About .saarland domain
.saarland is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) and a Geographic TLD (GeoTLD). It is operated by dotSaarland GmbH, with KSregistry GmbH serving as the technical registry operator. The TLD was delegated in April 2014 and became generally available for registration in October 2014. Its purpose is to provide a dedicated domain space for registration.
Who can register .saarland domain
Registration for .saarland domains is open to everyone. Any natural person or legal entity is eligible to register a domain name, with no geographic or organizational restrictions. The TLD was designed to be unrestricted to encourage broad use and innovation. There are no verification or documentation requirements for general registration.
How to register .saarland domain
- Search for your desired .saarland domain name at any accredited registrar to check its availability. It's advisable to consider alternative names in case your first choice is taken.
- Compare pricing, registration terms, and additional services like WHOIS privacy or email hosting offered by different registrars before selecting one.
- Complete the checkout process with your chosen registrar, providing accurate contact information and selecting your desired registration period.
- Finalize the purchase and promptly verify your contact details to ensure the registration is completed; you can then configure DNS settings to point your new domain to a website or service.
Typical uses of .saarland domain
The .saarland extension is commonly used by individuals, businesses, and organizations connected to the German federal state of Saarland. Local companies, cultural institutions, and community groups use it to establish a clear regional identity online, helping them target a local audience. It is also chosen by those who wish to promote the region's attractions, economy, or cultural heritage, providing a distinct alternative to more generic extensions like .com or .de.
Tips for registering .saarland domain
- The TLD launch included phased periods such as Sunrise, a Founders Program, Landrush, and General Availability.
- Domain names with a high potential for abuse or illegal use are reserved on a blacklist and are not available for general registration.
- Certain domain names are reserved for the exclusive use of the Saarland state government and its local divisions.
- The registry offers a Founders Program, allowing prospective registrants to apply for premium domains by presenting a binding concept for their use.
Frequently asked questions about .saarland domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .saarland domain?
As of today, .saarland domains start from $22.33/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $45.99/yr across 15 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .saarland domains?
NameBeta tracks 15 registrars that support .saarland domain registration, with the cheapest option at $22.33/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .saarland domain?
The registry for .saarland domains is dotSaarland, administered by dotSaarland GmbH.
Who can register a .saarland domain?
Registration is completely open; there are no eligibility restrictions based on residency, citizenship, or organizational status. Both individuals and entities from anywhere in the world can register a .saarland domain. No special documentation or proof of connection to the Saarland region is required during the standard registration process.
Can I transfer a .saarland domain between registrars?
Transfers between registrars for .saarland domains follow standard ICANN transfer policies. You must ensure the domain is unlocked at your current registrar and obtain the correct authorization code (EPP code). The transfer process typically takes 5-7 days to complete, provided the registrant contact information is accurate and the domain is not within a 60-day lock period following a previous registration or transfer.
What was the purpose of the Founders Program during the launch?
The Founders Program was a special launch phase designed to generate public interest and promote high-quality use of the TLD. It allowed prospective registrants to apply for premium .saarland domains by submitting a binding concept for their intended use. Domains registered through this program were delegated first and were intended to serve as exemplary showcases for the extension.
Are there any domain names that cannot be registered in .saarland?
Yes, the registry maintains a list of reserved domain names. This includes names blacklisted due to a high potential for illegal use or abuse. Additionally, certain names are reserved for the exclusive use of the Saarland state government and its divisions, as well as for the registry's own operational purposes. These reserved names are not available for public registration.
How does the registry handle rights protection for trademarks?
The registry implemented a Sunrise period prior to general availability, allowing trademark holders to register corresponding domain names and secure their rights early. Beyond the launch phases, rights protection mechanisms like the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP) apply, allowing trademark owners to challenge bad-faith registrations that infringe on their intellectual property.
