About .gi domain
.gi is a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Gibraltar, delegated in December 1995. The registry operator is GibNet, also known as Sapphire Networks. It functions as a restricted ccTLD, with specific rules governing eligibility for registrations at different levels within the domain hierarchy.
Who can register .gi domain
Registration directly at the second level under .gi is exclusively for Gibraltar-registered businesses and organizations. For other entities, registrations are available at the third level under specific second-level labels. These include .com.gi for commercial organizations, .ltd.gi for registered limited companies (requiring an exact name match), and .org.gi for non-commercial entities like charities. Government, education, and military entities must use their respective .gov.gi, .edu.gi, or .mod.gi subdomains.
How to register .gi domain
- Check Availability: Use a domain registrar's search tool to see if your desired name is available under the appropriate .gi subdomain (e.g., .com.gi, .ltd.gi). Note that one and two-character names are not permitted.
- Choose a Registrar: Select a registrar accredited to sell .gi domains and compare their pricing, registration term lengths, and any bundled services like email hosting.
- Submit Application & Documentation: Complete the registrar's checkout process. Be prepared to provide documentation to verify your eligibility, such as a company registration certificate for a .ltd.gi domain.
- Configure DNS: After your registration is approved by the registry, configure your domain's nameservers through your registrar's control panel. At least two functional nameservers are required for delegation.
Typical uses of .gi domain
The .gi extension is primarily used by entities connected to Gibraltar, including local businesses, government departments, and non-profit organizations. A notable, though now restricted, historical use was by the city of Girona in Spain, which utilized .gi domains for official websites prior to the creation of the .cat TLD, due to the abbreviation match. Today, its use remains strongly associated with Gibraltar's commercial and civic online presence, offering a locally relevant alternative to generic extensions.
Tips for registering .gi domain
- Registrations directly under .gi (second level) are strictly reserved for Gibraltar-registered businesses and organizations for local services.
- For .ltd.gi domains, the domain name must be identical to the company's registered name in Gibraltar.
- The registry prohibits domain names used for pornography or any activity illegal in Gibraltar, and can reject names deemed offensive or defamatory.
- All registrations require at least two operational nameservers at the time of application, with no restriction on their physical location.