About .iq domain
.iq is the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) assigned to Iraq, first delegated into the root zone on 9 May 1997. The registry is operated by the Communications and Media Commission (CMC), following a redelegation approved by ICANN on 29 July 2005 after a prolonged period in which the domain was largely inactive due to legal proceedings against its original operator. The redelegation was formally initiated at the request of the Iraqi government and processed through IANA's standard ccTLD redelegation procedure. Today the domain is active and structured around both second-level and third-level registrations across a range of category-specific subdomains.
Who can register .iq domain
Registration of .iq domains is restricted and not open to the general public worldwide. Eligible registrants include commercial entities recognized by the relevant Iraqi authorities, internet service providers, nonprofit organizations, and schools or private institutions recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. Natural individuals who are Iraqi citizens or residents are also eligible to register. Each registration category maps to a specific subdomain structure, so applicants should identify the appropriate category before applying.
How to register .iq domain
Search for your desired .iq domain name through the official registry portal at domain.iq or an authorized registrar that supports .iq registrations. Confirm that the name is available and falls within the correct category subdomain (for example, .com.iq for commercial entities or .org.iq for nonprofits).
Review the eligibility requirements for your chosen category and gather any supporting documentation you may need to demonstrate your status — such as trade registration certificates, institutional recognition letters, or proof of Iraqi residency. Requirements vary by subdomain category, so check the registry's current guidelines carefully.
Submit your registration application through the registry or authorized channel, providing accurate contact details and the required documentation. Incomplete or inaccurate submissions may result in delays or rejection of your application.
Once approved, configure your DNS settings to point to your hosting provider or servers. Keep your contact details current with the registry, as accuracy of registrant information is a standard requirement for maintaining an active .iq domain.
Typical uses of .iq domain
The .iq extension is used primarily by organizations and individuals with a genuine connection to Iraq. Commercial businesses operating in the Iraqi market register under .com.iq to establish a locally recognized online presence, while nonprofits and civil society organizations use .org.iq. Educational institutions, from universities to private schools, use .edu.iq and .sch.iq respectively to signal their academic standing. Government bodies and military institutions have their own dedicated subdomains. Individuals who prefer a personal domain tied to Iraq can register under .name.iq. The structured subdomain system makes .iq a credibility signal within the Iraqi digital landscape.
Tips for registering .iq domain
- Registration is organized into category-specific subdomains, so confirm which subdomain applies to your entity type before starting the application process — submitting under the wrong category can cause rejection.
- Supporting documentation is typically required to verify eligibility; prepare official business registration certificates, institutional recognition letters, or proof of residency in advance to avoid delays.
- WHOIS lookup for .iq domains is available through the registry's own WHOIS service at whois.cmc.iq, which can be useful for checking domain availability and registrant details before applying.
- Because .iq is a restricted ccTLD with an application-based process, registration timelines may be longer than for open gTLDs — factor this into your planning if you have a launch deadline.
- Premium domain availability and pricing policies are not widely published for .iq; contact the registry directly if you are interested in a potentially high-value or previously registered name.