About .fr domain
.fr is a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) delegated for France. It is operated by the Association Française pour le Nommage Internet en Coopération (AFNIC), which has managed the extension since its delegation in 1986. The TLD is a well-established product with a structured naming policy and is sold through accredited registrars worldwide.
Who can register .fr domain
Registration of a .fr domain is restricted. Individuals must be residents of a European Union member state, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein. For businesses and organizations, the registered office or main place of business must also be located within one of these eligible territories. Applicants must provide valid contact details that correspond to these residency or location requirements during the registration process.
How to register .fr domain
- Search for your desired .fr domain name's availability using an accredited registrar's website. It's wise to check that your chosen name complies with AFNIC's naming charter, which prohibits terms against public order or that infringe on intellectual property.
- Compare prices and terms from different registrars offering .fr domains. Pay attention to the initial registration period, which is typically one year, and any bundled services like WHOIS privacy or email hosting.
- Complete the checkout process with your chosen registrar. You will be required to provide accurate personal or organizational details that verify your eligibility based on the geographic restrictions.
- Verify your contact email address to activate the domain and then configure your DNS settings, such as nameservers, through your registrar's control panel to point the domain to your website or service.
Typical uses of .fr domain
The .fr extension is very popular within France and is the primary choice for individuals, businesses, and organizations with a connection to the country. It is commonly used by local businesses to establish a clear French identity, by bloggers and personal websites of residents, and by international companies targeting the French market. Users choose .fr over generic alternatives to signal local relevance, trust, and a specific affiliation with France to their audience.
Tips for registering .fr domain
- The minimum registration term for a .fr domain is one year, and it can be renewed annually.
- WHOIS privacy services are generally available for .fr domains through accredited registrars, though the registry may have access to underlying registrant data.
- Domain names must comply with AFNIC's naming charter, which includes restrictions on terms that might impinge on public order, morality, or infringe on intellectual property rights.
- Premium domain names may be available, often at higher prices set by the registry or the registrar, and are subject to the same eligibility rules.
Frequently asked questions about .fr domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .fr domain?
As of today, .fr domains start from $6.57/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $71.99/yr across 21 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .fr domains?
NameBeta tracks 21 registrars that support .fr domain registration, with the cheapest option at $6.57/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .fr domain?
The registry for .fr domains is Afnic, administered by Association Française pour le Nommage Internet en Coopération (A.F.N.I.C.).
Who can register a .fr domain?
Eligibility is based on geographic residency or location. Individuals must reside in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein. For companies and organizations, the registered office or main place of business must be in one of those territories. You will need to provide corresponding contact information that can be verified by your registrar to complete the registration.
Can I transfer a .fr domain between registrars?
Transferring a .fr domain between registrars follows a standard process. You must first unlock the domain at your current registrar and obtain an authorization code (EPP code). The new registrar will initiate the transfer, and you must confirm it via email. The domain remains active during the transfer, which typically completes within a few days, and the registration period is extended by one year upon success.
What happens if I move outside the eligible area after registering a .fr domain?
AFNIC's policies require the registrant to maintain eligibility. If you, as an individual, move your permanent residence outside the eligible European territories, or if a business relocates its registered office, you may be in violation of the registration agreement. It is advisable to contact your registrar or AFNIC to update your situation, as failure to maintain eligibility could potentially lead to the domain being suspended or deleted.
Are there any special rules for the domain name itself?
Yes, the naming charter sets specific rules. Your chosen name must not begin or end with a hyphen, cannot exceed 63 characters, and must not consist of a hyphen in the third and fourth positions (except for internationalized domain names). Critically, the name cannot include terms contrary to public order or morality, infringe on intellectual property or personality rights, or be identical to certain French public institution names without a legitimate interest.
How are disputes over .fr domain names handled?
Disputes can be resolved through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) procedures specified by AFNIC. This is a faster and often less expensive alternative to court litigation. The process can address cases of cybersquatting, trademark infringement, or bad faith registration. Parties typically submit their case to an approved dispute resolution provider, whose decision can result in the transfer or cancellation of the domain.
