How Do You Get Your App Approved in Multiple Countries?

Apps get rejected from app stores every single day—and when you're trying to launch in multiple countries at once, your chances of hitting approval roadblocks multiply pretty quickly. I've seen apps sail through approval in the UK only to get immediately rejected in Germany for privacy issues, or pass with flying colours in the US but get blocked in China for content restrictions. It's a bit mad really, because you might think an app is just an app, but each country treats your submission differently based on their own rules, cultural norms and legal requirements.

Here's the thing though—getting your app approved internationally isn't actually impossible. I mean, thousands of apps manage to launch globally every month. But it does require you to think ahead and plan for the differences you'll face. When I first started working on international launches, I made the mistake of thinking we could just translate the content and tick a few boxes. Wrong. Very wrong! The reality is that what's perfectly acceptable in one country might be completely banned in another, and the technical requirements can vary significantly too.

The biggest mistake developers make is treating international app approval like a checkbox exercise rather than understanding that each market has its own unique expectations and red lines.

Throughout this guide, I'm going to walk you through everything you need to know about getting your app approved across different countries. We'll cover the practical stuff—how app stores work in different regions, what legal requirements you need to meet, how to handle content that might be sensitive in certain cultures, and the technical bits that often trip people up. By the end, you'll have a proper roadmap for taking your app global without the headaches and expensive rejections that come from going in unprepared. Sure, its more work upfront, but it saves you months of back-and-forth with app store review teams later on.

Understanding App Store Requirements Across Regions

Right, so here's the thing—submitting your app to multiple countries isn't just a case of translating a few words and clicking submit. I mean, it would be nice if it were that simple, but Apple and Google have region-specific requirements that can trip you up if you're not prepared. Over the years I've seen apps get rejected because developers assumed what works in the UK would automatically work in Japan or Brazil, and honestly? That's rarely the case.

The App Store and Google Play both have their own approval processes, but they differ quite a bit depending on where you're launching. China is probably the most complex market to enter—you'll need an ICP license (Internet Content Provider license) just to operate there, and your app has to be hosted on servers within mainland China. Its not just a checkbox exercise either; the approval process can take months. South Korea has its own set of payment system requirements that caused a lot of headaches for developers. And don't even get me started on Germany's strict youth protection laws that affect how you present certain content.

Key Regional Requirements You Need to Know

Each region has its own quirks that you need to account for during submission. Understanding which countries require special app licences before you even begin the submission process can save you months of delays and unexpected roadblocks:

• China requires government approval and local server hosting—plus you'll work with third-party app stores since Google Play isn't available there
• European Union demands GDPR compliance documentation and clear data handling policies before approval
• South Korea requires alternative payment system support alongside the platform's own payment methods
• Russia needs apps to comply with data localisation laws, storing Russian user data on local servers
• Middle Eastern countries have content restrictions around religious and cultural sensitivities that affect approval
• Brazil and India both have specific tax documentation requirements that differ from Western markets

But here's what catches people out most often—age rating systems vary wildly between regions. What's rated 12+ in the US might be 16+ in Europe based on their different classification systems. You see, each country has its own rating board with different criteria, and you need to satisfy all of them to launch globally. Actually? This alone can delay your launch by weeks if you haven't planned for it properly.

Managing Different Legal and Privacy Rules

Right, so this is where things get a bit complicated—and honestly, its one of the areas where I see apps get rejected most often. Each country has its own set of rules about how you can collect, store and use peoples data, and you need to follow all of them if you want your app available globally. The big one everyone knows about is GDPR in Europe, but thats just the start really.

GDPR affects any app that has users in the European Union, and the penalties for getting it wrong are massive (we're talking millions in fines). You need explicit consent before collecting personal data; you need to let users download their data; you need to let them delete their accounts and all their information. And here's the thing—you cant just hide this stuff in a long terms and conditions document that nobody reads. It needs to be clear, simple and upfront.

But its not just Europe you need to worry about. California has CCPA, Brazil has LGPD, China has PIPL—each with their own requirements. Some countries require data to be stored locally within their borders. Others have strict rules about whats considered personal information. I mean, what counts as sensitive data in one country might be totally fine in another, which makes this whole process a bit mad really. This complexity of international compliance requirements means you need to research each market thoroughly before submission.

Key Legal Requirements by Region

Here are the main privacy laws you'll need to consider when launching globally:

• GDPR (European Union) - covers consent, data portability, right to be forgotten
• CCPA (California, USA) - gives users rights to know what data you collect and opt out of sales
• PIPL (China) - requires local data storage and government approval for transfers
• LGPD (Brazil) - similar to GDPR with consent and data protection requirements
• PDPA (Singapore) - focuses on legitimate purposes and consent for collection

Work with a lawyer who specialises in international data privacy before you launch. I know its an extra expense, but getting legal requirements wrong can cost you way more in fines and app rejections down the line.

Building Privacy Into Your App Design

The smart approach? Build your app to meet the strictest standards from day one. If you design for GDPR compliance, you'll already be most of the way there for other regulations. This means privacy by design—building data protection into your apps architecture rather than bolting it on later. Trust me, trying to retrofit privacy features into an existing app is painful and expensive.

You'll also need proper documentation; privacy policies that are actually readable, cookie notices if you're using tracking, terms of service that cover all your bases. And dont forget about childrens privacy laws like COPPA in the US—if your app might be used by kids under 13, theres a whole other set of rules to follow.

Handling Content Restrictions and Cultural Differences

Right, this is where things get properly tricky—what works in one country might be completely unacceptable in another. I mean, you could have an app that's perfectly fine in the UK but gets rejected outright in Germany or Saudi Arabia because of content restrictions you didn't even know existed.

The obvious stuff like gambling, alcohol and dating apps have different rules everywhere. In some Middle Eastern countries you cant show any gambling content at all, even if its just a fictional slot machine in a game. China has its own massive list of banned content including anything that "threatens national unity" which is... well, open to interpretation. And here's the thing—these restrictions change. Countries update their content policies based on current events and social attitudes, so what was fine last year might not be acceptable now.

But its not just about avoiding banned content; you need to think about cultural sensitivity too. Colours mean different things in different cultures—white is associated with mourning in some Asian countries whilst its seen as pure and clean in Western markets. Religious symbols can be problematic if used casually or incorrectly. Even hand gestures in your app icons or tutorials might be offensive in certain regions without you realising it.

Payment methods are another cultural consideration that people often miss. In Germany, direct debit is huge but credit cards are less common. In Japan, convenience store payments are normal. If your app only accepts cards, you're limiting your market before you even start. The smart approach is to research each target market properly—look at successful local apps and see how they handle sensitive topics. Work with native speakers who understand the cultural context, not just the language translation. And always, always have a way to quickly update content if something becomes problematic in a specific region.

Preparing Your App for International Compliance

Right, so you've figured out what rules you need to follow—now comes the part where you actually get your app ready for multi-country approval. This is where things get properly hands-on, and honestly, its where I see most teams make silly mistakes that could've been avoided.

First thing: documentation. I know, I know—not the most exciting part of app development. But here's the thing, every country wants to see proof that you're doing things properly. You need privacy policies written for each region (sometimes in multiple languages), terms of service that reference local consumer protection laws, and clear data handling documentation. The EU wants to know exactly where user data is stored and how its processed; China needs to see that data stays within their borders; California has its own rules entirely separate from federal US law. Make a spreadsheet. List every market you're launching in and what docs they require. Understanding the specific licensing requirements for each country will help you prepare the right documentation from the start.

The difference between apps that sail through approval and those that get rejected often comes down to having the right paperwork ready before submission, not the app itself

Build Compliance Into Your Code

Actually, the smart way to handle international compliance is to bake it into your app from the start rather than trying to retrofit it later. Use feature flags so you can turn certain functionality on or off depending on the user's location—this saves you from maintaining separate app versions. Set up your analytics and tracking systems to respect different consent requirements; some countries let you use implied consent whilst others (looking at you, GDPR) need explicit opt-in before you track anything. Build in age verification flows that can adapt to different requirements. Japan might need a different approach than Germany.

Testing Across Jurisdictions

Before you submit anywhere, test your app as if you were a user in each target country. Change your device region settings, use VPNs to simulate different locations, and make sure localisation isn't just translating text but actually respecting local formats—dates, currencies, measurement systems. I've seen apps get rejected because they showed prices in the wrong currency format or used MM/DD/YYYY dates in countries that expect DD/MM/YYYY. Small things matter when reviewers are looking for reasons to reject your submission.

The Technical Side of Multi-Country Submissions

Right, lets talk about the technical bits—because this is where things can get proper messy if you're not careful. When you're submitting to multiple countries, its not just about ticking boxes and uploading the same build everywhere. Each region has different technical requirements that your app needs to meet, and honestly, missing even one can derail your entire submission.

First up is localisation. I mean actual technical localisation, not just translating some text. Your app needs to support different languages, yes, but also different date formats, currency symbols, measurement units, and even reading directions for languages like Arabic or Hebrew. iOS and Android both have built-in localisation systems—use them properly. Don't hardcode strings into your app or you'll end up rebuilding sections later when you expand to new markets.

But here's the thing—your app bundle needs to be configured correctly for each store. Apple requires specific localised metadata, screenshots in the right dimensions for each language, and separate privacy policies that comply with local laws. China's App Store, for example, needs a completely separate Apple Developer account and often requires additional documentation. Google Play is a bit more flexible, but you still need to manage different APKs or app bundles for regional variations. The complexity of these requirements means you need to consider country-specific licensing and approval processes well before your planned launch date.

Technical Requirements Checklist

• Proper internationalisation of all user-facing text and UI elements
• Support for local payment methods in each region (WeChat Pay in China, UPI in India)
• Server infrastructure that meets data residency requirements
• Regional API endpoints and CDN distribution
• Correct SSL certificates and domain configurations for each market
• Testing on devices popular in target regions

Network performance matters too. If your app relies on server calls, you need to think about latency for users in different regions. A user in Japan doesn't want to wait for your server in London to respond every time they open your app. Setting up regional servers or using a proper CDN can make a massive difference to user experience and, by extension, your app store ratings.

Working With Age Ratings and Classifications

Age ratings are one of those things that people often leave until the last minute—but honestly, they can hold up your entire launch if you get them wrong. Every app store in every country has its own age rating system, and they all want to know whether your app is suitable for kids, teens or adults. The good news? Most of the major app stores now use a unified questionnaire system that generates ratings for multiple regions at once. The bad news? You still need to understand what each system is looking for.

Apple uses its own age rating system (4+, 9+, 12+, 17+) whilst Google Play has IARC ratings that cover multiple countries including Europe, the US, and Australia. But here's the thing—if you're launching in countries outside these systems you might need additional certifications. Brazil has its own classification board (ClassInd), South Korea requires the Game Rating and Administration Committee (GRAC) for games, and Germany has USK ratings that are taken very seriously. Missing even one of these can mean your app simply won't appear in that country's store.

What Affects Your Age Rating

The questionnaire asks about violence, sexual content, language, drug references, gambling, and horror themes. It also asks about user-generated content, social features, and whether your app can access the internet. You see, an app that lets users chat with strangers will automatically get a higher age rating than one without social features—even if the rest of the content is identical. Its worth being completely honest in these questionnaires because if Apple or Google discovers your app contains content you didn't declare, they can pull it from the store entirely.

One mistake I see all the time is developers choosing a lower age rating to reach a wider audience, then including features that should bump them up. If your app has in-app purchases, links to social media, or allows users to share content online, that affects your rating. And if you're targeting kids specifically (under 13 in most regions), you'll face additional requirements under laws like COPPA in the US and similar regulations elsewhere.

Getting It Right Across Regions

Different countries have different sensitivities. What's acceptable for a 12+ rating in the UK might require a 16+ rating in Germany. Some countries are particularly strict about gambling mechanics—even if there's no real money involved, things like loot boxes or gacha systems can affect your classification. I mean, its a bit mad really how much variation there is, but you need to work within these systems if you want global distribution.

Complete the age rating questionnaire before you start development, not after. This way you'll know exactly what content you can and cannot include without risking a higher rating than you want. If your desired features would result in an age rating that doesn't match your target audience, you'll need to make some tough decisions early on.

Here's what you'll need to track for major markets:

The IARC system has made things easier because one questionnaire generates ratings for multiple territories, but you still need to review each generated rating to make sure it matches your expectations. Sometimes the system will give you a higher rating in one country than another based on their specific criteria, and you'll need to decide whether to modify your app or accept the higher rating and potentially smaller audience in that market.

Common Approval Issues and How to Fix Them

Right, lets talk about the problems that actually come up when you're trying to get your app approved in different countries—because trust me, there are quite a few recurring ones that I see again and again. The good news? Most of them are fixable if you know what you're looking at.

Privacy policy issues are probably the biggest culprit. You'd be surprised how many apps get rejected because their privacy policy doesnt match whats actually happening in the app. If you're collecting location data but your policy doesn't mention it clearly, that's an instant rejection in most markets. Same goes for third-party SDKs that collect data—you need to disclose everything, even the stuff your analytics tools are doing in the background. The fix is simple; make sure your privacy policy is comprehensive and actually reflects your app's behaviour in each country.

Metadata and Content Problems

Another common issue is inappropriate metadata. This includes things like using competitor names in your app description (massive no-no), having screenshots that don't match your actual app, or including promotional language that violates store guidelines. Some countries are stricter about this than others—China's particularly tough on misleading content whilst Brazil pays close attention to age-appropriate imagery.

Technical Rejection Reasons

Here are the technical problems that cause most rejections:

• Crashes during the review process—testers will explore your app thoroughly and any instability means rejection
• Missing functionality that's mentioned in your description or screenshots
• Using private APIs or undocumented iOS/Android features
• Poor performance on lower-end devices (this matters more in emerging markets)
• Broken links to terms of service or support pages
• Apps that require specific hardware not available to reviewers

The key to avoiding these issues is thorough testing before submission. And I mean proper testing, not just checking if it works on your device. Test on different OS versions, different device types, and ideally in the actual countries you're submitting to. If you get rejected, dont panic—read the feedback carefully, fix the specific issue they've identified, and resubmit with a clear explanation of what you've changed.

Conclusion

Getting your app approved across multiple countries isn't as scary as it might seem when you first start out—but it does require proper planning and attention to detail. I mean, we've covered a lot of ground in this guide, from understanding different app store requirements to managing privacy laws and cultural differences. The key thing to remember? Its all about preparation.

Here's the thing: most rejection issues happen because developers rush the process or assume what works in one country will automatically work everywhere else. It wont. Each market has its own rules, its own expectations, and yes—its own quirks that you'll need to account for. But once you've done it a few times, the process becomes much more straightforward; you start to see the patterns and know what to look for before you even submit.

The technical side—localisation, age ratings, legal compliance—these aren't roadblocks meant to stop you. They're just steps in the process that need to be ticked off methodically. Keep good documentation of your app's features and data handling practices. Make sure you've got proper legal text for each region you're targeting. Test your app thoroughly in each language and region you plan to launch in...basically, treat each market with the respect it deserves rather than as an afterthought.

Look, international app launches do take more time and effort than single-country releases. But the payoff is access to billions of potential users across different markets. Start with your core markets, get those approvals sorted, then expand gradually. You don't need to launch in fifty countries on day one. Build your confidence and your processes with a few key regions, then scale from there. You've got this.