About .gal domain
.gal is a sponsored generic top-level domain (sTLD) operated by the Asociación PuntoGal registry. It was delegated into the root zone in April 2014 following ICANN's New gTLD Program. The TLD was established as a community-based initiative, with its registry agreement including specific policies to serve the defined community. This makes it a specialized domain product with eligibility and use requirements tied to its foundational purpose.
Who can register .gal domain
Registration for a .gal domain is restricted to bona-fide members of the Galician linguistic and cultural community. Registrants must demonstrate that their use of the domain is generally accepted as legitimate and beneficial to the community's cause and values. The registry operates a compliance program to validate this community nexus post-registration. There are no geographic restrictions, meaning individuals and organizations worldwide can register if they meet the cultural and linguistic criteria.
How to register .gal domain
- Search for your desired .gal domain name using a registrar's search tool to confirm it is available for registration.
- Select a registrar accredited to sell .gal domains, comparing their pricing, included services like WHOIS privacy, and customer support.
- Complete the checkout process, providing accurate registrant contact information and selecting your desired registration term.
- After purchase, you may be required to verify your eligibility as part of the registry's compliance program and must then configure your domain's DNS settings to point to your website or email service.
Typical uses of .gal domain
The .gal extension is most commonly used by entities connected to Galicia and its culture, such as cultural associations, language schools, artists, musicians, and businesses promoting Galician products. It serves as a digital identifier for websites, blogs, and online projects that aim to promote or discuss the Galician language and heritage. Users choose this TLD to signal their affiliation with and support for the Galician community, creating a targeted and meaningful online presence that resonates with a specific audience.
Tips for registering .gal domain
- The registry implements a post-registration compliance program to validate that registrants and their domain use align with the community's linguistic and cultural values.
- Domain registrations are subject to the requirement that their use is in good faith and commensurate with the domain name's role and importance.
- Strong trademark protection mechanisms are in place alongside community policies to help prevent cybersquatting and abusive registrations.
Frequently asked questions about .gal domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .gal domain?
As of today, .gal domains start from $5.65/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $160.42/yr across 7 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .gal domains?
NameBeta tracks 7 registrars that support .gal domain registration, with the cheapest option at $5.65/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .gal domain?
The registry for .gal domains is Asociación puntoGAL.
Who can register a .gal domain?
Eligibility is based on membership in the Galician linguistic and cultural community, which is not defined by geography. Registrants must commit to using the domain in a way that is beneficial and legitimate for the community. The registry conducts post-validation checks to ensure ongoing compliance with these community nexus requirements.
Can I transfer a .gal domain between registrars?
Transferring a .gal domain to a new registrar follows standard inter-registrar transfer procedures, provided the domain is unlocked and an authorization code is obtained. The transfer will not circumvent the registry's community policies; the new registrant must still meet the eligibility criteria. It's advisable to confirm with both the gaining and losing registrars that the domain is eligible for transfer and not subject to any registry-specific locks.
What happens if my use of a .gal domain is found non-compliant?
The registry operates an ongoing compliance program to monitor that domain use aligns with community values. If a domain is found to be used in a way that is not beneficial or legitimate for the Galician community, the registry may take action. This could involve contacting the registrant to rectify the issue or, in severe cases, invoking procedures that could lead to the suspension or revocation of the domain name.
Are there special registration phases for .gal domains?
The registry's registration policies are differentiated between pre-launch, launch, and general availability phases. During the launch phase, priority registration was likely offered to trademark holders and community members. The current general availability phase is open to all eligible community members, but all registrations are subject to the same ongoing community nexus validation.
How are trademarks protected within the .gal TLD?
The registry has implemented strong trademark protection mechanisms. These likely included a Sunrise period for trademark owners to register their marks before general availability. The community-based nature of the TLD and its compliance program also serve as additional layers of protection against cybersquatting, complementing standard dispute resolution policies like the UDRP.
