About .za domain
.za is a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for South Africa, delegated in 1990. The .za namespace is managed and regulated by the .za Domain Name Authority (ZADNA), with the ZA Central Registry (ZACR) operating as the registry for several key second-level domains. Registrations are not made directly at the .za level but are taken at the third level beneath various second-level labels like .co.za and .org.za.
Who can register .za domain
Registration eligibility depends on the specific second-level domain (SLD). The .co.za, .net.za, .org.za, and .web.za SLDs are open for general use by both South African and non-South African persons and entities without specific restrictions. Other SLDs have targeted eligibility: .ac.za is for higher education and research institutions, .gov.za for government entities, .mil.za for the Department of Defence, .law.za for legal firms, .edu.za for further education colleges, .school.za for schools, and .nom.za for personal names.
How to register .za domain
- First, search for your desired domain name at a registrar that offers .za registrations, specifying the relevant second-level domain (e.g., example.co.za). Availability can vary significantly between different SLDs like .co.za and .org.za.
- Compare prices and terms from different accredited registrars, as they set their own retail pricing. Check for add-ons like WHOIS privacy, which may be offered depending on the registrar and the specific SLD's policies.
- Complete the checkout process with your chosen registrar. You will need to provide accurate registrant contact details, as the registry agreement mandates that the information is correct and not used for unlawful purposes.
- After purchase, verify your contact email to activate the domain and proceed to configure DNS settings, such as nameservers, through your registrar's control panel to point the domain to your hosting.
Typical uses of .za domain
The .za extension is overwhelmingly popular within South Africa, with .co.za being the most common SLD for commercial entities, businesses, and personal projects. Other SLDs serve specific sectors: .org.za is widely used by non-commercial and non-governmental organizations, .school.za by educational institutions, and .gov.za by all levels of government. Users choose these domains to establish a clear, locally recognized online presence connected to South Africa, often preferring them over generic TLDs for local relevance and trust.
Tips for registering .za domain
- Registrations are processed through accredited registrars, which set their own pricing and may offer different minimum registration terms, commonly one year.
- The registry mandates that registrants warrant their use of the domain does not infringe on third-party rights and will not be used for unlawful purposes like phishing or distributing malware.
- Dispute resolution is governed by an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) policy for rights protection, separate from the global UDRP.
- Some second-level domains, like .gov.za or .mil.za, have strict eligibility verification and are not available for open commercial registration.
Frequently asked questions about .za domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .za domain?
As of today, .za domains start from $9.28/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $13.47/yr across 2 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .za domains?
NameBeta tracks 2 registrars that support .za domain registration, with the cheapest option at $9.28/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .za domain?
The registry for .za domains is ZADNA, administered by ZA Domain Name Authority.
Who can register a .za domain?
While .co.za, .net.za, .org.za, and .web.za are open to anyone globally, other second-level domains have strict eligibility criteria. For example, to register a .gov.za domain, you must be a verified South African government entity, and .ac.za is reserved for higher education and research institutions. Always check the specific charter for the SLD you intend to use before attempting to register.
Can I transfer a .za domain between registrars?
Transferring a .za domain between registrars follows a process similar to other TLDs. You must initiate the transfer at the gaining registrar, often requiring an authorization code (EPP code) from your current registrar. Ensure the domain is unlocked and that WHOIS privacy is disabled beforehand. Transfers are subject to the registry's policies and cannot be completed within a specified lock period after registration or a previous transfer.
What is the difference between .co.za and .org.za?
.co.za is intended for general commercial and non-commercial use by any person or entity, making it the most versatile and popular SLD. .org.za is primarily intended for non-commercial entities, such as non-profit organizations, charities, and community groups. While both are open for registration, choosing the appropriate SLD can better signal the nature of your website to visitors in South Africa.
How are disputes over .za domain names handled?
Disputes are resolved through an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process established by the .za Domain Name Authority, rather than the standard UDRP used for many gTLDs. This process allows trademark holders and other rights owners to challenge domain registrations that they believe were made in bad faith or infringe on their rights. The specific procedures and grounds for complaint are detailed in the registry's dispute policy documents.
Can I register a domain directly under .za (e.g., example.za)?
No, direct registrations at the second level under .za are not available to the public. The .za namespace uses a structured hierarchy where registrations are only possible at the third level beneath designated second-level domains. You must choose an available SLD like .co.za, .org.za, or .web.za and register a name like "example.co.za".
Are there any content or usage restrictions for .za domains?
Yes, by registering a .za domain, you warrant that you will not use it for any unlawful purpose. This explicitly includes activities like distributing malware, operating botnets, phishing, piracy, counterfeiting, or any fraudulent or deceptive practices intended to mislead. The registry agreement prohibits use that infringes on third-party legal rights, including trademarks and intellectual property.
