About .рф domain
.рф is an internationalized country code top-level domain (IDN ccTLD) for the Russian Federation, managed by the Coordination Center for TLD RU/РФ. It was delegated in 2010 as part of ICANN's Fast Track process for IDN ccTLDs. This domain product is notable for being the first Cyrillic implementation of the Internationalizing Domain Names in Applications (IDNA) system and accepts only Cyrillic subdomain applications.
Who can register .рф domain
Registration for .рф domains is open to both legal entities and individuals. There is no requirement for the registrant to be a resident of Russia. The primary restriction is that all domain names must be composed exclusively of Cyrillic characters, including the letter "ё".
How to register .рф domain
- Search for your desired Cyrillic domain name using a registrar that supports .рф registrations to confirm its availability.
- Compare prices and terms from various accredited registrars, noting that registration periods are typically offered in yearly increments.
- Complete the checkout process, providing accurate registrant contact information as required by the registry's policies.
- After purchase, verify your contact details and configure your domain's DNS settings, such as nameservers, to point to your hosting provider.
Typical uses of .рф domain
The .рф extension is primarily used by individuals, businesses, and organizations with a connection to Russia or a Russian-speaking audience. It is chosen to create a fully Cyrillic web address that is intuitive and native for Russian speakers, enhancing local brand recognition and user accessibility. Common users include government entities, media outlets, and commercial companies targeting the Russian market, who select this TLD to align their online presence directly with the Russian language.
Tips for registering .рф domain
- Domain names must consist of at least two Cyrillic characters and translate to no more than 63 Punycode characters.
- Names must begin and end with a letter or digit, and can only contain Cyrillic letters, numbers, and hyphens.
- Uppercase and lowercase Cyrillic letters are not differentiated in the registration.
- The registry has conducted sunrise periods for trademark owners in the past, but general registrations are now open.
Frequently asked questions about .рф domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .рф domain?
As of today, .рф domains start from $23.01/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $44.95/yr across 2 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .рф domains?
NameBeta tracks 2 registrars that support .рф domain registration, with the cheapest option at $23.01/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .рф domain?
The registry for .рф domains is Coordination Center for TLD RU.
Who can register a .рф domain?
Registration is open to anyone globally, with no residency requirements. Both individuals and legal entities can register a .рф domain. The only technical eligibility requirement is that the desired domain name must be composed entirely of Cyrillic script characters.
Can I transfer a .рф domain between registrars?
Transfers of .рф domains between registrars follow standard ICANN transfer policies. You must ensure the domain is unlocked at your current registrar and obtain an authorization code (EPP code). The transfer process typically initiates at the gaining registrar and requires confirmation from the registrant to complete.
Can I register a domain that mixes Cyrillic and Latin letters?
No, the .рф TLD has a strict character policy. Domain names registered under .рф must consist exclusively of Cyrillic script characters, numbers, and hyphens. Mixing Latin letters into a .рф domain name is not permitted by the registry's rules.
What dispute resolution policies apply to .рф domains?
The .рф registry adheres to the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP) for resolving trademark-based conflicts. Complainants can file a UDRP case through an approved dispute resolution service provider. The registry also previously implemented a sunrise period to allow trademark holders to secure their names before general availability.
Are there any content requirements for websites using a .рф domain?
The registry does not enforce specific content requirements for websites using .рф domains. However, registrants must comply with all applicable local and international laws. The primary registration requirement is technical, focusing on the exclusive use of Cyrillic characters for the domain name itself.
