About .cg domain
.cg is a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for the Republic of the Congo, administered by ONPT Congo and operated by Interpoint Switzerland (trading as DNSAfrica). It was delegated in January 1997. As a domain product, it is a standard ccTLD with open registration policies, though it includes specific provisions for local citizens.
Who can register .cg domain
Registration for .cg domains is open to both local and foreign entities. Citizens of the Republic of the Congo are entitled to one free registration directly at the second level. All other registrations, including additional registrations by citizens and any registration by a foreign individual or organization, incur an annual fee.
How to register .cg domain
- Search Availability: Visit the official registry website (nic.cg) or a participating registrar to check if your desired .cg domain name is available. Note that domain names must be a minimum of three characters, though one or two-character names may be available by special arrangement with an additional surcharge.
- Compare and Select: If you are a citizen of the Republic of the Congo, confirm your eligibility for the free registration offer. For all others, be prepared for the standard registration fee. Review the registry's terms and conditions regarding restricted and undesirable domain names before proceeding.
- Complete Registration: Submit your registration application through the official channel. You will need to provide accurate contact details. The registry explicitly prohibits domain names that are vulgar, offensive, illegal, misleading, or used for fraudulent activity, cybersquatting, or advocating hatred.
- Configure DNS: After your registration is approved and completed, you will gain access to manage your domain's DNS settings through the registry's control panel to point it to your web hosting or email services.
Typical uses of .cg domain
The .cg extension is primarily used by entities connected to the Republic of the Congo, including local businesses, government bodies, and individuals seeking a national online identity. It gets some use within the country, often chosen by organizations wishing to establish a clear geographic affiliation or to benefit from the registry's policy offering one free registration to citizens. Some international entities may also register .cg domains for projects or branding related to the Congo region.
Tips for registering .cg domain
- Citizens of the Republic of the Congo are eligible for one free .cg domain registration; all other registrations require payment of an annual fee.
- Domain names must be a minimum of three characters, with one or two-character domains potentially available via special request and an additional surcharge.
- The registry maintains a list of undesirable domain names and will delete registrations used for illegal, misleading, fraudulent, or offensive purposes.
- Registrations for certain second-level labels like .gov.cg or .com.cg are restricted and require sponsorship from an official authority.