About .cr domain
.cr is a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) delegated for Costa Rica. It is operated by NIC-Internet Costa Rica, under the sponsorship of the Academia Nacional de Ciencias (National Academy of Sciences). The TLD was introduced in September 1990. Registrations are available directly at the second level (example.cr) or at the third level beneath several specific second-level labels, each with its own purpose.
Who can register .cr domain
Registration is open to individuals or legal entities, whether domiciled in Costa Rica or abroad. However, eligibility for specific second-level domains varies. For instance, .co.cr is for commercial entities, while .ac.cr is restricted to academic institutions recognized by specific national councils. Some second-level domains, like .go.cr for government entities, are not available for public sale and are granted free of charge to qualifying institutions.
How to register .cr domain
- Search for your desired domain name's availability on the NIC Costa Rica website or through an accredited registrar, checking both the second-level (.cr) and relevant third-level options (e.g., .co.cr).
- Compare registration prices and terms between the registry and various registrars, noting that some second-level domains may have different pricing or be free for qualifying public institutions.
- Complete the checkout process, providing accurate registrant contact information as required by the registry's policies.
- Verify your contact details post-purchase and configure your DNS settings to point the domain to your hosting provider; the registry may require documentation to validate eligibility for restricted second-level domains.
Typical uses of .cr domain
The .cr extension is commonly used by businesses, organizations, and individuals with a connection to Costa Rica. Local companies often choose .co.cr to establish a clear national commercial identity, while educational and government institutions use .ed.cr and .go.cr, respectively, to signal their official status. It provides a geographically relevant alternative to generic TLDs for entities targeting the Costa Rican market or wishing to emphasize their local presence.
Tips for registering .cr domain
- Registrations are available for terms of one year or more, with renewal required annually to maintain ownership.
- WHOIS privacy services may be available through certain accredited registrars, but policies should be verified at the time of purchase.
- Domain names must not exceed 63 characters and can only contain letters A-Z, numbers 0-9, and hyphens, which cannot appear at the start or end or consecutively.
- The registry reserves the right to deny registration of names that match generic TLDs, common technical terms, or certain personal names without a direct relationship to the applicant.
Frequently asked questions about .cr domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .cr domain?
As of today, .cr domains start from $96.52/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $220.00/yr across 6 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .cr domains?
NameBeta tracks 6 registrars that support .cr domain registration, with the cheapest option at $96.52/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .cr domain?
The registry for .cr domains is National Academy of Sciences, administered by National Academy of Sciences (Academia Nacional de Ciencias).
Who can register a .cr domain?
While the .cr TLD is open to registrants globally, specific second-level domains have strict eligibility criteria. For example, to register a .fi.cr domain, the entity must be a financial institution regulated by Costa Rica's national financial oversight council. Foreign entities wishing to register under domains like .ac.cr or .sa.cr must have a branch or legal representation within Costa Rica to qualify.
Can I transfer a .cr domain between registrars?
Transferring a .cr domain between registrars follows standard procedures but requires the domain to be unlocked and an authorization code (EPP code) to be obtained from the current registrar. The registry does not impose a mandatory transfer lock period after registration, but the domain must be active and not within a redemption grace period to initiate a transfer. Always ensure your registrant contact information is current to receive transfer confirmation requests.
Are there any domains that cannot be registered at all?
Yes, the registry reserves certain categories of names. This includes domain names that exactly match other top-level domains (like .com.cr), common technical computing terms, and generic words widely used on the internet. Furthermore, purely personal names consisting only of surnames or combinations of first names and surnames require a demonstrable direct relationship with the applicant to be registered.
What happens if I don't renew my .cr domain on time?
After a domain expires, it typically enters a grace period during which you can still renew it at the standard rate. If not renewed, the domain may then enter a redemption grace period where recovery is possible for an additional fee. Ultimately, unredeemed domains are deleted and returned to the pool of available names, where they can be registered by anyone on a first-come, first-served basis.
How are disputes over .cr domain names handled?
Disputes are likely governed by the registry's policies and may incorporate mechanisms like the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP) for bad-faith registrations, such as cybersquatting. Registrants should review the specific terms of service from NIC Costa Rica, as the registry has rules against registering reserved terms and names that infringe on third-party rights, which can lead to the suspension or cancellation of a domain.
