About .km domain
.km is the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) assigned to Comoros, delegated by IANA on 8 June 1998. The registry is sponsored by Comores Telecom, with registry operations historically hosted at domaine.km. The TLD offers registrations directly at the second level as well as under a structured set of third-level sub-domains, each serving a distinct category of registrant. It remains one of the less widely adopted ccTLDs globally, with fewer than 200 registered domains recorded as of early 2021.
Who can register .km domain
Eligibility for .km varies significantly depending on which sub-domain level is sought:
- Second-level .km registrations are restricted to companies and trademark holders with a local presence requirement.
- .com.km is unrestricted at the third level, provided the name is not already registered elsewhere under .km.
- .nom.km is limited to residents of the Comoros islands and citizens residing abroad.
- Professional sub-domains such as .medecin.km, .notaires.km, .pharmaciens.km, and .veterinaire.km each require the applicant to hold a valid license to practise the relevant profession.
- Specialized categories like .asso.km (associations), .coop.km (co-operatives), and .presse.km (press organizations) carry their own category-specific restrictions.
How to register .km domain
Registration procedures for .km are not clearly defined through a standard commercial registrar channel. The registry's original registration portal at domaine.km has redirected to the Comores Telecom website since 2017, and the current Comores Telecom site provides minimal guidance on how to register a domain. Historically, registration was handled directly through the registry in French, with documented procedures available in archived records from 2015. Prospective registrants should contact Comores Telecom directly to inquire about current availability, pricing, and any documentation required to satisfy local presence or professional licensing requirements.
Typical uses of .km domain
.km is primarily used by entities with a direct connection to Comoros — including local businesses, government bodies, professional practitioners, and associations based in or operating within the islands. Companies seeking a locally recognized web presence may opt for .com.km as an unrestricted entry point, while professionals such as doctors, pharmacists, and notaries use their respective dedicated sub-domains to signal credibility and regulatory standing. Because the TLD has very limited global adoption, it is most meaningful as a locally oriented identifier rather than a broadly recognized international brand signal.
Tips for registering .km domain
- The registration process is not currently available through mainstream commercial registrars; direct contact with Comores Telecom is likely required, and procedures may be conducted in French.
- Second-level .km registrations carry a higher annual fee (historically KMF 50,000) compared to most third-level sub-domain registrations (historically KMF 30,000), so choosing the right registration tier matters for cost planning.
- Local presence requirements apply to second-level registrations and several restricted sub-domains — be prepared to provide documentation proving eligibility before your application is accepted.
- Professional sub-domain registrations (e.g., .medecin.km, .pharmaciens.km) require proof of a valid professional license, so gather relevant credentials in advance.
- .km disputes are subject to the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP), which provides a recognized mechanism for resolving trademark-based conflicts.