About .ao domain
.ao is the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Angola, managed by the Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technologies (MTTI) through the DNS.AO registry. It was delegated in 1995 and was relaunched for commercial registration under a new government-run system in 2019. The domain product is administered to strengthen digital sovereignty and security for entities connected to the country.
Who can register .ao domain
Registration for .ao domains is primarily restricted to entities within Angola. Foreign entities or individuals are generally not permitted to register names directly under .ao, though historical rules allowed for registrations in specific third-level subdomains like .it.ao. A government-run registrar, Serviços Públicos Electrónicos do Governo de Angola, is approved for issuance, and registration requests are subject to a validation period.
How to register .ao domain
- Check Availability: Search for your desired domain name on the official DNS.AO website or through the approved government registrar to see if it is available for registration under the permitted second or third-level structure.
- Review Requirements and Pricing: Confirm your eligibility as an entity within Angola and review the annual registration cost, which was reduced to 8000 Kwanzas at the time of the registry relaunch.
- Submit Application: Complete the registration request through the approved government registrar, providing accurate contact and organizational details for the validation process.
- Await Validation: After submission, your request enters a 96-hour validation period where a panel of experts reviews it for conflicts with national interests, trademark issues, or other policy violations before the registration becomes definitive.
Typical uses of .ao domain
The .ao domain extension is most commonly used by businesses, organizations, and individuals based in Angola to establish a local online presence. It signals a clear connection to the Angolan market, which is valuable for companies targeting local customers, government entities, and cultural projects. While its use was historically limited, the 2019 relaunch aimed to increase adoption for websites serving the Angolan community, offering a nationally recognized alternative to generic TLDs.
Tips for registering .ao domain
- Registrations are subject to a 96-hour validation period after application, during which a panel can reject requests that conflict with national interests or trademarks.
- Registration is primarily restricted to entities physically located within Angola, with foreign registrations not generally permitted under the current system.
- Domains are registered on an annual basis, and pricing is set by the government-run registry.
- The registry structure allows for registrations at both the second level and beneath specific second-level labels (third level).
Frequently asked questions about .ao domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .ao domain?
As of today, .ao domains start from $349.00/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $379.99/yr across 2 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .ao domains?
NameBeta tracks 2 registrars that support .ao domain registration, with the cheapest option at $349.00/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .ao domain?
The registry for .ao domains is INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE FOMENTO DA SOCIEDADE DA INFORMACAO-INFOSI, administered by Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technologies (MTTI).
Who can register a .ao domain?
Registration is primarily open to entities and individuals physically located within Angola. While the official terms state "anyone can request" a domain, the practical implementation and registry policies restrict definitive registration to those with a local presence. Foreign entities historically could only register under specific subdomains like .it.ao, but current commercial registration focuses on serving the Angolan market.
Can I transfer a .ao domain between registrars?
The process for transferring a .ao domain between registrars is governed by the DNS.AO registry policies. Given that there is a single approved, government-run registrar for commercial registrations, inter-registrar transfers may not be a standard offering. Domain holders should contact the DNS.AO registry directly for the most current information on any transfer or management change procedures.
What happens during the 96-hour validation period?
After a registration request is submitted, it enters a 96-hour review period before becoming definitive. A panel of experts evaluates the application to ensure it does not conflict with national interests, is not confusingly similar to existing trademarks, does not have a pejorative meaning, and is not made in bad faith (e.g., for speculative resale without use). If the panel identifies an issue, the registration can be denied.
Can I register a .ao domain name if I have an Angolan trademark?
The registry's terms specifically prohibit registering a domain in the name of an entity that is not the legitimate holder of the corresponding trademark. If you hold a registered trademark in Angola, you have a stronger claim to the matching domain name. However, your application would still need to pass the standard validation check and comply with all other local presence requirements.
Are there any content requirements for .ao websites?
The registry's terms indicate that registrations made individually or in bulk that are not used to convey content can be flagged during the validation period. This suggests there is an expectation that registered domains will be used actively for a website or online service, rather than being parked indefinitely without content. The panel may review this during the initial 96-hour validation.
