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  • Compare .mo domain prices

    RegistrarPriceRenew PriceWHOIS PrivacyPayment Methods
    $157.49
    $186.66
    Paid
    Credit or Debit CardPayPalBank Transfer
    $169.00
    $270.40
    Free
    Credit or Debit CardPayPalBank TransferCryptocurrency
    $599.00
    —
    Not offered
    Credit or Debit CardPayPalBank Transfer
    $128.00Cheapest
    $128.00Cheapest renewal
    Paid
    Credit or Debit CardPayPalAlipayUnionPay
    Type
    Country-code top-level domain
    Territory
    Macao SAR China
    Registry
    CTT
    Operator
    Macao Post and Telecommunications Bureau (CTT)
    Launched
    DNSSEC
    Not supported
    IDN
    Not supported

    About .mo domain

    .mo is the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) assigned to the Macau Special Administrative Region. It was introduced on 17 September 1992 and is administered by the Macao Network Information Centre (MONIC), which has been operated by HNET Asia Limited under appointment by the Macau government since March 2011. Registrations are available at both the second level (directly under .mo) and the third level (under structured second-level categories such as .com.mo, .edu.mo, .gov.mo, .net.mo, and .org.mo). The extension also supports Chinese-script second-level domains, and corresponding simplified Chinese character domain names are granted to approved registrants at no additional fee.

    Who can register .mo domain

    Registration of .mo domains is restricted to entities with a legitimate presence in Macau. Eligibility varies by the specific second-level domain being registered:

    • .mo / .澳門 — Legal entities registered in Macau
    • .com.mo / .公司.mo — Commercial entrepreneurs or self-employed persons registered in Macau
    • .net.mo / .網絡.mo — Entities properly licensed for internet or telecommunications services, or authorized by Macau SAR Internet Resources
    • .org.mo / .組織.mo — Organizations registered within Macau
    • .edu.mo / .教育.mo — Educational institutions accredited by Macau
    • .gov.mo / .政府.mo — Public entities within Macau

    Applicants must be able to demonstrate their registration or accreditation status within Macau as part of the application process.

    How to register .mo domain

    1. Search for availability. Visit the MONIC website (monic.mo) or a registrar that supports .mo to check whether your desired domain name is available. Keep in mind that .mo registrations are restricted, so confirm your eligibility for the specific second-level category (e.g., .com.mo, .org.mo) before proceeding.

    2. Review the registration requirements. Because .mo is a restricted ccTLD, gather the documentation needed to prove your eligibility — such as your Macau business registration certificate or accreditation records. Confirm that your intended domain name does not appear on the MONIC reserved names list.

    3. Submit your application. Complete the registration process through MONIC or an authorized registrar, providing the required supporting documentation. Domain names may include English letters (a–z), digits (0–9), hyphens, Portuguese special characters, or Chinese characters depending on the second-level domain chosen, and must not exceed 63 characters after punycode encoding.

    4. Verify your contact details and configure DNS. After approval, confirm that your registrant contact information is accurate and set up your DNS records to point the domain to your server or hosting provider. Note that approved Chinese-character domain holders automatically receive the corresponding simplified Chinese character domain at no extra cost.

    Typical uses of .mo domain

    The .mo extension is primarily used by businesses, organizations, and institutions that are officially registered and operating within Macau. Commercial enterprises typically register under .com.mo to establish a locally recognized web presence, while non-profits, educational institutions, and government bodies use their respective structured second-level categories. Because eligibility is tightly tied to local registration status, .mo domains serve as a strong trust signal for entities serving Macau-based audiences, distinguishing them from generic global alternatives.

    Tips for registering .mo domain

    • Restricted eligibility is enforced. You must provide documentation proving your legal registration or accreditation in Macau; applications without valid supporting evidence will not be approved.
    • Check the reserved names list before applying. MONIC maintains a list of names that cannot be registered by the public; reviewing it early can save time during the application process.
    • Simplified Chinese domain included at no extra cost. If your approved domain uses Chinese-character second-level suffixes (such as .公司.mo), the corresponding simplified Chinese character version is granted automatically and free of charge.
    • Character rules vary by domain type. Domains under Latin-script second-level categories may include Portuguese special characters (e.g., á, ç, ê), while Chinese-script categories require at least one Chinese character and may mix English and Chinese.
    • Domain name length limit applies after punycode encoding. Even if your domain appears short in Chinese characters, the punycode-encoded version must not exceed 63 characters — factor this in when choosing a name.

    Frequently asked questions about .mo domain

    How much does it cost to register and renew a .mo domain?As of today, .mo domains start from $128.00/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $599.00/yr across 4 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.
    Which registrars support .mo domains?NameBeta tracks 4 registrars that support .mo domain registration, with the cheapest option at $128.00/yr. Full list on this page.
    Who operates .mo domain?The registry for .mo domains is CTT, administered by Macao Post and Telecommunications Bureau (CTT).
    Who can register a .mo domain?

    Eligibility for .mo is limited to legal entities, commercial entrepreneurs, and self-employed persons who are formally registered within Macau. Each second-level category carries its own specific requirement — for example, .net.mo requires a telecommunications or internet service license, while .edu.mo is reserved for Macau-accredited educational institutions. Applicants should prepare official registration or accreditation documents before submitting an application, as these are required for approval.

    Can I transfer a .mo domain between registrars?

    Transfers of .mo domain names are subject to the policies set by MONIC, the registry operator. Because .mo is a restricted ccTLD with eligibility requirements, any incoming registrant in a transfer must independently satisfy the same documentation and eligibility criteria as a new applicant. It is advisable to confirm transfer procedures directly with MONIC or your registrar before initiating a transfer, as the process may differ from open gTLD transfers.

    Can I register a .mo domain name directly at the second level (e.g., example.mo)?

    Yes, second-level registrations directly under .mo are available, but they are limited to legal entities in Macau. Additionally, MONIC's policy notes that second-level registrations are now available to registrants who already hold the same name at the third level — meaning a .com.mo or .org.mo holder may have priority or a pathway to the matching .mo registration. Check with MONIC for the current procedure if you intend to register at the second level directly.

    Are there content or usage policies that apply after a .mo domain is registered?

    MONIC's registration regulations govern ongoing use of .mo domains, and registrants are expected to maintain accurate and valid contact information throughout the registration period. Because eligibility is tied to your legal status in Macau, a change in your business registration or accreditation status could affect your right to hold the domain. It is important to keep your registrant details up to date and to notify MONIC of any material changes to your organization's status.

    What happens if someone registers a .mo domain that conflicts with my trademark?

    Trademark disputes involving .mo domain names would typically be addressed through the dispute resolution mechanisms referenced in MONIC's regulations. As a ccTLD, .mo is not automatically subject to ICANN's UDRP, so the applicable dispute policy is determined by MONIC's own framework. Rights holders who believe a .mo domain was registered in bad faith or infringes on their trademark should consult MONIC's dispute policy documentation or seek legal advice specific to Macau jurisdiction.

    Can domain names under .mo include Portuguese special characters or Chinese characters?

    Yes, the character rules for .mo are notably flexible compared to many ccTLDs. Domains registered under Latin-script second-level categories (such as .com.mo) may include Portuguese special characters like á, à, â, ã, ç, é, ê, í, ó, ô, õ, and ú in addition to standard alphanumeric characters and hyphens. Domains under Chinese-script second-level categories must contain at least one Chinese character but may also include English characters. In all cases, hyphens cannot appear at the start or end of a name, and the third and fourth characters cannot both be hyphens simultaneously.