Register .be Domain: Guide for Belgian domain names

Registering a .be domain

A .be domain name is ideal if you're targeting the Belgian market or want to be recognizable as a Belgian company. The .be domain is managed by DNS Belgium and has more than 1.6 million registrations.

Why choose .be?

A .be domain offers specific advantages:

DNS Belgium: the registry behind .be

DNS Belgium is the registry that manages the .be domain. They are also responsible for:

• .vlaanderen - The regional domain for Flanders
• .brussels - The domain for Brussels

DNS Belgium is known for:

• Excellent technical infrastructure
• Strong commitment to internet security
• Active fight against phishing and malware

Step-by-step: register .be domain

Step 1: Choose your domain name

Tips for a good .be domain name:

• Keep it short and memorable
• Consider both Dutch and French versions (Belgium is bilingual!)
• Check if the name is not a trademark
• Avoid confusing spellings

Step 2: Check availability

You can check availability via:

• The DNS Belgium website (dnsbelgium.be)
• Any accredited registrar

Step 3: Choose a registrar

You can register .be domains at many Dutch and Belgian providers:

Registrars for .be domains:

Step 4: Register the domain

1. Enter your desired domain name at the registrar
2. Check availability
3. Fill in your details - these become the WHOIS data
4. Choose extra options like DNSSEC
5. Pay for the domain
6. Confirm via email

Cost of a .be domain

The price of a .be domain consists of:

• DNS Belgium fee: About €6-7 per year
• Registrar margin: Variable
• First-year discount: Often available

Price comparison tip: Many Dutch registrars offer .be domains at the same or even lower prices than Belgian providers.

Registration requirements for .be

.be has flexible registration requirements:

• No Belgian nationality required - Anyone worldwide can register
• No company needed - Individuals welcome
• Minimum length: 2 characters
• Maximum length: 63 characters
• IDN support: Special characters like é, ë, ü are allowed

DNSSEC for .be

DNS Belgium fully supports DNSSEC. This provides:

• Protection against DNS spoofing
• Verification that visitors reach your real site
• Extra trust for your visitors

Most registrars offer free DNSSEC activation for .be domains.

.be vs .nl: which to choose?

If you're active in both the Netherlands and Belgium, consider both:

Tip: Register both domains and redirect one to the other, or use language-specific sites.

Connecting .be domain

After registration, you need to configure the domain:

Adjust DNS settings

1. Login at your registrar
2. Go to domain management for your .be domain
3. Change nameservers to those of your hosting provider
4. Or configure A records with your server's IP address

At the same provider

If you have hosting and domain at the same provider, configuration is usually automatic.

Transfer domain to another registrar

You can transfer your .be domain:

1. Request an EPP code (transfer code) from your current registrar
2. Initiate the transfer at your new registrar
3. Enter the EPP code
4. Confirm the transfer
5. Wait 5-7 days until the transfer is complete

Frequently asked questions

Can I as a Dutch person register a .be domain?

Yes, anyone worldwide can register a .be domain.

How long does registration take?

Usually a few minutes to an hour.

What if my desired domain is taken?

You can:

• Try an alternative spelling
• Choose another TLD (.com, .eu, .nl)
• Contact the current owner for purchase

Is WHOIS privacy available for .be?

DNS Belgium offers standard protection of personal data for individuals.

Consider Belgian hosting?

If you're targeting the Belgian market, also consider Belgian hosting for:

• Lower latency for Belgian visitors
• Local customer service
• Familiarity with Belgian legislation

On our comparison page you'll find providers that also offer .be domains.

Get started

Ready for your .be domain? Compare registrars on:

• Price (first year and renewal)
• DNSSEC support
• User-friendliness
• Customer service (Dutch/French)

Start by checking availability at one of the hosting providers on our site.