ICP Registration is the mandatory approval you need from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) to legally host a website or app on servers (or mainland CDN) in Mainland China. This practical playbook explains who needs it, how it differs from a commercial license, what to prepare, and how to complete the companion Public Security Bureau (PSB) filing so you can go live—fast and compliant.
What is ICP Registration?
ICP Registration (often called ICP filing or Bei’an) is MIIT’s filing process that lets informational websites or apps operate on servers/CDNs in Mainland China. It is different from the Commercial ICP License, which authorizes revenue‑generating online services and is part of China’s Value‑Added Telecom Services (VATS) regime under category B25.
ICP Registration vs. commercial ICP License vs. PSB Filing (quick view)
| Item | Authority | Purpose | When you need it |
|---|---|---|---|
| ICP Registration (Filing / Bei’an) | MIIT (Provincial Comms Admin) | Legalize China‑hosted site/app | All China‑hosted sites/apps |
| Commercial ICP License | MIIT (Telecom authority) | Operate paid online information services | If your site/app sells online services to public |
| PSB Network Filing | MPS (Public Security) | Register website/app for public‑security oversight | Within 30 days after go‑live |
Sources: MIIT ICP system (definition), Alibaba Cloud ICP documentation (scenarios), AppInChina B25 explainer, and Cloudflare developer guide.
Who needs ICP Registration and who doesn’t
You need ICP Registration if your site or app is hosted on infrastructure physically located in mainland China (cloud, IDC, or local CDN nodes). If you host outside China and only serve Chinese users via cross‑border networks, you generally don’t apply ICP Registration—but performance and compliance expectations may still nudge you toward China‑based hosting later. Many foreign brands begin offshore and switch once product‑market fit is clear.
Step‑by‑step: how to complete ICP Registration
Step 1: Select hosting and region
Choose a China‑based cloud or IDC. Many providers facilitate pre‑checks and upload channels for ICP Registration with MIIT and local communications bureaus. AWS China, for example, outlines a practical recordal flow from account registration through authority approval.
Step 2: Prepare your entity and real‑name info
You’ll need a Chinese business license (enterprise ICP), or an eligible individual ID for personal sites. Foreign‑invested entities can file ICP Registration using their Chinese legal entity information.
Step 3: Submit application on the MIIT Bei’an system
Your provider’s console will guide you, but final records sit in the MIIT system at beian.miit.gov.cn.
Step 4: Pass SMS/ID checks and bureau review
Expect SMS verification, image or video checks, and a provincial‑level review. Resubmissions are common; keep your legal name and address consistent with your business license.
Step 5: Receive the filing number and publish it
Once ICP Registration is approved, publish the ICP number in your website footer and link it back to MIIT’s portal; this is a standard post‑filing obligation referenced by major clouds and required by local rules.
Required documents
For enterprise (recommended for foreign companies)
- Chinese business license (scan)
- Legal representative ID (scan)
- Domain ownership proof with real‑name registration
- Hosting provider service agreement / order
- Site admin contact with Chinese mobile number
For individual (limited use cases)
- Resident ID (or other accepted ID)
- Domain under the individual’s real‑name
Keep your company name, domain WHOIS, and filing contact data aligned to avoid review delays during ICP Registration.
Hosting, domains, and the MIIT Bei’an system
Where you host and which domain you use both affect ICP Registration:
- Mainland hosting is mandatory for ICP Registration; offshore hosting won’t pass MIIT review.
- .cn domains are not required, but domains must be under real‑name verification and controlled by the filing entity.
- Provider pre‑checks (AWS China, Tencent Cloud, Aliyun) help you format materials in Chinese and synchronize what MIIT expects.
Timelines, costs, and a realistic schedule
Use this baseline when planning ICP Registration:
| Phase | Typical Duration | Owner |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting purchase & account KYC | 1–3 days | Company + Cloud |
| MIIT application prep | 2–5 days | Company/Agent |
| Provider pre‑review | 3–7 days | Cloud |
| Provincial MIIT review | 10–20 days | Regulator |
| PSB network filing (post‑launch) | ≤30 days after go‑live | Company |
Fees to MIIT are not the main cost. Most spend on service providers, translations, seals, and internal time.
Compliance after ICP Registration (footer number, PSB 30‑day rule)
After ICP Registration, display your ICP number in the footer, and link the number back to MIIT’s site. Failing to show or link the number can trigger corrections or fines. Aliyun Help Center
Within 30 days of going live, complete the PSB network filing via the PSB platform (now at beian.mps.gov.cn); local notices and cloud guides emphasize this specific deadline.
Data and cross‑border transfer touchpoints
ICP Registration doesn’t replace data‑governance rules. If you move personal or important data overseas, check the evolving cross‑border frameworks. In 2024–2025 China issued measures to ease certain data‑export reviews and extend approval validity, while keeping security assessments for “important data.” These updates reduce friction for some flows but still require case‑by‑case analysis.
7 costly mistakes to avoid with ICP Registration
- Wrong hosting location. Offshore servers can’t pass ICP Registration.
- Entity mismatch. Filing entity, domain holder, and invoice name must match.
- Skipping the footer link. Don’t just show a number—link it to MIIT. Aliyun Help Center
- Forgetting PSB filing. You must file with PSB within 30 days of go‑live. Tencent Cloud
- Assuming filing = license. Paid online services may need the commercial ICP license. Amazon Web Services, Inc.
- Inconsistent Chinese names. Use the exact registered Chinese entity name everywhere.
- Ignoring data‑export rules. Plan for cross‑border transfers and supplier access. Reuters
FAQs on ICP Registration for foreign companies
Can a Hong Kong company complete ICP Registration?
Only a mainland Chinese entity (including a Wholly Foreign‑Owned Enterprise or JV) can complete enterprise ICP Registration. Many groups set up a small mainland entity for hosting and operations, while keeping regional HQ elsewhere.
Do I need both ICP and PSB filings?
Yes. ICP Registration (MIIT) for hosting legality; PSB filing for network security registration after you go live. Different systems, different authorities. MIIT BeianBeian MPS
What if we provide SaaS?
If your service is paid online information service to the public, check whether a commercial ICP license or additional telecom licenses (e.g., EDI) apply in your province. Amazon Web Services, Inc.
How do we check a competitor’s filing?
Use MIIT’s public query on beian.miit.gov.cn to verify ICP numbers and entities. MIIT Beian
Work with a trusted partner
If you’re new to China compliance, a local partner can prepare materials, coordinate the cloud pre‑review, track bureau feedback, and complete the PSB filing on time. For an end‑to‑end solution, see FDI China’s ICP guide to explore service options and timelines tailored to foreign‑invested entities.