Domain Registration Requirements

Domain Registration Requirements

Every application for a .ie domain name is checked to ensure that the applicant has a real connection with Ireland and a legitimate claim to their chosen domain name.Including this information with your application will allow us to process your application without delay.
A detailed list of the information you need to include with your application is outlined here .

1. Connection with Ireland 

This connection can be shown by:

• Irish Citizens (Irish passport / Irish birth certificate).
• Irish Residents (utility bill / bank statement).
• Companies registered in Ireland (CRO / RBN or VAT number).
• Companies not registered in Ireland (show that you are trading with clients in Ireland – such as invoices, press releases or previously published marketing material aimed at the Irish market, or a letter from a solicitor, accountant or bank manager, confirming your current or future trade with Ireland).
• Companies, partnerships and individuals (Irish or EU Community registered trademark).

Once your connection has been proven, you won’t need to show this again should you decide to register more .ie domains.

NOTE: If your personal or commercial identification cannot be verified from your connection to Ireland, you will be asked to provide additional information with your application to show this.

2. Claim to the Domain

You’ll need to show that you have a valid reason for registering the domain you’re applying for – this is called your claim to the domain.

If the domain you’ve applied for matches a registered business, company or trademark name, you’ll just need to include the relevant number with your application, so that we can verify this.

If you want a domain for any other reason, you’ll just need to include a few short sentences with your application explaining why you want this domain, and what you will use it for.

Example:

I wish to register this domain because it reflects the name of my current or new business / blog / product / project etc.

Important Notes

First Come First Served

Domain registrations are subject to a first come first served policy. Once an application is submitted, it will remain on our system for 27 days pending completion, and the submission of the correct supporting information. During this period, no one else can apply for this domain name.

Once you show your connection with Ireland and explain your claim to the domain name before the application expires, your application will be completed; subject to verification of your hosting information, and payment from your Registrar.

No Secondary Market

In order to prevent cybersquatting in the .ie namespace, it is currently prohibited for a domain holder to sell their domain name, unless included as part of the business asset sale. If it is clear that a domain name has been sold, it can be deleted with five working days’ notice.