About .eu domain
.eu is a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) representing the European Union. It is operated by the non-profit registry EURid under the authority of the European Commission and was delegated in 2005. As a domain product, it was created to provide a pan-European online identity complementary to national ccTLDs.
Who can register .eu domain
Registration is restricted to entities with a verified connection to the European Union or European Economic Area. Eligible registrants include citizens of EU/EEA member states, irrespective of their residence, and residents or organizations physically established within these countries. Businesses and non-profit organizations must be officially established within the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Norway.
How to register .eu domain
- Search for your desired .eu domain name's availability through any accredited registrar, keeping in mind that names must be registered directly at the second level (like
example.eu).
- Compare pricing, contract terms, and add-on services like WHOIS privacy from different registrars accredited by EURid to sell .eu domains.
- Complete the checkout process with your chosen registrar, providing accurate registrant details that will be validated against eligibility criteria.
- Verify your contact information when requested and configure your domain's DNS settings through your registrar's control panel to point to your website or email.
Typical uses of .eu domain
The .eu extension is commonly chosen by individuals, businesses, and organizations wishing to emphasize a pan-European presence or audience. It is particularly popular for projects, companies, and platforms operating across multiple EU member states, serving as a neutral alternative to a specific national ccTLD. Many users select it to signal their connection to the European Union's single market or to target a cross-border customer base within Europe.
Tips for registering .eu domain
- Domains can be registered for a minimum of one year, with a maximum registration term of up to ten years.
- The registry enforces strict eligibility verification; registrants must prove citizenship, residency, or establishment within the EU/EEA.
- WHOIS privacy services are available, but the underlying registrant data must still be accurate and verifiable by the registry.
- Domain names must not be registered speculatively, in bad faith, or in a way that violates third-party rights or public policy.
Frequently asked questions about .eu domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .eu domain?
As of today, .eu domains start from $3.94/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $45.33/yr across 26 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .eu domains?
NameBeta tracks 26 registrars that support .eu domain registration, with the cheapest option at $3.94/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .eu domain?
The registry for .eu domains is EURid, administered by EURid vzw.
Who can register a .eu domain?
Registration is open to citizens of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Norway, regardless of where they live. It is also open to individuals who reside in those countries, as well as to organizations and businesses that are officially established there. You will need to provide documentation, such as proof of citizenship or a business registration number, to validate your eligibility during the registration process.
Can I transfer a .eu domain between registrars?
Transferring a .eu domain between registrars follows a standard process initiated by gaining an authorization code from your current registrar. The transfer request must be submitted to the gaining registrar, and the domain must be unlocked and not within 60 days of its initial registration or a previous transfer. The registry will validate the registrant's ongoing eligibility during the transfer.
What happens if I no longer meet the eligibility criteria for my .eu domain?
If a registrant ceases to meet the geographic or citizenship requirements—for instance, if a business moves its establishment outside the EEA—they are obligated to notify their registrar. The domain name will then be revoked by the registry and made available for re-registration. This policy was notably applied following Brexit, where UK-based registrants lost their eligibility.
What dispute resolution policies apply to .eu domains?
.eu domains are subject to the EU Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) procedure, which is similar to the UDRP but tailored for this TLD. This process allows trademark holders or other rights owners to challenge bad-faith registrations, such as cybersquatting. Decisions under the ADR can result in the transfer or cancellation of a disputed domain name.
Are there Internationalized Domain Name (IDN) versions of .eu?
Yes, EURid operates two IDN versions for scripts used within the EU: .ею in Cyrillic for Bulgarian and .ευ in Greek. Registrations under these IDN TLDs follow the same eligibility rules as the standard .eu. The second-level domain name must be in the same script as the top-level domain.
Is there a sunrise period or trademark protection mechanism?
A sunrise period was held prior to the public launch in 2005-2006, allowing trademark holders to secure corresponding domain names. Today, trademark owners can use the EU ADR process to protect their rights. The registry also has policies against speculative or abusive registrations that violate third-party rights.
