Essential Qualification Checklist for Launching a WeChat Mini Program

Qualification Checklist

Developing and launching a mini program may seem simple, but the pre‑launch paperwork—business licenses, industry permits, payment applications, and more—can be a major obstacle.

Cloud Services

Register a cloud service provider account, complete enterprise real‑name verification, purchase servers, etc. This infrastructure setup usually takes a short time.

If early funding is limited, you can start with inexpensive servers without affecting development progress.

Domain and ICP Filing

Includes domain purchase, real‑name verification, ICP filing, public security filing, and related steps. ICP filing typically takes 21‑22 days and requires business license documents.

Domestic servers require ICP filing; servers located in Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, or overseas do not need Ministry of Industry and Information Technology filing.

Mini Program Account

Involves registering a mini‑program developer account, enterprise verification, category application, WeChat verification, and mini‑program filing.

WeChat verification costs ¥300 per attempt (¥30 for individual users). If verification fails, the fee must be paid again.

Since 1 September 2023, mini programs also require filing; after completion, the filing number appears on the mini‑program details page.

Merchant Number

Includes merchant number registration, agreement signing, binding scenarios, mainly for enabling mini‑program payment functions.

If the mini program does not need payment, this step can be skipped.

Service Qualifications

Depending on the services offered by the mini program, additional industry qualifications may be required, with timeframes varying by service type.

Preparing these qualifications in advance prevents detours and smooths the overall development process.