About .mv domain
.mv is the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) assigned to the Republic of Maldives, delegated on 25 September 1996. It is administered by Dhiraagu Pvt. Ltd. (also known as Dhivehi Raajjeyge Gulhun PLC), a telecommunications company based in the Maldives. The extension supports registrations directly at the second level as well as at the third level beneath a range of purpose-specific labels such as .com.mv, .org.mv, .gov.mv, and others. Historically, the registry has not maintained a prominent online registration portal, which has contributed to relatively limited adoption compared to generic alternatives.
Who can register .mv domain
.mv is broadly open to any individual, company, or organization wishing to register — there is no strict nationality or residency requirement. However, priority is given to registrants who have a genuine connection or relationship to the Maldives. Certain second-level subdomains carry their own restrictions: .com.mv and .org.mv are among the most openly available, while labels such as .gov.mv, .mil.mv, and .edu.mv are reserved for government bodies, military entities, and educational institutions respectively. Prospective registrants should verify eligibility requirements for their chosen subdomain label before proceeding.
How to register .mv domain
Search for your desired .mv domain name using a registrar that supports this extension. Because .mv is not universally offered, you may need to use a specialist international registrar or one specifically listed as supporting .mv registrations — confirm they offer the exact subdomain label (e.g., .com.mv or .org.mv) you need.
Compare the registrar's pricing, renewal fees, and included features before committing. Pay attention to whether WHOIS privacy is available, as this varies by registrar for ccTLD extensions, and check the minimum registration term offered.
Complete the checkout process by providing accurate registrant contact details. Because the registry has historically required a connection to the Maldives, be prepared to supply documentation or a stated justification for your registration if the registrar requests it.
After registration, verify your contact details are correct and configure your DNS settings to point to your hosting provider or nameservers. Keep records of your registration confirmation, as transfer and renewal processes for .mv may require manual coordination depending on your registrar.
Typical uses of .mv domain
.mv domains are most commonly used by government agencies, large corporations, and established organizations based in or operating within the Maldives. Because the registry has traditionally been less accessible to smaller entities, the extension carries a degree of institutional credibility. Businesses seeking to signal a local presence in the Maldives often opt for .com.mv as a recognizable, country-specific alternative to generic TLDs, while organizations and nonprofits may choose .org.mv for similar reasons. International companies with Maldivian operations also register .mv domains to reinforce regional trust and local identity with their audience.
Tips for registering .mv domain
- Subdomain label eligibility matters: Not all .mv second-level labels are equally open — confirm that your organization type qualifies for your chosen label (e.g., .edu.mv is restricted to educational institutions) before registering.
- Registry contact processes may be manual: Because Dhiraagu has not consistently maintained a public online registration portal, some registration and transfer requests may involve manual steps or correspondence, so allow extra lead time.
- WHOIS privacy availability varies: WHOIS privacy protection is not universally guaranteed for ccTLDs; check with your chosen registrar whether it is offered for .mv registrations before purchase.
- Renewal pricing: Introductory pricing at some registrars may differ from renewal rates — confirm the renewal cost at the time of registration to avoid unexpected increases.
- Grace and redemption periods: Policies for expired domain grace periods and redemption windows can differ from standard gTLD policies for ccTLDs; clarify these terms with your registrar before your domain lapses.