About .sa domain
.sa is a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) delegated for Saudi Arabia. It is operated by the Saudi Network Information Center (SaudiNIC), a unit of the Communications and Information Technology Commission. The domain was introduced in May 1994 and registration is structured under various second-level categories. It is a restricted TLD, requiring registrants to demonstrate a specific connection to the country.
Who can register .sa domain
Registration is restricted to entities and individuals with a verifiable connection to Saudi Arabia. Eligible registrants include entities physically located in the country, Saudi nationals or Premium Residency holders, entities with a local registration or license, and owners of a trademark registered in Saudi Arabia. A local representative is required for entities not physically present. Applicants must provide legal documentation, such as a commercial registration or national ID, to verify their identity and eligibility during the application process.
How to register .sa domain
- Check availability and category: Use a licensed .sa registrar to search for your desired domain name. You must also determine the correct second-level domain for your eligibility category, such as .com.sa for commercial entities or .pub.sa for individuals.
- Prepare documentation: Before purchase, gather the required legal papers. This typically includes a copy of your commercial registration, national ID, trademark certificate, or other licenses issued by a pertinent Saudi authority to verify your eligibility.
- Submit application through a registrar: Complete the registration order through an accredited registrar. The registrar will submit your application and documentation to SaudiNIC for validation, which is a mandatory step before the domain is activated.
- Configure DNS after approval: Once SaudiNIC approves your application, you will receive confirmation and can then log into your registrar account to configure DNS settings, such as nameservers, to point your new .sa domain to your hosting.
Typical uses of .sa domain
The .sa extension is primarily used by entities operating within or targeting the Saudi Arabian market. Commercial businesses and trademark owners commonly register under .com.sa to establish a local digital presence, while individuals use .pub.sa. Government bodies, educational institutions, healthcare providers, and non-profit organizations also utilize their respective second-level domains (.gov.sa, .edu.sa, .med.sa, .org.sa) to signal their official status and compliance with national regulations. Users choose this TLD to demonstrate authenticity and local relevance to a Saudi audience.
Tips for registering .sa domain
- Registrations require a minimum term of one year, with renewal periods also offered annually.
- Domain names must comply with specific content rules; they cannot be used for activities contravening Saudi laws and regulations, such as promoting pornography, gambling, or illegal drugs.
- The registry prohibits registering a domain name solely to prevent others from registering it or to resell it through unlicensed channels.
- Domain labels must be between 2 and 63 characters, using only Latin letters (a-z), digits (0-9), and hyphens (with no consecutive hyphens).
Frequently asked questions about .sa domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .sa domain?
As of today, .sa domains start from $177.10/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $628.59/yr across 5 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .sa domains?
NameBeta tracks 5 registrars that support .sa domain registration, with the cheapest option at $177.10/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .sa domain?
The registry for .sa domains is Communications, Space and Technology Commission.
Who can register a .sa domain?
Registration is not open to the global public. Eligibility is strictly tied to a Saudi Arabian presence. This includes Saudi nationals, entities with a physical location in the country, or owners of a trademark registered there. For entities without a local presence, appointing an authorized local representative is a mandatory requirement to proceed with the application.
Can I transfer a .sa domain between registrars?
Transferring a .sa domain between registrars follows a standard process but requires the domain to be unlocked and an authorization code to be obtained from the current registrar. It is crucial to ensure your domain's registrant contact information is accurate and active, as the transfer process may involve verification steps. The domain must also be more than 60 days old and not within a redemption period to be eligible for transfer.
What documentation is needed to register a .sa domain?
The required documents depend on your eligibility category. For a company, a valid Commercial Registration from the Saudi Ministry of Commerce is typically needed. An individual Saudi national must provide a copy of their national ID (Iqama). Trademark owners need to submit their Saudi trademark certificate. All documents must be clear, valid, and submitted during the application process for SaudiNIC verification.
Are there content restrictions for .sa websites?
Yes, the registry enforces strict content policies. Domain names cannot be used for activities that violate Saudi laws or Islamic principles. This explicitly includes hosting content related to pornography, illegal drugs, alcohol, gambling, or intellectual property piracy. Violating these rules can lead to the suspension or revocation of the domain name by the registry.
What is the dispute policy for .sa domains?
The registry's regulations prohibit registering domain names in bad faith, for cyber-squatting, or to infringe on the rights of others. While the specific dispute resolution procedure is detailed in the SaudiNIC regulations, registrants warrant that their domain has a legitimate relationship to them. Trademark owners can likely challenge registrations that infringe on their Saudi-registered marks through a process administered by the registry.
Can I register a .sa domain directly as a third-level name?
Yes, all registrations occur at the third level beneath specific second-level domains. You cannot register a name directly under .sa. You must choose the appropriate second-level label that matches your profile, such as example.com.sa for a business or example.pub.sa for an individual. The registry provides clear guidelines on which second-level domain corresponds to each entity type.
