Can I pre-register a .eu domain ?


Not at the moment. EURid has currently not yet accredited any .eu registrars through whom official requests for registration of a .eu domain name can be introduced.

Before starting the registrations for the .eu TLD a number of important steps still need to be taken. First of all, EURid will need to sign an agreement with the European Commission. The

Only then a network of registrars can be developed through whom applications for the registration of .eu domain names can be introduced.

Once .eu registrars are accredited they are allowed to accept pre-registrations for their customers. At the start of the live registrations, they will introduce their pre-registrations in the automated systems of EURid for processing. In case certain domain names were pre-registered several times, the automated systems will determine on a "first come, first served" basis which pre-registration will eventually lead to a definitive registration (the huge load of simultaneous applications will also generate a randomising effect).

There will first be sunrise period to allow public bodies and holders of certain prior rights to register their names. The sunrise period will consist of two consecutive phases each lasting two months. The start of the "sunrise period" will be announced by EURid well in advance in order to allow sufficient time for the introduction of the applications. In order to get informed about the latest details on the "sunrise period" it is recommended to pay a visit to the main site of EURid (www.eurid.org) at regular times.

I noticed that several companies are offering (free) pre-registration services for .eu domains. Are these official pre-registrations ?


No they are not! At this moment it is not yet possible to register a .eu domain name nor to make an official pre-registration for such a domain.

Before starting the registrations for the .eu TLD a number of important steps still need to be taken. First of all, EURid will need to sign an agreement with the European Commission. The Commission - in cooperation with the EU member states and EURid - also needs to determine the so called "public policy" rules. Those rules with relevance to the public interest will certainly affect the registration policy that EURid will apply. Only then a network of registrars can be developed through whom applications for the registration of .eu domain names can be introduced

Once .eu registrars are accredited they are allowed to accept pre-registrations for their customers. At the start of the live registrations, they will introduce their pre-registrations in the automated systems of EURid for processing. In case certain domain names were pre-registered several times, the automated systems will determine on a "first come, first served" basis which pre-registration will eventually lead to a definitive registration (the huge load of simultaneous applications will also generate a randomising effect).

Prior to the start of the registrations under .eu there will also be a so called "sunrise period". During this period holders of certain rights (e.g. trademark holders) will have the opportunity to apply for the registration of the corresponding .eu domain name.

A while ago it has come to our attention that a number of companies already have started offering pre-registration services. These pre-registrations have no official character whatsoever and there is absolutely no guarantee that you will succeed in registering the corresponding domain at the start of the live registrations. Moreover, if a company that offers pre-registration services doesn't become an accredited registrar of EURid, he will have to pass on all his pre-registrations to such an accredited registrar. All pre-registrations will need to be introduced in the automated systems of EURid prior to the official start of the live registrations under .eu (and after the closing of the "sunrise period") and will be processed the moment that .eu opens up for live registrations. In case certain domain names were pre-registered several times, the automated systems will determine on "first come, first served" basis which pre-registration will eventually lead to a definitive registration.

If you would consider to accept certain offers for pre-registration by above mentioned companies, we advise to take the following into account:

What policy will the registrar adopt if several applications are received for the same domain ? Will only one registration be submitted for the first application that the registrar received, or will a different policy be adopted ?

Will this service be in exchange for payment or not ?

Pre-registration gives absolutely no guarantee that you will actually be granted the .eu domain name

The date when registrations within the .eu domain will actually come into effect is unknown at present.