About .moscow domain
.moscow is a geographic generic top-level domain (geoTLD) launched as part of ICANN's 2012 new gTLD expansion program. The registry is operated by the Foundation for Assistance for Internet Technologies and Infrastructure Development (FAITID), a non-profit organization established in 2011. The TLD was delegated to the Root Zone of the DNS on April 24, 2014, following FAITID's successful completion of all required ICANN registry operator processes. FAITID also operates the companion Cyrillic extension .москва, making .moscow the ASCII counterpart in a paired geographic domain project.
Who can register .moscow domain
.moscow is an open geoTLD with no strict geographic or organizational restrictions, meaning individuals, businesses, and organizations worldwide can register a .moscow domain. There is no requirement to be physically located in Moscow or to hold Russian citizenship. Registrants simply need to complete a standard domain registration through an accredited registrar. Because it is an open TLD, it is equally accessible to local Moscow-based entities and international registrants who wish to associate their online presence with the city.
How to register .moscow domain
Search for your desired .moscow domain name using the availability tool at any ICANN-accredited registrar that carries this extension. Keep in mind that short, memorable names may already be registered or listed as premium domains at elevated pricing.
Compare registrar offerings before committing — look at first-year pricing versus renewal rates, as introductory prices can differ significantly from ongoing costs. Also check whether WHOIS privacy protection is included or available as an add-on.
Complete the checkout process by providing accurate registrant contact information, selecting your preferred registration term, and making payment. Most registrars offer registration terms of one year or longer for .moscow domains.
After registration, verify your contact details via any confirmation email sent by your registrar, then configure your DNS settings to point the domain to your website, hosting provider, or other service. Keeping contact information accurate is important for maintaining good standing with the registry.
Typical uses of .moscow domain
.moscow domains are most commonly used by businesses, organizations, and individuals who want to signal a clear connection to Moscow — whether as a location, a brand identity, or a target audience. Local companies, tourism services, event organizers, and city-focused media outlets often choose .moscow to distinguish themselves from generic alternatives like .com or .ru. International brands operating in or marketing to Moscow may also use the extension to create regionally targeted landing pages or campaigns. The extension serves as an intuitive, memorable signal of geographic relevance for any entity with ties to the city.
Tips for registering .moscow domain
- Registration terms are typically available for one year or more; check your registrar's options for multi-year discounts that can lock in a lower annual rate.
- Be aware that introductory first-year pricing is often lower than the renewal price — review the renewal cost before registering to avoid surprises at the end of your first term.
- WHOIS privacy protection availability varies by registrar, so confirm whether it is offered and whether it is included in the base price or charged separately.
- Premium domain names within the .moscow namespace may carry significantly higher one-time registration fees set by the registry; check whether a desired name is flagged as premium before proceeding.
- After registering, most registrars apply a transfer lock period (commonly 60 days) during which the domain cannot be transferred to another registrar, so plan accordingly if you anticipate moving providers.