About .sy domain
.sy is a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) delegated to represent Syria. It is operated by the National Agency for Network Services (NANS), a governmental entity established under Syrian law. The TLD was initially delegated in 1996 and was redelegated to NANS in 2011. It functions as the national domain extension for entities connected with the country.
Who can register .sy domain
Registration for .sy domains is restricted. Eligible applicants include natural persons holding Syrian nationality, legal entities with a management center or ongoing activity extending to Syria, and owners of a trademark or trade name registered in Syria. Registrations can be made directly at the second level (e.g., example.sy) or at the third level under specific second-level categories like .com.sy or .org.sy.
How to register .sy domain
- Check Eligibility and Availability: First, verify you meet the eligibility requirements (Syrian nationality, local entity, or local trademark). Then, use a registrar's search tool to see if your desired .sy domain name is available, ensuring it complies with naming rules (2-63 characters, Latin letters, numbers, hyphens).
- Select a Registrar and Choose a Domain Level: Compare accredited registrars that offer .sy registrations. Decide whether to register at the second level (.sy) or a third level under a specific category like .com.sy for commercial use or .name.sy for personal names.
- Complete the Registration Application: Submit your order through the registrar's checkout. You will need to provide accurate registrant information and likely submit supporting documentation to prove your eligibility, such as proof of nationality or business registration.
- Configure DNS and Manage Your Domain: After your application is approved by the registry, configure the domain's DNS settings (nameservers) through your registrar's control panel to point it to your hosting. Manage renewals and contact details through the same panel.
Typical uses of .sy domain
The .sy extension is primarily used by individuals, businesses, and organizations with a direct connection to Syria. Common registrants include local commercial entities using .com.sy, educational institutions under .edu.sy, and government agencies under .gov.sy. It serves as a clear geographic identifier for websites targeting audiences within or related to Syria, distinguishing them from global alternatives like .com. Personal websites and portfolios also utilize extensions like .name.sy.
Tips for registering .sy domain
- Registrations have specific eligibility requirements; you must be a Syrian national, a legal entity with presence in Syria, or own a locally registered trademark.
- Domain names must be between 2 and 63 characters, using only Latin letters (A-Z), numbers (0-9), and hyphens, and cannot start or end with a hyphen.
- The registry policy prohibits registering names with inappropriate meanings or that contradict Syrian religion, laws, or regulations.
- Various second-level domains like .com.sy, .org.sy, and .name.sy are available, each intended for a specific sector or use case.
Frequently asked questions about .sy domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .sy domain?
As of today, .sy domains start from $715.00/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $715.00/yr across 1 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .sy domains?
NameBeta tracks 1 registrars that support .sy domain registration, with the cheapest option at $715.00/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .sy domain?
The registry for .sy domains is NAITS, administered by National Authority for Information Technology Services (NAITS).
Who can register a .sy domain?
Registration is limited to natural persons of Syrian nationality, legal entities with a management center or ongoing activity in Syria, and owners of a trademark or trade name registered in Syria. You will need to provide documentation to your accredited registrar to verify your eligibility, such as a copy of your passport, business license, or trademark certificate. The registry does not accept registrations from applicants without a verifiable local connection.
Can I transfer a .sy domain between registrars?
Transferring a .sy domain to a new registrar follows standard ICANN transfer procedures, but the process is contingent on the domain being active and unlocked at the current registrar. You must obtain an authorization code (EPP code) and ensure the registrant contact information is accurate to receive confirmation emails. Note that the transfer will also be subject to the same eligibility verification, as the new registrant must still meet the .sy registry's requirements.
What are the rules for domain name content under .sy?
The registry explicitly forbids the registration of domain names that contain words with inappropriate meanings in any language or that contradict the religion or the laws and regulations in force in Syria. This content policy is enforced at the point of registration application. The registry reserves the right to reject applications that do not comply, and potentially to suspend domains found to violate these rules after registration.
Can I register a .sy domain if I live outside Syria?
Yes, but only if you meet one of the specific eligibility criteria. If you are a Syrian citizen living abroad, you can register as a natural person by proving your nationality. Alternatively, if you own a trademark registered in Syria, you can register based on that intellectual property right. General foreign entities or individuals without these specific connections are not eligible to register a .sy domain.
What is the difference between registering a .sy and a .com.sy domain?
Registering directly under .sy (the second level) is an option for eligible applicants. Choosing a third-level domain like .com.sy places your site within a categorized namespace intended for commercial entities, which can immediately signal your website's purpose. The eligibility requirements are the same for both levels. The choice depends on branding preference and whether you wish to use the categorical signal of a specific second-level domain.
How are disputes over .sy domain names handled?
The registry's published rules do not outline a specific dispute resolution policy like UDRP for .sy domains, stating they do not act as an arbiter of disputes. Disputes between parties over domain ownership would likely need to be resolved through traditional legal channels within Syria's jurisdiction, especially since registration is tied to local nationality, presence, or trademarks. It is advisable to seek legal counsel familiar with Syrian law for such matters.
