Registration of an ".eu" domain name is possible only through a registrar accredited by EURid. The European Commission appointed EURid to manage the ".eu" top level domain. A list of registrars is published at:
With whom can I register domain names with the ".eu" extension?
OFCOM is not involved in the registration process in the ".eu" domain.
Where can I find the rules for registration of domain names under the ".eu" domain?
The rules on registration of domain names under ".eu" (who can register, which names, when, by whom?) can be found on the EURid website. EURid was appointed by the European Commission to manage the "'eu" top level domain.
The rules are taken from two European Union reference documents:
Directive (EC) No. 733/2002 of 22 April 2002 on the introduction of the "'eu" top level domain lays down, primarily in Article 4, who is entitled to apply for an ".eu" domain name.
Directive (EC) No. 874/2004 of 28 April 2004 lays down the general rules for the implementation and functions of the ".eu" top level domain and the general basic rules for registration.
Are there any reserved or blocked names?
The European Commission publishes lists of names which cannot be reserved or registered. These can be consulted on the EURid website:
Can a Swiss company or a Swiss individual register a domain name with the .eu extension?
In order to be able to register a domain name with the .eu extension, an individual must be resident in one of the European Union member states. Companies must also be located in one of these states. The corresponding European directive states that ".eu" domain names can be applied for by:
- a company which has its statutory domicile, main administration or head office within the community or
- an organisation domiciled within the community irrespective of the application of national statutory regulations or
- a natural person domiciled within the community.
(general provisions of Article 4, para. 2, letter b of (EC) directive No. 733/2002 of the European Parliament and Council dated 22 April 2002 on the introduction of ".eu" top level domains).
The nationality of the applicant is irrelevant. A domicile or operating branch in a member state of the European Economic Area (EEA - Iceland, the Principality of Liechtenstein and Norway) is not recognised as being equivalent to a domicile or operating branch in an EU country.
Last modification 25.11.2009
