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    Register .rw Domain

    Compare 7 registrarsFrom $216.00/yrPrices updated 11 hours ago

    Compare .rw domain prices

    RegistrarPriceRenew PriceWHOIS PrivacyPayment Methods
    DynadotDynadot
    $216.00Cheapest
    $216.00
    		Free
    Credit or Debit CardPayPalBank TransferCryptocurrencyLocal Payment Methods
    NetimNetim
    $258.18
    $258.18
    		Free
    Credit or Debit CardPayPalBank TransferUnionPayCryptocurrency
    EuroDNSEuroDNS
    $877.80
    $55.00Cheapest renewal
    		Paid
    Credit or Debit CardPayPalBank Transfer
    101domain101domain
    $367.49
    $439.99
    		Paid
    Credit or Debit CardPayPalBank Transfer
    GandiGandi
    $689.00
    $1,071.98
    		Free
    Credit or Debit CardPayPalBank TransferCryptocurrency
    Europe RegistryEurope Registry
    $455.16
    $511.85
    		Free
    Credit or Debit CardBank Transfer
    MarcariaMarcaria
    $368.00
    —
    		Not offered
    Credit or Debit CardPayPalBank Transfer
    Type
    Country-code top-level domain
    Territory
    Rwanda
    Registry
    RICTA
    Operator
    Rwanda Internet Community and Technology Alliance (RICTA) Ltd
    Launched
    DNSSEC
    Supported
    IDN
    Not supported
    Second-level Domains
    .ac.rw.co.rw.coop.rw.gov.rw.mil.rw.net.rw.org.rw

    About .rw domain

    .rw is the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) assigned to Rwanda, delegated by IANA and first introduced on 21 October 1996. The registry is operated by the Rwanda Internet Community and Technology Alliance (RICTA) Ltd, a company that formally took over administration in 2012 following a lengthy redelegation process from the original operator. The extension supports direct second-level registrations under .rw as well as structured second-level domains such as .co.rw, .org.rw, .net.rw, .ac.rw, .gov.rw, .mil.rw, .coop.rw, and .ltd.rw. Dispute resolution for .rw follows the UDRP framework, consistent with many other ccTLDs managed under ICANN-aligned policies.

    Who can register .rw domain

    .rw is generally open to any individual or organization wishing to register a domain directly at the second level. However, certain second-level domain zones carry specific eligibility restrictions:

    • .rw — Open to any general-purpose registrant with no stated restrictions.
    • .co.rw — Intended for commercial and business organizations.
    • .org.rw — For not-for-profit and non-governmental organizations.
    • .net.rw — For network infrastructure providers.
    • .ac.rw — Restricted to academic institutions; authorization must be issued by the Ministry of Education or the Rwanda Education Board.
    • .gov.rw — Reserved for government institutions; authorization must come from the Office of the President.
    • .mil.rw — Reserved exclusively for the Rwanda Defence Forces.
    • .coop.rw — For cooperatives; authorization must be issued by the Rwanda Cooperative Agency.
    • .ltd.rw — For limited companies; authorization must be issued by the Rwanda Development Board.

    How to register .rw domain

    1. Search for availability. Use a registrar accredited by RICTA or a compatible international registrar to check whether your desired .rw domain name is available. Keep in mind that both the direct .rw zone and various second-level zones (.co.rw, .org.rw, etc.) may be searchable, so confirm which zone best fits your intended use before proceeding.

    2. Compare registrar options and features. Review the registrars authorized to sell .rw domains, comparing pricing, renewal terms, and included features such as DNS management and WHOIS privacy where available. Check whether the registrar supports the specific second-level zone you need, as not all registrars may offer every .rw variant.

    3. Complete the registration checkout. Add your chosen domain to your cart, select a registration term, and complete payment. If you are registering under a restricted zone such as .ac.rw, .coop.rw, or .ltd.rw, be prepared to provide the required authorization documentation from the relevant Rwandan authority before your registration can be finalized.

    4. Verify contact details and configure DNS. After registration, confirm that your WHOIS contact information is accurate and up to date, as RICTA's policies require registrant accuracy. Point your domain to your hosting provider's nameservers or configure DNS records directly through your registrar's control panel to make your domain live.

    Typical uses of .rw domain

    The .rw extension is most commonly used by businesses, organizations, and individuals with a presence in or connection to Rwanda who want a locally recognized web address. Companies operating in the Rwandan market often prefer .co.rw to signal their commercial legitimacy to local audiences, while NGOs and nonprofits gravitate toward .org.rw. Academic institutions use .ac.rw to establish credibility within the education sector. The direct .rw zone appeals to those seeking a short, country-specific domain without a second-level prefix, making it attractive for startups and brands that want a clean, memorable address tied to Rwanda.

    Tips for registering .rw domain

    • Restricted zones require documentation. If you intend to register under .ac.rw, .gov.rw, .coop.rw, or .ltd.rw, obtain the required authorization letter from the relevant Rwandan authority before starting your registration, as the process cannot be completed without it.
    • UDRP dispute protection applies. The .rw extension follows UDRP dispute resolution, meaning trademark holders have a recognized mechanism to challenge registrations that infringe on their marks. Be sure your chosen domain does not conflict with existing trademarks.
    • Check renewal pricing carefully. Some registrars offer promotional introductory prices for .rw domains that differ from standard renewal rates; confirm the renewal cost before committing to a multi-year term.
    • WHOIS accuracy is required. RICTA's policies require that registrant contact information be accurate and maintained throughout the registration period, so keep your details current to avoid any compliance issues.
    • Second-level zone selection matters. Choosing the correct second-level zone (.co.rw vs. .org.rw vs. direct .rw) can affect how your domain is perceived locally, so select the zone that best reflects your organization type from the outset.

    Frequently asked questions about .rw domain

    How much does it cost to register and renew a .rw domain?As of today, .rw domains start from $216.00/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $877.80/yr across 7 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.
    Which registrars support .rw domains?NameBeta tracks 7 registrars that support .rw domain registration, with the cheapest option at $216.00/yr. Full list on this page.
    Who operates .rw domain?The registry for .rw domains is RICTA, administered by Rwanda Internet Community and Technology Alliance (RICTA) Ltd.
    Who can register a .rw domain?

    The direct .rw zone is broadly accessible to general registrants without a formal connection requirement, making it one of the more open ccTLD options. Restricted second-level zones, however, require applicants to obtain written authorization from specific Rwandan government bodies — for example, the Rwanda Development Board for .ltd.rw or the Rwanda Cooperative Agency for .coop.rw — before a registrar can complete the registration. Foreign entities may register under the open zones but should verify with their chosen registrar whether any additional identity documentation is required at checkout.

    Can I transfer a .rw domain between registrars?

    Transferring a .rw domain between registrars follows a standard inter-registrar transfer process, typically requiring an authorization code (also called an EPP or transfer key) from your current registrar. It is common for domains to be subject to a transfer lock for a period following initial registration or a recent transfer, so check with your registrar about any applicable lock period before initiating a move. Ensure your WHOIS contact email is accessible and accurate, as transfer confirmation notices are sent to the registrant's contact address on file.

    What dispute resolution options exist if someone registers a .rw domain in bad faith?

    .rw operates under the UDRP (Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy), which is the standard ICANN-aligned mechanism for resolving disputes involving abusive registrations such as cybersquatting. A trademark holder can file a UDRP complaint with an approved dispute resolution provider, and if the complaint is successful, the domain can be transferred or cancelled. This process is available to both Rwandan and international trademark holders, providing a recognized path to address bad-faith registrations without resorting to litigation.

    Can I register a .rw domain if my business is based outside Rwanda?

    The open .rw and general second-level zones do not explicitly require registrants to be physically located in or incorporated in Rwanda, making it accessible to international registrants. However, restricted zones such as .gov.rw, .mil.rw, .ac.rw, .coop.rw, and .ltd.rw are tied to specific Rwandan institutional categories and require authorization from Rwandan government bodies, effectively limiting those zones to locally recognized entities. If you are an international registrant, the direct .rw zone or .co.rw is the most practical option.

    What is the grace period and redemption policy for .rw domains?

    Like most ccTLDs managed under ICANN-aligned registries, .rw domains typically go through a grace period after expiration during which the registrant can renew without additional penalty, followed by a redemption period where recovery may be possible but often incurs a higher fee. After the redemption period ends, the domain is released for re-registration by the public. Exact grace and redemption period lengths can vary by registrar, so it is advisable to confirm these terms with your chosen registrar before your domain's expiry date approaches.

    Are premium .rw domain names available, and how are they priced?

    Some short or highly desirable .rw domain names may be classified as premium domains by the registry or registrar, carrying higher registration and renewal fees than standard domains. Premium pricing is set at the registry or registrar level and can vary significantly depending on the perceived value of the name. Before completing a purchase, check whether the domain you want is flagged as premium, as the renewal price for premium domains is typically elevated on an ongoing basis, not just at initial registration.