About .cz domain
.cz is a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) delegated for the Czech Republic. It is operated by the CZ.NIC association, which has managed the extension since its launch in January 1993. The registry is known for its stable technical infrastructure and clear registration policies. As a product, it is a well-established ccTLD sold through a global network of accredited registrars.
Who can register .cz domain
Registration is open to anyone worldwide, with no citizenship or residency requirements. Businesses registering a .cz domain must provide a valid tax identification number as part of the verification process. Individuals can register without this requirement, needing only standard contact information. There are no restrictions based on a registrant's physical location.
How to register .cz domain
- Search for your desired .cz domain name at any accredited registrar to check its availability, noting that names can be up to 63 alphanumeric characters or hyphens (which cannot start, end, or appear consecutively).
- Compare prices and terms from different registrars, as they may offer varying registration periods, bundled services like email hosting, or promotional pricing for the first year.
- Complete the checkout process, providing accurate contact details and, if registering for a business, your tax registration number for verification.
- Finalize the registration by confirming your email address and promptly configuring your domain's DNS settings to point to your web hosting or email service.
Typical uses of .cz domain
The .cz extension is overwhelmingly used by individuals, businesses, and organizations connected to the Czech Republic. It is the natural and trusted choice for establishing a local online presence within the country, signaling a direct connection to the Czech market. While open globally, its primary use case is for entities targeting Czech audiences, from local shops and national corporations to personal blogs and community projects, who choose it for its local relevance and recognition.
Tips for registering .cz domain
- The minimum registration period is one year, and you can typically register for multiple years in advance.
- WHOIS privacy protection services are generally available for .cz domains through most registrars, allowing you to shield your personal contact information from public view.
- After registering or transferring a .cz domain, a 60-day transfer lock is usually applied, preventing the domain from being moved to another registrar during this period.
- The registry, CZ.NIC, operates standard grace periods for renewal and a redemption period for restoring domains after expiration, though specific timelines are set by individual registrars.
Frequently asked questions about .cz domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .cz domain?
As of today, .cz domains start from $8.83/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $100.00/yr across 19 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .cz domains?
NameBeta tracks 19 registrars that support .cz domain registration, with the cheapest option at $8.83/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .cz domain?
The registry for .cz domains is CZ.NIC, z.s.p.o.
Who can register a .cz domain?
While open to global registrants, businesses must provide a tax identification number during the process, which is used for verification by the registrar. Individuals registering do not need to provide this tax ID and can proceed with standard personal details. There are no geographic barriers, so anyone from any country can register a .cz domain through an accredited provider.
Can I transfer a .cz domain between registrars?
Transferring a .cz domain to a new registrar follows a standard process: you must first unlock the domain at your current registrar and obtain an authorization code (Auth-Info code). The new registrar will initiate the transfer, and you must approve the request via email. Note that a 60-day transfer lock is applied after any registration or previous transfer, during which a new transfer cannot be initiated.
What happens if I don't provide a tax ID for a business registration?
If you are registering a .cz domain for a business entity and fail to provide a valid tax identification number, the registration will likely be rejected or suspended by the registrar until the correct information is supplied. It is a mandatory verification step enforced by the registry's policy. Ensure you have this documentation ready before beginning the registration process to avoid delays.
Are there any content restrictions for .cz websites?
The .cz registry does not enforce specific content policies or pre-approve website material. Registrants are subject to the general laws of the Czech Republic and international law, and domains can be subject to dispute procedures like the UDRP for trademark conflicts. The primary requirements are technical and administrative, focusing on accurate registrant data rather than controlling the content hosted on the domain.
Can I register a domain name with Czech diacritics (IDN) under .cz?
No, the .cz registry currently does not support the registration of internationalized domain names (IDNs) with Czech diacritics at the second level. Domain names must consist only of the letters a-z, numbers 0-9, and the hyphen character. This policy is based on the registry's assessment of demand and considerations for global accessibility.
