About .br domain
.br is the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Brazil, managed by the Brazilian Internet Steering Committee (CGI.br) and operated by Registro.br. It was delegated in 1989 and has grown to become one of the world's most used ccTLDs. The extension operates under a structured system with numerous second-level domains, each serving a specific category or purpose.
Who can register .br domain
Registration is primarily restricted to entities or individuals with a legal presence in Brazil. This includes companies with a Brazilian CNPJ (tax ID), freelance professionals, and individuals with a CPF (personal tax number). Foreign companies can register by appointing a legally established attorney in Brazil and submitting notarized documentation, including a power of attorney and a commitment to establish activities in the country within twelve months.
How to register .br domain
- Search for your desired domain name on the Registro.br website or through an accredited registrar, checking its availability under the appropriate second-level category like .com.br or .adv.br.
- Compare registration terms and any additional services offered, as pricing and package features can vary between providers.
- Complete the checkout process, which will require you to provide your Brazilian CPF or CNPJ for identity verification.
- Finalize the registration by verifying your contact details and configuring your DNS settings to point your new .br domain to your web hosting.
Typical uses of .br domain
The .br extension is overwhelmingly used by entities connected with Brazil, serving as the primary digital identifier for the country's online presence. Businesses, from large corporations to micro-enterprises, heavily favor .com.br for commercial activities, making it the dominant choice. Individuals, professionals like lawyers and architects, non-profits, educational institutions, and even specific city and government bodies use their respective second-level domains to establish a clear, localized, and often sector-specific identity online.
Tips for registering .br domain
- Domains must be registered for a minimum of 1 year, with a maximum initial term of 10 years.
- The domain name's distinctive part must be between 2 and 26 characters and can include Portuguese accented characters and the cedilla (ç).
- Certain second-level domains like .b.br (banks) and .jus.br (judiciary) have mandatory DNSSEC requirements.
- Some categories, such as .gov.br or .coop.br, require submitting specific documentation to prove eligibility during registration.
- For domains using accented characters, the equivalent non-accented version must either be unregistered or owned by the same registrant.
Frequently asked questions about .br domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .br domain?
As of today, .br domains start from $35.92/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $155.00/yr across 2 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .br domains?
NameBeta tracks 2 registrars that support .br domain registration, with the cheapest option at $35.92/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .br domain?
The registry for .br domains is NIC.br, administered by Comite Gestor da Internet no Brasil.
Who can register a .br domain?
Registration is open to individuals with a Brazilian CPF, companies with a CNPJ, and freelance professionals. Foreign companies without a local entity must go through a more complex process, which involves appointing a legal representative in Brazil and providing notarized and consularized documents, including a power of attorney and a commitment to establish operations in the country.
Can I transfer a .br domain between registrars?
Transferring a .br domain between registrars is generally supported, but the process is managed through the central Registro.br system. You must initiate the transfer through your new registrar and ensure the domain is not within a lock period. The transfer will require authorization and may involve verifying the associated CPF or CNPJ details.
Can I register a .br domain with Portuguese characters like ç or accents?
Yes, .br domains support Portuguese accented characters (à, á, â, ã, é, ê, í, ó, ô, õ, ú, ü) and the cedilla (ç). However, the registry maintains an equivalence rule: a new domain with accents will only be registered if there is no equivalent non-accented version already registered, or if the applicant is the owner of that equivalent domain.
Are there any content or usage restrictions for .br domains?
Yes, domain names cannot violate Brazilian law, mislead third parties, infringe on third-party rights, or contain offensive language. Furthermore, the use of certain second-level domains legally obligates the website to specific activities; for example, online gambling operators are required by law to use a .bet.br domain.
What is the policy for trademark disputes on .br domains?
Disputes over .br domain names are subject to the registry's policies and Brazilian law. While the global UDRP may apply, specific challenges would be handled within the national framework. Registrants are prohibited from registering names that infringe on the rights of third parties, as defined by the registry's rules.
What happens if I don't renew my .br domain on time?
After expiration, the domain enters a grace period during which the original registrant can still renew it. If not renewed, the domain eventually becomes available for public registration again. It is crucial to maintain accurate contact information with the registry to receive renewal notices and avoid unintentional loss of the domain.
