• Website Blocking: The Great Firewall in China can block or slow down offshore-hosted sites, severely limiting your reach.
• Fines: Violations can result in fines up to RMB 1 million (~$140,000).
• Reputational Damage: Being blacklisted harms brand credibility.
• Data Localization Penalties: Under the Personal Information Protection Law (2021), businesses need to provide secure storage of Chinese user data within mainland China, with strict penalties for non-compliance.
• Legal Restrictions: Foreign companies cannot apply for a commercial ICP license without a local partner or entity, requiring WFOEs or joint ventures.

Ensuring your website is properly licensed is critical to avoid these penalties and maintain reliable access to China’s rapidly growing online audience.

What Are the Resources for the ICP License Application?

Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) Guidelines

The MIIT’s official website provides up-to-date guidelines on ICP license requirements, application procedures, and documentation. It clarifies the differences between ICP filing and commercial licenses and offers insights into regulatory changes. Using these official resources ensures your application is accurate and compliant, helping avoid delays or rejections.

Alibaba Cloud ICP Filing System

Alibaba Cloud offers a streamlined ICP filing platform that simplifies the submission process. It automates document handling, reduces errors, and provides real-time status updates. This system is especially useful for newcomers, offering step-by-step guidance and technical support to efficiently manage ICP filings and ensure regulatory compliance.

Legal Assistance for ICP Issues

The ICP application process can be complex, particularly for foreign businesses unfamiliar with Chinese regulations, but our guide to obtaining an ICP can help. Legal experts specializing in Chinese internet law provide valuable guidance on documentation, eligibility, and compliance. They can assist in resolving delays or rejections and represent your interests with Chinese authorities, minimizing risks and increasing the chances of successful approval.

To get further information and assistance in obtaining an ICP, make sure to learn more about how to go live in China in 2025.

Additional Considerations for Foreign Companies

Foreign companies face unique challenges in obtaining an ICP license:

• Ownership Restrictions: Only Chinese-registered entities or joint ventures with less than 50% foreign ownership can apply for commercial ICP licenses.
• Language Barrier: The entire application process is conducted in Chinese, requiring translation and local expertise.
• Hosting Location: Hosting outside mainland China without an ICP license results in slower site speeds and potential blocking by the Great Firewall. To help you choose the right hosting provider, we have prepared a comparison between Alibaba vs Amazon Cloud (AWS) to assess them better!
• Data Compliance: Businesses must comply with data localization and privacy laws, including the PIPL and Data Security Law.

Many foreign firms choose to establish a WFOE or partner with local companies to meet these requirements and maintain control over their digital assets.

Rounding up the ICP process

Obtaining an ICP license is achievable as long as you have a legally registered business entity in China and the necessary documentation in place. While the process can seem complex—especially for those unfamiliar with Chinese regulations and language requirements—having a clear understanding and proper guidance can make it much more manageable.

At Eggplant Digital, we simplify this journey by assisting you in securing your ICP license under your business name in as little as 10 working days, ensuring you can operate in China smoothly. Beyond licensing, our experienced server engineers handle the setup and ongoing management of cloud hosting within China.

If you have any questions or need support navigating the ICP application process, leave us a comment or get in touch with us today. In the meantime, you can explore the social media platforms that Chinese corporations favour.

If you want to get more in-depth about getting your online presence in China up and running efficiently, then check out this extended ICP license guide from our partners at Synclone AI.