In China, an **ICP (Internet Content Provider) license or filing** is required for running websites hosted on servers located inside mainland China. The process depends on whether your site is commercial or non-commercial. Here’s a clear breakdown: --- ### 1. Types of ICP * **ICP Filing (备案 / Bei’an)** – Required for **non-commercial websites** (blogs, company profile pages, etc.). * **ICP Commercial License (许可证 / Xu Ke Zheng)** – Required for **websites offering paid online services** (e-commerce, platforms, apps with transactions). --- ### 2. Who Can Apply * Only **Chinese-registered companies** (with a valid business license). * For ICP Filing (备案), individuals with a Chinese ID and local hosting can also apply. * **Foreign companies cannot directly apply** – you’d need a local entity (WFOE, JV, or Chinese partner). --- ### 3. Application Steps 1. **Get a Domain Name** * Must be registered with a provider approved by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). * The domain’s owner must match your company/individual applying. 2. **Choose a Hosting Provider in Mainland China** * Cloud providers like **Aliyun (Alibaba Cloud), Tencent Cloud, Huawei Cloud** help with the ICP process. * Hosting outside China (e.g., Hong Kong, US) does not require ICP, but your site may be blocked/slowed by the Great Firewall. 3. **Prepare Required Documents** * Company: Business license, official seal, website administrator’s ID (Chinese citizen or local staff), phone number. * Individual: Chinese ID card, photo verification. * Some providers require a **“real photo”** of the responsible person (done at designated photo points). 4. **Submit Through Hosting Provider** * Hosting company submits your application to MIIT on your behalf. * You’ll fill out forms, upload documents, and pass verification. 5. **MIIT Review** * ICP Filing: usually **2–6 weeks**. * ICP Commercial License: longer, **up to 3–6 months** with stricter requirements. --- ### 4. Costs * ICP Filing: **Free** (only need hosting/domain costs). * ICP Commercial License: **Application fee may apply**, depends on industry, legal support, and local bureau. --- ### 5. Alternatives If You’re Overseas * Use **Hong Kong hosting** (no ICP needed, faster global access, still reachable in China but subject to GFW filtering). * Use a **Chinese partner company** to register the ICP on your behalf. * Set up a **WFOE (Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise)** in China, then apply. --- ✅ In short: * If your company is in China → register domain + hosting with Alibaba/Tencent/Huawei Cloud → apply for ICP through them. * If outside China → you’ll need a Chinese partner or entity, otherwise host outside (Hong Kong/Singapore/US). --- Do you want me to **write you a step-by-step guide specifically for a foreign company** (without a Chinese entity), or do you already have a Chinese business license?