.FR domain policies: FR Domain Name Rules and Requirement Policies

.FR domain policies: FR Domain Name Rules and Requirement Policies


.FR domain policies: FR Domain Name Rules and Requirement Policies


The policies for registering a .FR domain (the country code top-level domain for France) are governed by AFNIC (Association Française pour le Nommage Internet en Coopération), the official registry for .FR domains. Below are the key rules and requirements:

Eligibility Requirements

Residency or Location:

  • Individuals or organizations must have a connection to the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland.
  • Non-residents must use a proxy service or trustee located in the EEA to register a .FR domain.

For Individuals:
  • Must provide proof of identity (e.g., a passport, ID card).
  • The domain name cannot infringe on the rights of others (e.g., trademarks, personal names).

For Organizations:
  • Must have a registered office or legal representation within the EEA.
  • Provide documentation such as company registration papers.

Technical Requirements

  • The domain name must be between 1 and 63 characters long.
  • Only alphanumeric characters and hyphens are allowed (hyphens cannot appear at the beginning or end).
  • IDNs (Internationalized Domain Names) are supported for accents and special French characters.

Naming Restrictions

The domain name cannot:
  • Be identical to an existing trademark or legal name owned by another party.
  • Include terms deemed offensive, discriminatory, or contrary to French law.
  • Use reserved names (e.g., names of French institutions or geographic locations).

Registration Process

  • Choose a Registrar: Register through an AFNIC-accredited registrar.
  • Provide Required Information: Submit proof of eligibility and identification.
  • Pay Fees: Registration costs depend on the registrar, typically around €10–€50 annually.

Ownership and Transfer

  • Ownership of a .FR domain is tied to eligibility.
  • Domains can be transferred, but eligibility requirements must be met by the new owner.

Dispute Resolution

  • AFNIC provides a dispute resolution mechanism called "SYRELI" for handling domain disputes related to .FR domains.
  • Legal actions can also be taken if domain usage violates intellectual property rights.

To help you with .FR domain registration, here’s a step-by-step guide tailored to your needs:

Choose an Accredited Registrar

You need to register your .FR domain through an AFNIC-accredited registrar. Here are some popular options:
  • Domain Flyer: Offers .FR domains with a user-friendly platform.
  • OVHcloud: A French-based registrar with competitive pricing.
  • Gandi.net: Known for its simplicity and transparency.
  • GoDaddy: Offers .FR domains with a user-friendly platform.
  
If you have a preferred registrar, let me know, and I can guide you through their specific process.

Verify Eligibility

To register a .FR domain, you'll need to meet eligibility criteria:

If you’re an individual:

  • Proof of EU/EEA/Swiss residency (e.g., ID, utility bill).

If you’re an organization:

  • Legal entity registration in the EU/EEA/Switzerland.
  • Use of a local proxy service if outside these areas.

Prepare Required Information

You’ll typically need:

  • For individuals: Name, address, date of birth, and proof of residence.
  • For organizations: Business name, registration number, and an EU/EEA address.

Select a Domain Name

  • Check availability using the registrar’s domain search tool.
  • Ensure the name complies with AFNIC rules (no offensive terms, reserved words, etc.).

Register the Domain

  • Fill out the Registration Form: Provide your personal or business details.
  • Submit Proof of Eligibility: Upload documents like a passport, ID, or business certificate.
  • Pay the Registration Fee: Costs range from €10 to €50 per year depending on the registrar.

Domain Activation

  • Once your registration is approved, your domain is activated and ready to use.
  • You can set up website hosting, emails, or DNS configurations.

Optional: Use a Proxy Service

If you’re not eligible directly but still want a .FR domain, consider a proxy/trustee service offered by some registrars. These services act as local representatives to meet residency requirements.

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