The .BE Domain
What is a .BE domain?
What are the requirements to buy a .be domain?
Top Websites with .BE Domain
Last Updated:Frequently Asked Questions
- Are there any specific legal requirements for using a .BE domain?
- While there are no specific legal requirements unique to .BE domains, you must comply with applicable laws regarding website content, data protection, and online commerce, similar to owning a domain under any top-level domain.
- Is it possible to register a .BE domain anonymously?
- Registering a .BE domain anonymously directly is not possible due to the need for registrant information. However, you can use privacy protection services offered by some registrars to hide your personal information from the public WHOIS database.
- Can I use internationalized domain names (IDNs) with .BE?
- Yes, .BE supports internationalized domain names (IDNs), allowing the use of local language characters in domain names.
- Are there any special characters allowed in .BE domain names?
- .BE domain names support special characters, specifically accented characters used in the French, Dutch, and German languages, which are official languages in Belgium.
- How can I protect my privacy with a .BE domain registration?
- You can protect your privacy by using registrar-provided privacy protection services, which can hide your personal information from the publicly accessible WHOIS database.
- Are there any SEO benefits to using a .BE domain?
- Using a .BE domain can have SEO benefits if your target audience is in Belgium, as search engines might prioritize local domains for local search queries, potentially improving your site's visibility in Belgian search results.
- What happens if my .BE domain expires?
- If your .BE domain expires, it will go through a grace period where you can renew it without extra charges. Following this, it may enter a redemption period where additional fees might apply. If not renewed, it will eventually be released for registration by the public.
- Can non-profits register a .BE domain?
- Yes, non-profits can register a .BE domain. There are no restrictions on the type of entities that can register .BE domains.
- Can I register a .BE domain for a trademark I own?
- Yes, you can register a .BE domain for a trademark you own. It is advisable to register your trademark as a domain to protect your brand identity online.
- Can I register a .BE domain if I am not a resident of Belgium?
- Yes, you can register a .BE domain even if you are not a resident of Belgium. There are no geographical restrictions for registering a .BE domain.
- How long does it take to activate a .BE domain after registration?
- A .BE domain is typically activated immediately after registration, but it can take up to 48 hours for the domain to propagate and become fully accessible worldwide.
- Can I sell my .BE domain?
- Yes, you can sell your .BE domain. There are no restrictions on the transfer or sale of .BE domains.
- How can I make my .BE domain compliant with local laws?
- To make your .BE domain compliant with local laws, ensure your website content adheres to Belgian law, respect privacy and data protection laws such as GDPR, and follow any specific regulations related to your online activities or business sector.
- What is the impact of GDPR on .BE domain registrations?
- GDPR has impacted .BE domain registrations by enhancing the privacy and protection of personal data for individuals within the EU. Registrars may need to adjust their data collection and handling practices to comply with GDPR requirements.
- What is the difference between .BE and other country code top-level domains (ccTLDs)?
- The main difference lies in the intended geographical focus. .BE is specifically for Belgium, while other ccTLDs represent their respective countries. Policies, registration requirements, and intended use can vary significantly between different ccTLDs.
Similar Domains
About .BE Domain
Introduction to the .be Domain
The .be domain is the country-code-top-level domain (ccTLD) for Belgium. This domain is the most popular choice for those looking to establish a strong online presence in Belgium, but anyone can register for .be domain names, regardless of whether their business or audience is in Belgium. The .be domain is managed by DNS Belgium, an organization that ensures the stability and security of the domain's registration process.
Registration Requirements of the .be Domain
Understanding the key features of the .be domain is essential if you're considering registering under this ccTLD to ensure you meet all requirements.
Here are some specific requirements to look out for:
- Registration requirements: Both individuals and companies can register a .be domain, providing a wide range of opportunities for personal and professional use.
- Character Limit: The character limit must be between 2 and 63 characters.
- Characters Allowed: Your domain name can include letters from the entire Latin alphabet (a-z), numbers (0-9), and hyphens (as long as it's not the first or last character of the domain name).
- Restricted Characters: You can't use special characters in your domain name. (e.g.:@,%,&,!)
Data on .be Domain Registrations
The .be domain is an increasingly popular choice amongst users. According to recent statistics, it has seen significant growth in registrations, which you can see in the below graph. According to DNS Belgium, "The number of registered .be domains have consistently risen, showcasing the domain's reliability and appeal".
| Year Number of Registrations | |
| 2018 | 1,589,000 |
| 2019 | 1,632,000 |
| 2020 | 1,678,000 |
| 2021 | 1,725,000 |
Why Choose a .be Domain?
There are several benefits of opting for a .be domain. The most obvious one is that it's the best choice if you're looking to cater to the Belgian market, your business is in Belgium, or you'd like to establish a connection with the country. However, you might choose it for its availability, as there might be more options for more generic domain names with a .be domain, than with a .com, for example. Here are the top three reasons for choosing the .be domain.
- Local Presence: A .be domain signals to users that you are either based in Belgium or have a significant connection to the country, enhancing trust and credibility.
- SEO Benefits: For businesses targeting the Belgian market, a .be domain can improve search engine optimization (SEO) within local search results.
- Availability: Compared to more generic domains, there may be more options available in the .be namespace, allowing you to use the domain name which is your number one choice.
Registration Process for .be Domains
Follow these three easy steps to register for a .be domain:
- Search for availability: Simply type your chosen domain name into DomainTyper's search bar, and choose the .be extension. If you don't see this among the choices, you can add it by clicking on the "add or edit extensions" button. If the domain is available, it will show up in green.
- Choose a registrar: Hover over the .be domain and a list of choices will appear where the domain name is available for purchases, including prices, so you can compare them at a glance.
- Complete Registration: Select your choice and click to be taken to the site where you can purchase the domain name.
Regulatory Considerations
When registering a .be domain, there are several regulatory considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, DNS Belgium has policies in place to prevent abusive registrations, such as domain squatting. Moreover, registrants must adhere to the terms and conditions set forth by DNS Belgium, including accurate contact information and compliance with Belgian law.
Renewal and Transfer Policies
.be domains are subject to renewal policies that require attention. Domains are typically registered for one-year periods and can be renewed annually. It is crucial to renew your domain on time to avoid losing ownership. Additionally, .be domains can be transferred between registrants or registrars, but specific procedures must be followed, as outlined by DNS Belgium.
Is there anything else I should consider before registering for a .be domain?
While it's much easier to find an available domain name with a .be extension, than with a .com one, the rising popularity of the .be domain means that your chosen name might already be taken. Luckily, you can check this quickly and for free through DomainTyper and even get suggestions for alternative names.
One thing to consider before registering is that maintaining compliance with DNS Belgium's policies will require ongoing attention to ensure that registration details remain accurate and up to date.
All in all, the future of the .be domain appears promising, with continued growth in registrations anticipated. "As Belgium's digital economy expands, the demand for .be domains is expected to rise, reflecting the domain's value and importance in the digital landscape," notes an industry expert. With its robust infrastructure and commitment to security, the .be domain is well-positioned to support Belgium's online presence for years to come.
With its flexibility, local relevance, and SEO benefits, the .be domain stands as a compelling choice in the crowded domain name space.