Introduction
If you plan to host your website on a server located in mainland China, you must complete an ICP Filing (ICP备案) – a mandatory registration with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).
This process ensures that your website complies with Chinese internet regulations and can go live legally.
In this article, we’ll explain the entire ICP Filing process step by step, including who can apply, which documents are required, and how long it takes.
Step 1. Choose a Hosting Provider in Mainland China
Before starting your ICP Filing, your website must be hosted on a mainland China server.
Common providers include:
- Alibaba Cloud (Aliyun)
- Tencent Cloud
- Huawei Cloud
- AWS China
Tip: If your website is hosted outside mainland China (for example, in Hong Kong or Singapore), you do not need the ICP Filing; however, your site may be blocked by the Great Firewall if it targets mainland users.
Step 2. Prepare Required Documents
You must prepare different documents depending on whether you are applying as an individual or a company.
For Individuals
- Chinese ID card (front and back)
- Mainland China mobile number
- Photo of applicant holding ID card (for verification)
- Domain registration certificate showing the applicant’s name
For Companies
- Business license (issued in China)
- Legal representative’s ID (front and back)
- Website administrator’s ID and contact info
- Domain registration certificate showing the company’s name
- Letter of authorization (if applicable)
Important: The domain name owner must match the filing entity name exactly (either personal name or company name).
Step 3. Submit Application to Hosting Provider
ICP Filings are not submitted directly to MIIT – instead, they must go through your Chinese hosting provider, which acts as the first reviewer.
Your hosting provider will provide an online filing system.
During this stage, you’ll need to fill out:
- Website information (name, purpose, service type)
- Domain details
- Contact and administrator information
- Upload all required documents
Step 4. Provider Preliminary Review
After submission, your hosting provider will review your documents and verify your identity.
If everything looks correct, they will forward your application to the local MIIT bureau (usually in the province where the hosting server is located).
This internal review usually takes 3–5 working days.
Step 5. MIIT Review and Approval
Once the application reaches the MIIT, the official review begins.
The MIIT checks:
- Whether your information matches the hosting provider’s records.
- Whether your website content complies with Chinese internet laws.
- Whether your domain is properly registered and linked.
This step typically takes 10–20 working days, depending on the province and workload.
Step 6. ICP Number Issued
Once approved, your website will receive a unique ICP Filing number (e.g., 京ICP备12345678号).
You must display this number clearly in the footer of your website, typically in this format:
<p>© 2025 YourCompanyName. All rights reserved. 京ICP备12345678号</p>
📌 The number must link to the MIIT’s official verification page:
👉 https://beian.miit.gov.cn/
Step 7. Website Goes Live
After you receive your ICP number, your hosting provider will activate your website hosting service.
At this point, your website can legally go live in mainland China.
Timeline Summary
| Stage | Responsible Party | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|
| Document Preparation | Applicant | 1–3 days |
| Hosting Provider Review | Hosting company | 3–5 working days |
| MIIT Approval | Local MIIT bureau | 10–20 working days |
| Total Estimated Time | 3–6 weeks |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Domain name owner and filing entity names do not match.
- Using an overseas phone number for verification.
- Submitting incomplete or blurry document scans.
- Filing a commercial website under an individual filing (will be rejected).
Conclusion
Completing an ICP Filing is a crucial step before launching your website in mainland China.
While the process may seem complicated, following the correct steps and preparing the right documents will make it much smoother.
