About .nl domain
.nl is a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) managed by the Stichting Internet Domeinregistratie Nederland (SIDN). It was delegated in April 1986, making it the first active ccTLD outside the United States. As a product, it is an open-use ccTLD with a well-established registry that also operates other extensions like .amsterdam.
Who can register .nl domain
Registration for .nl domains is open to anyone worldwide, with no restrictions based on residency, citizenship, or organizational status. There are no geographic or trademark-based prerequisites for eligibility. Both individuals and entities can register directly through accredited registrars without providing specific verification documents.
How to register .nl domain
- Search for your desired .nl domain name's availability using a registrar's search tool, ensuring the name meets the technical requirements of 2 to 63 characters using only letters, numbers, and hyphens.
- Compare prices and services from different SIDN-accredited registrars, as fees and bundled features like WHOIS privacy or email hosting can vary.
- Complete the checkout process with your chosen registrar, providing accurate contact details which are mandatory for registration.
- After purchase, configure your domain's DNS settings, noting that .nl requires at least two name servers on unique IP addresses for the domain to resolve.
Typical uses of .nl domain
The .nl extension is overwhelmingly popular within the Netherlands, used by a vast range of entities from individuals and small businesses to large corporations, universities, and government bodies. Its strong local identity and trust make it the default choice for establishing a Dutch online presence, often preferred over generic TLDs for targeting the domestic market. The extension's long history and stability contribute to its widespread adoption across all sectors within the country.
Tips for registering .nl domain
- Registrations require a minimum of two name servers, each on a unique IP address, which is a technical requirement specific to this TLD.
- Domain names must be between 2 and 63 characters long and can only contain letters (a-z), numbers (0-9), and hyphens (with a letter or number on each side).
- The registry, SIDN, reserves the right to suspend or terminate a domain if it is found to be used for unlawful or criminal activities, as per its general terms.
- There are no official second-level domains (like .co.nl) operated or endorsed by the SIDN registry; such offerings are from independent companies.
Frequently asked questions about .nl domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .nl domain?
As of today, .nl domains start from $5.99/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $64.00/yr across 26 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .nl domains?
NameBeta tracks 26 registrars that support .nl domain registration, with the cheapest option at $5.99/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .nl domain?
The registry for .nl domains is SIDN, administered by SIDN (Stichting Internet Domeinregistratie Nederland).
Who can register a .nl domain?
There are no eligibility barriers; anyone from any country can register a .nl domain. You do not need to prove a connection to the Netherlands, be a resident, or represent a company. The process is handled entirely through accredited registrars who will collect your contact information as part of the standard registration procedure.
Can I transfer a .nl domain between registrars?
Transferring a .nl domain between registrars follows a standard process initiated by gaining authorization from the current registrant. You must ensure the domain is unlocked at the current registrar and obtain the necessary transfer authorization code. The new registrar will then handle the transfer request with the SIDN registry, provided the domain is not within a lock period or involved in a dispute.
What happens if a .nl domain is used for illegal content?
SIDN's terms allow them to take action if a domain is used unlawfully. This can include temporarily removing the domain from the zone file, making the website unreachable, or permanently terminating the registration. They may act based on reports or their own discoveries, and their response is not limited to content issues but extends to any criminal use of the domain name.
Are there any special technical requirements for .nl domains?
Yes, a key technical requirement is that you must set at least two name servers for the domain, and each must have a distinct IP address. Using the same IP address for multiple name servers is not permitted. This is a stricter requirement than many other TLDs and is essential for the domain to resolve correctly on the internet.
Can I register a .nl domain with non-Latin characters?
No, the .nl TLD does not currently support internationalized domain names (IDNs). Domain names can only contain the basic Latin letters a through z, numbers 0 through 9, and the hyphen character. Accented letters or characters from other scripts are not allowed in .nl registrations.
