WeChat Mini Program Registration, Verification & Filing Guide (with FAQs)
Required Materials:
- Email Address: A valid email that has not been registered with the WeChat Official Platform, WeChat Open Platform, or linked to a personal WeChat account.
- Business License: A clear photo of the printed business license.
- Legal Representative’s ID: Front and back images of the ID card.
- Administrator’s Mobile Number
- Emergency Contact Number
- Bank Information: Required for enabling WeChat Pay.
Registration Process
1. Registration Entry
1.1 Go to the WeChat Official Platform homepage, and click “Register Now” in the top-right corner.
1.2 Select “Mini Program” as the account type.
2. Account Information
2.1 Fill in the required registration information as prompted. (Note: The email must not be previously used on other WeChat platforms or bound to a personal account.)
2.2 Read and agree to the terms and conditions, then click “Register”.
3. Email Activation
Log in to the email you provided and click the activation link sent by the system. (Check your spam folder if you don’t see the email in your inbox.)
4. Entity Information
4.1 After email verification, proceed to entity information entry. Select the correct entity type that matches your organization.
Note: Mini Programs under personal entities cannot use commercial services or be verified. For such functions, registration as a non-personal entity is required.
4.2 Click “Next”.
4.3 Enter your business license number, company name, and other required information.
4.4 You can verify your entity through one of two methods:
- Option 1: Bank Transfer Verification — Transfer a small amount from your company’s public account to Tencent to verify the entity.
- Option 2: WeChat Verification — Submit business credentials and pay a verification fee of RMB 300.
Verification is required to apply for WeChat Pay. Certain features will be unavailable until verification is approved.
4.5 Fill in administrator information, confirm all entity details, and click “Confirm” to complete registration.
Verification & ICP Filing for Mini Programs
Starting September 1, 2023, all Mini Programs must complete ICP filing before being published. Verification must be completed before filing.
Why Filing is Required:
According to the PRC Anti-Telecom Fraud Law and Administrative Measures on Internet Information Services (State Council Order No. 292), all app operators in China must file their application with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). Without proper filing, Mini Programs are prohibited from offering services or going live.
Filing Deadlines:
- For unpublished Mini Programs: Filing is required before launch starting September 1, 2023.
- For existing Mini Programs: Filing must be completed by March 31, 2024. Failure to do so may result in delisting from April 1, 2024.
Verification & Filing Procedures
Verification:
- WeChat Verification Fee: RMB 300 (non-refundable), used to authorize a third-party to audit your entity, qualifications, naming compliance, and online services.
- Verification Methods:
- Method 1: Bank Transfer Verification.
- Method 2: Pay RMB 300 for official WeChat Verification. Review time is 1–5 business days.
Some features will be restricted until verification is complete.
- Administrator Information: Must be provided and cannot be changed after submission.
- Confirmation: Once all details are submitted and verified, registration is complete.
ICP Filing Process
Filing is only available after verification. For Guangdong-based companies, signed and stamped documents must be uploaded.
For businesses in special industries or requiring prior approval, customer service support is available for free.
Click “File Now” on the Mini Program homepage to start the filing process.
Required Filing Materials & Steps
Filing consists of five main steps:
- Enter filing information
- Platform initial review
- MIIT SMS verification
- Provincial telecom bureau review
- Successful filing confirmation
Step-by-Step Breakdown:
Platform Initial Review
- After submission, WeChat will conduct a preliminary review within 1–2 working days.
- Results will be sent via internal messages or notifications.
- Please keep the phone number associated with the filing accessible for confirmation calls.
- Filing progress can be tracked on the platform.
MIIT SMS Verification
- A text message will be sent by MIIT from number 12381.
- Both the legal representative and administrator must verify via SMS within 24 hours on the MIIT filing portal: https://beian.miit.gov.cn.
- If the code is invalid, you may request a resend.
- If verification is not completed within 24 hours, the application will be automatically rejected, and you’ll need to resubmit.
Telecom Bureau Review
- Review time: 1–20 working days (based on your local telecom bureau).
- Notification will be sent via SMS or internal message.
Filing Approval
- Once approved, a filing number will be issued, and the Mini Program may proceed to launch.
Displaying the Filing Number
- After launch, the filing number will automatically appear in the “More Info” section of the Mini Program—no manual placement needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How long does the filing review take?
A: Typically within one week, depending on the province. Please refer to official announcements for updates.
Q2: Can I file across provinces?
A: Cross-province filing is not recommended. For personal entities, temporary residence permits or social security documentation are required.
Q3: What if the business requires pre-approvals or additional authorization?
A: Provide a declaration stating no pre-approval is required, or contact customer service for free filing assistance.