About .bg domain
.bg is a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Bulgaria. It was delegated on 3 January 1995 and is operated by the registry Register.BG. The extension is a well-established domain product with a structured registration policy and support for both Latin and Cyrillic scripts in domain labels.
Who can register .bg domain
Registrations are open to a defined set of eligible entities. This includes private persons or legal entities with legal or commercial registration in Bulgaria or an EU member state. Foreign companies can register if they maintain a registered branch or commercial representative office in Bulgaria. Bulgarian citizens, foreigners with permanent residence in Bulgaria, and citizens of EU member states are also eligible.
How to register .bg domain
- Search for your desired .bg domain name's availability through an accredited registrar or the Register.BG website. Ensure the proposed label meets the technical requirements, such as being 3 to 63 characters long.
- Compare offers from different registrars, as they may provide varying service bundles, support levels, and pricing for the annual registration fee. Check if the registrar offers WHOIS privacy services for this TLD.
- Complete the checkout process with your chosen registrar. You will need to provide accurate contact information and documentation proving your eligibility, such as proof of local presence or residency.
- After purchase, verify your contact details as required by the registry and configure your domain's DNS settings, such as nameservers, to point to your hosting provider. The domain becomes active once the registration is processed by the registry.
Typical uses of .bg domain
The .bg extension is predominantly used by individuals, businesses, and organizations connected to Bulgaria. It is a popular choice for entities targeting the Bulgarian market, as it signals a local presence and relevance. Websites using .bg range from major corporations and government bodies to personal blogs and local small businesses, providing them with a recognizable and trusted national identity online. It is commonly chosen over generic TLDs like .com when the primary audience is within the country.
Tips for registering .bg domain
- The minimum registration term is one year, with an annual renewal required to maintain ownership of the domain.
- Domain labels must be at least 3 characters long and can contain Latin or Cyrillic script characters, but Cyrillic names must include at least one letter visually distinct from the Latin alphabet.
- A wide range of labels are reserved by the registry and cannot be registered, including geographic names, country names, and terms related to the registry itself (e.g.,
register, domain, бгдомейн).
- The registry's terms prohibit registrants from choosing labels formed of obscene or abusive words, or any label contrary to public interest.
Frequently asked questions about .bg domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .bg domain?
As of today, .bg domains start from $47.15/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $182.00/yr across 6 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .bg domains?
NameBeta tracks 6 registrars that support .bg domain registration, with the cheapest option at $47.15/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .bg domain?
The registry for .bg domains is Register.BG.
Who can register a .bg domain?
Registration requires proof of eligibility, such as commercial registration in Bulgaria or the EU, Bulgarian citizenship, or permanent residence. Foreign companies without a local presence must authorize a third-party entity that meets the eligibility criteria to register on their behalf. It is important to have the necessary documentation ready before starting the registration process.
Can I transfer a .bg domain between registrars?
Transferring a .bg domain between accredited registrars is possible and can often be initiated online through the gaining registrar. The process typically requires an authorization code from the current registrar and ensuring the domain is not within a transfer lock period. The registry, Register.BG, facilitates these inter-registrar transfers.
What happens if there is a dispute over a .bg domain name?
Disputes over .bg domain names are resolved through an Arbitration committee established by the registry. This process is outlined in the registry's Terms and Conditions. It provides a mechanism for challenging registrations that may infringe on trademarks or other rights, separate from the global UDRP policy.
Are there any special rules for registering a domain with Cyrillic characters?
Yes, when registering a domain name in Cyrillic script, only Cyrillic characters, numbers, and hyphens are allowed. The label must contain at least one Cyrillic letter that is visually distinct from the Latin alphabet. Mixed-script names (combining Latin and Cyrillic) are permitted under certain conditions defined by the registry.
Can I register a very short, two-character .bg domain name?
The registry's rules require domain labels to be at least 3 characters long. However, if a desired label consists of only two characters, the registry recommends including a hyphen [-] between them to create a valid three-character label (e.g., a-b.bg). The hyphen cannot be at the beginning or end of the label.
What are the rules regarding reserved or prohibited domain names?
The registry maintains a list of reserved labels that cannot be registered. This includes names of municipalities, districts, and countries (reserved for their respective authorities), as well as many terms related to the domain industry itself in both Latin and Cyrillic scripts. Additionally, labels that are obscene, abusive, or contrary to public interest are prohibited.
