Introduction
To legally host a website on servers located in mainland China, you must obtain an ICP Filing (ICP备案) from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).
The filing process and requirements differ depending on whether you are an individual or a company (business entity). Understanding these differences is essential for preparing the correct documentation and avoiding delays.
This article explains the key ICP Filing requirements and compares individual vs company applications in detail.
What Is ICP Filing?
ICP Filing (Internet Content Provider Filing) is a mandatory registration for all websites hosted in mainland China.
Without an ICP number, your hosting provider will not allow your website to go live, and your site will be considered non-compliant by Chinese regulators.
General Requirements for All Applicants
Regardless of whether you are applying as an individual or a company, you must meet these baseline conditions:
- The website must be hosted on a server in mainland China.
- The domain name must be registered under the same entity (individual or company) applying for the ICP.
- You must use a Chinese hosting provider (e.g., Alibaba Cloud, Tencent Cloud, Huawei Cloud, AWS China).
- The content must comply with Chinese internet regulations and cannot include prohibited information.
Individual ICP Filing Requirements
Eligibility
Individuals (citizens or residents of mainland China) can apply for ICP Filing if they host a non-commercial website, such as:
- A personal blog
- A portfolio or resume site
- An informational website does not offer paid services
Required Documents
- Valid Chinese ID card (front and back)
- Mobile number registered in mainland China
- Recent photo of the applicant holding the ID card (required for verification)
- Domain registration proof showing that the applicant’s name matches the domain owner
- Website description (usually short and non-commercial)
Limitations
- Individuals cannot operate commercial websites or provide paid services through their ICP Filing.
- Some provinces may limit the number of personal websites that can be filed under one ID.
Company ICP Filing Requirements
Eligibility
Companies or organizations registered in mainland China can apply for an ICP Filing to host corporate or informational websites.
Required Documents
- Business license (issued by the Administration for Market Regulation)
- Legal representative ID (front and back)
- Website administrator ID and contact details
- Domain registration certificate showing ownership under the company’s name
- Letter of authorization (if the website admin is not the legal representative)
- Website information form (site name, purpose, service scope, etc.)
Benefits
- Companies can operate corporate or product websites.
- They can later apply for an ICP Commercial License (ICP经营许可证) if they provide online services or e-commerce.
- Company filings are generally seen as more stable and credible for business operations.
Comparison: Individual vs Company ICP Filing
| Requirement / Feature | Individual | Company |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Chinese citizens or residents | Legally registered Chinese businesses |
| Website type | Non-commercial only | Corporate or informational |
| Required ID | Chinese ID card | Business license + legal representative ID |
| Domain ownership | Must match the company name | Must match company name |
| Website purpose | Personal blog, portfolio, hobby | Business, product, or organization site |
| Can apply for ICP License | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Hosting provider | Mainland China server | Mainland China server |
| Verification method | Photo holding ID | Company stamp or authorization letter |
| Number of allowed sites | Limited | Multiple allowed under one license |
Key Takeaways
- Individuals can only file for non-commercial websites and must use their personal ID.
- Companies can file for corporate websites, use their business license, and are eligible for commercial expansion later.
- The domain name ownership and hosting location must always match the filing entity.
- The MIIT approval process typically takes 3–6 weeks, depending on the province and hosting provider.
Conclusion
Whether you’re an individual or a company, ICP Filing is the first step to making your website legally accessible in mainland China.
For individuals, it enables personal sites to operate within China’s internet regulations. For companies, it’s the foundation for building a compliant, credible online presence – and a prerequisite for obtaining an ICP License if commercial activity is involved.
