Real people, on-site in Ireland.
Real people, on-site in Ireland.
Yes, in many cases, but not for everyone. The .ie registry requires every domain holder to have a real and substantive connection to the island of Ireland, which includes Northern Ireland, and it asks for proof before the domain is registered. The rules below come from the registry's Registration and Naming policy (effective 21 March 2018) and its 2018 liberalisation FAQ, so confirm the current wording with the registry or your registrar, as the policy may have been revised since.
The registry's position is that .ie is Ireland's domain extension, so every holder must be based in the island of Ireland or have a real connection to it. In the policy, "based" means registered in, operating in or resident in the island of Ireland. A footnote makes clear that "Irish" here covers the island, so Northern Ireland company numbers and registrations count in the same way as Republic of Ireland ones.
Until 2018 you also had to show a claim to the name. The registry removed that requirement and kept the connection test. So you no longer need a trademark or company name matching the domain, but you do still need to prove who you are and how you connect to Ireland.
The policy says the registry will accept any one document that proves both identity and connection, and that in most cases one item is enough. The examples it lists include:
A Northern Ireland business or resident sits inside the test. The policy accepts Northern Ireland VAT and business registration numbers, HMRC correspondence showing you are registered for trading and resident in the island of Ireland, and a UK driving licence showing a Northern Ireland address. If you are a sole trader in Newry or Derry, you are not a foreign applicant under these rules.
The policy also mentions public bodies established under legislation or by the Northern Ireland Assembly, so check with your registrar what evidence such a body needs.
A company or sole trader based elsewhere, such as in Great Britain, can still qualify if it sells goods or services to consumers or businesses in the island of Ireland, or clearly intends to, and can show it. The policy suggests sales invoices, a signed letter from a solicitor, accountant, bank manager or auditor, or a screenshot of an online shop where customers can choose an Irish delivery location. You also need proof of commercial identity, such as a certificate of incorporation or a company or VAT number.
That is the route for a UK company with Irish customers. Your registrar usually collects this evidence and submits it for you.
Under the 2018 policy, individuals who are neither resident in nor citizens of the island of Ireland cannot meet the requirements and so cannot register a .ie. That includes a private person abroad with no Irish citizenship. An Irish citizen living abroad, on the other hand, can use an Irish passport as proof of connection.
If you already hold a .ie domain and want another, the registry describes a FastPass route, where the existing registration vouches for your connection. If your earlier registrant has ceased trading, you will need fresh documents.
Not sure whether .ie is right for you at all? Our guide to .ie versus .com and the wider country-code domains guide cover the trade-offs, and how to register a domain covers the mechanics common to all registrars.
Decide whether the holder is a company, sole trader or individual, and gather one matching document in a scan or phone photo. The registry notes that emailing a scan or smartphone picture is the quickest way to submit evidence. Make sure the name on the document matches the name on the application and that the document has not expired, because the policy says supporting documents must show a future expiry date.
Your registrar is the one who submits the application and tells you what they need. Ask them at the start, so you do not lose days to the registry's application window. Think through the name too, using our domain name tips.
This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with the registry or your registrar.
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