About .by domain
.by is a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Belarus, managed by the registry operator Belarusian Cloud Technologies LLC (beCloud). It was delegated in May 1994 and is administered under the authority of the Operations and Analysis Centre under the President of the Republic of Belarus. The extension is a standard ccTLD product available for public registration through accredited registrars.
Who can register .by domain
Registration for second-level .by domains is open to anyone globally; there are no residency or citizenship requirements. Applicants can be individuals, legal entities, or entrepreneurs from any country. However, certain third-level domains like .gov.by and .mil.by are reserved exclusively for Belarusian government and military use.
How to register .by domain
- Search for your desired .by domain name's availability using a registrar's search tool, ensuring the name contains 2 to 63 Latin characters, numbers, or hyphens and does not start or end with a hyphen.
- Compare pricing and terms from accredited .by registrars, noting that the standard registration term is one year and the maximum upfront payment is typically for one year.
- Complete the checkout process with your chosen registrar, which may involve signing a registration agreement and selecting add-on services like WHOIS privacy if offered.
- Verify your contact details and configure DNS settings after purchase; the registrar will handle the submission to the central registry for final activation.
Typical uses of .by domain
The .by extension is commonly used by businesses, organizations, and individuals with a connection to Belarus, serving as a national online identifier for local companies, media, and cultural projects. It is also popularly employed in creative ways, such as by entities in the German state of Bavaria due to the phonetic match with its common abbreviation. Users choose .by for its local relevance or for short, memorable domain hacks.
Tips for registering .by domain
- The standard registration and renewal term is one year, and the maximum period you can pay for upfront is one year.
- Domain names must be between 2 and 63 characters long, using Latin letters, numbers, or hyphens, and cannot begin or end with a hyphen.
- Applications for names that conflict with well-known trademarks or contain prohibited content (e.g., inciting hatred) can be rejected by the registry administrator.
- Check with your registrar for the availability of WHOIS privacy services, as policies may vary among accredited providers.
Frequently asked questions about .by domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .by domain?
As of today, .by domains start from $14.99/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $195.00/yr across 4 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .by domains?
NameBeta tracks 4 registrars that support .by domain registration, with the cheapest option at $14.99/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .by domain?
The registry for .by domains is Belarusian Cloud Technologies, administered by Belarusian Cloud Technologies LLC.
Who can register a .by domain?
While open globally, applicants must enter into a registration agreement with an accredited registrar. For non-residents of Belarus, some registrars may use foreign legal entities to facilitate this agreement, but the contractual rights and obligations ultimately lie with the accredited registrar. There are no specific documentation requirements for individuals or entities outside Belarus seeking a standard second-level .by domain.
Can I transfer a .by domain between registrars?
Transferring a .by domain between registrars follows standard procedures but requires the domain to be unlocked and for you to obtain an authorization code from your current registrar. Ensure the domain is not within 60 days of its initial registration or a previous transfer, as such locks may apply. The gaining registrar will initiate the transfer process, which you must confirm to complete.
Can I register a domain name that includes a trademark?
The registry instructs applicants to avoid names identical or confusingly similar to registered trademarks, brand names, or geographical indications if they are not the rights holder. While not an automatic block, such registrations can be challenged by rights holders under the registry's policies, potentially leading to the domain's cancellation or transfer through a dispute resolution process.
What happens if my domain name application is rejected?
The registry administrator can reject applications for names deemed to violate registration rules, such as containing vulgar or illegal phrases, inciting hatred, or infringing on protected marks. If rejected, you will not be charged, and you can submit a different domain name for registration. The specific reason for rejection is typically communicated by your registrar.
Are there any content restrictions for .by websites?
While there is no proactive content monitoring for registration, the rules prohibit registering domain names intended for content that violates generally accepted moral and ethical standards or Belarusian law, including incitement to violence or hatred. A domain can be subject to suspension or deletion if used for such prohibited purposes following a complaint and investigation.
