About .mt domain
.mt is a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) delegated for Malta. It is operated by NIC Malta, with its launch dating back to December 1992. The registry manages registrations directly at the second level, as well as through a structured system of categorized second-level domains. As a product, it is a national domain extension governed by specific local registration policies.
Who can register .mt domain
Registration under .mt is open to legal entities, including natural persons or legally recognized organizations, and it is not necessary to be established in Malta. For direct second-level registrations (e.g., myname.mt), the registrant must declare the right to use the domain label as a trademark or business name under Maltese law. Registrations at the third level under specific second-level domains (like .com.mt or .org.mt) are categorized for commercial, non-profit, network service, educational, or governmental use, with the registrant needing to fit the corresponding category.
How to register .mt domain
- Search for your desired domain name's availability on the NIC Malta website or through an accredited registrar, checking both the second level (example.mt) and relevant third-level categories (example.com.mt).
- Select your preferred registration term and review the registrar's pricing, noting that registration requires you to be the legal entity that will use the domain.
- Complete the checkout process, providing accurate registrant contact information and declaring your right to use the name if registering at the second level.
- After purchase, verify your contact details and configure your DNS settings through your registrar's control panel to point the domain to your hosting service.
Typical uses of .mt domain
The .mt extension is predominantly used by entities connected to Malta. It is popular among Maltese businesses, commercial entities, and local organizations seeking a clear national identity online. Educational institutions and government bodies in Malta use specific third-level domains like .edu.mt and .gov.mt. Individuals and international entities with a connection to Malta also register .mt domains to target the local market or establish a regional presence, often choosing it over generic TLDs for its local relevance.
Tips for registering .mt domain
- You can register a .mt domain for a minimum of one year, with renewal options available through your registrar.
- WHOIS privacy services may be available depending on your chosen registrar; check their offerings as NIC Malta's policy requires accurate registrant data.
- Certain domain names are prohibited from registration at any level, including
mil, mt, co, myname, Malta, registry, dnssec, dns, ns, whois, domain, and domains.
- Disputes over .mt domain names are expected to be resolved through the ordinary legal remedies afforded by Maltese law, rather than a specific UDRP-like policy.
Frequently asked questions about .mt domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .mt domain?
As of today, .mt domains start from $53.88/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $169.00/yr across 5 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .mt domains?
NameBeta tracks 5 registrars that support .mt domain registration, with the cheapest option at $53.88/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .mt domain?
The registry for .mt domains is NIC, administered by NIC (Malta).
Who can register a .mt domain?
Any legal entity, including individuals or organizations, can register a .mt domain, regardless of geographic location. For a direct second-level registration like yourname.mt, you must declare a right to use the name as a trademark or business name under Maltese law. If registering under a categorized third level like .com.mt, you should be operating on a commercial basis, but no specific proof is required at the point of registration beyond the declaration.
Can I transfer a .mt domain between registrars?
Transferring a .mt domain between registrars follows standard inter-registrar transfer procedures. You will need to obtain an authorization code (EPP code) from your current registrar and ensure the domain is unlocked and not within 60 days of initial registration or a previous transfer. The new registrar will initiate the transfer request, which you must approve, and the process typically completes within a few days barring any administrative rejections.
What are the different registration levels under .mt?
You can register a .mt domain directly at the second level (e.g., example.mt) or at the third level under specific second-level categories. The available categories include .com.mt for commercial entities, .org.mt for non-profits, .net.mt for network service providers, .edu.mt for recognized educational institutions, and .gov.mt for Maltese government entities. Each category is intended for a specific type of registrant, though verification is based on a declaration of eligibility.
Are there any prohibited domain names I cannot register?
Yes, NIC Malta maintains a list of reserved labels that cannot be registered at any level under .mt. This list includes terms like mil, mt, co, myname, Malta, registry, dnssec, dns, ns, whois, domain, and domains. These names are reserved for registry operations or to prevent confusion, so your desired domain name will be checked against this list during the availability search.
How are disputes over .mt domain names handled?
The registry does not have a dedicated dispute resolution policy like UDRP. Instead, disputes are expected to be resolved between the parties using the ordinary legal remedies available under Maltese law. This means trademark or rights holders would typically need to pursue action through the Maltese court system to challenge a domain registration they believe infringes on their rights.
