About .hu domain
The .hu domain is a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) delegated for Hungary. It has been active since 1990 and is operated by the Council of Hungarian Internet Providers (CHIP). The extension is a well-established product in the domain market, with registrations available directly at the second level or under numerous specific second-level categories.
Who can register .hu domain
Registration is open to natural persons over 18 and legal entities. To register a domain directly under .hu (e.g., example.hu), the applicant must be a citizen or legal entity from a European Union, EEA, EFTA, Council of Europe, or a country bordering Hungary. Alternatively, any applicant can register under a public second-level domain like .co.hu without these geographic restrictions. A Hungarian postal address is required for the administrative contact, a service often provided by accredited registrars.
How to register .hu domain
- Search for your desired .hu domain name using an accredited registrar's tool, checking availability under either the .hu second level or a relevant second-level domain like .co.hu.
- Select a registrar and review their pricing, registration term (minimum is one year), and any add-on services like WHOIS privacy, which may be offered.
- Complete the checkout process, providing accurate contact details and ensuring the administrative contact has a valid Hungarian postal address.
- Finalize the registration by verifying your contact email and promptly configuring your domain's DNS settings to point to your web hosting.
Typical uses of .hu domain
The .hu extension is very popular within Hungary and is commonly used by businesses, organizations, and individuals connected to the country. Entities choose .hu to establish a clear local presence, build trust with a Hungarian audience, and for its recognition as the national domain. It is also utilized by international companies targeting the Hungarian market and by diaspora communities wishing to highlight their heritage.
Tips for registering .hu domain
- The minimum registration period is one year, with renewals typically available annually.
- WHOIS privacy services may be available through certain accredited registrars to protect registrant contact information.
- Domain names can include Hungarian accented characters (á, é, í, ó, ö, õ, ú, ü, ű), but cannot begin or end with a hyphen.
- Special second-level domains like .tm.hu have additional restrictions, requiring the domain name to match the applicant's registered trademark.
Frequently asked questions about .hu domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .hu domain?
As of today, .hu domains start from $16.00/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $127.95/yr across 7 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .hu domains?
NameBeta tracks 7 registrars that support .hu domain registration, with the cheapest option at $16.00/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .hu domain?
The registry for .hu domains is CHIP, administered by Council of Hungarian Internet Providers (CHIP).
Who can register a .hu domain?
Eligibility depends on the level of registration. For a direct .hu domain, you must be from a qualifying European or neighboring country. If you are from outside these areas, you can still register under a public second-level domain like .co.hu. All applicants must provide a Hungarian postal address for the administrative contact, which many registrars can arrange as a service.
Can I transfer a .hu domain between registrars?
Transferring a .hu domain between registrars follows a standard process. You must first unlock the domain at your current registrar and obtain an authorization code. The transfer itself typically takes 5-7 days to complete, and it's important to ensure the domain is not within 60 days of its initial registration or a previous transfer, as it may be locked.
Can I register a .hu domain with Hungarian accented letters?
Yes, the .hu registry supports Hungarian accented characters (á, é, í, ó, ö, õ, ú, ü, ű) within domain names. However, note that these characters are stored using Punycode encoding, which reduces the effective maximum character length from 63. Domains cannot contain accented letters from other languages, such as French or Cyrillic.
What is the dispute resolution policy for .hu domains?
The .hu registry has an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) process to handle conflicts, particularly concerning trademark infringement or bad-faith registrations. This process provides a mechanism for trademark holders to challenge domain registrations outside of court. The specific rules and procedures are outlined in the registry's official policy documents.
Are there any content restrictions for websites using a .hu domain?
The .hu registry does not enforce specific content policies for websites. However, registrants must comply with Hungarian law and the general terms of service of their registrar. Certain second-level domains, like those for adult content (.sex.hu, .erotika.hu), imply a specific use but do not have enforced content audits.
