What is EURid? European domain registry explained

What is EURid?

EURid is the official registry organization for all .eu domains in Europe. The name stands for European Registry for Internet Domains. This non-profit organization manages and administers all domain names with the .eu extension.

EURid has its headquarters in Diegem, Belgium, and has been operating under contract with the European Commission since 2005. The organization currently manages approximately 3.6 million registered .eu domain names. Since 2019, EURid also manages the Cyrillic variant .ею for Eastern European users.

You can't register a domain directly with EURid as an individual or business. Just like with SIDN for .nl domains or DNS.be for .be domains, EURid works with accredited registrars who sell domains to end users.

The role of EURid in Europe

EURid plays a central role in the European domain landscape. The organization oversees the entire .eu domain registry and ensures the system remains secure and reliable.

The main responsibilities of EURid are:

• Technical management of the .eu registry – EURid maintains the central database of all registered .eu domains and manages the technical infrastructure.
• Accreditation of registrars – Only approved parties may sell .eu domains to end users. EURid reviews and accredits these registrars.
• Eligibility enforcement – EURid enforces the rule that only EU and EEA residents and businesses may register a .eu domain.
• Security and DNSSEC – The organization implements security measures like DNSSEC to prevent domain hijacking and other threats.
• Dispute resolution – EURid offers procedures for resolving disputes over domain names, such as in cases of name conflicts or abuse.

Registry vs registrar: what's the difference?

Understanding the difference between a registry and a registrar is important for understanding how domain registration works.

The registry (EURid) manages the central database of all .eu domains. You can't buy a domain directly from them. The registry sets rules, enforces security standards, and keeps the technical system running.

A registrar is a company accredited by the registry to sell domain names to end users. Registrars often offer additional services like hosting, email, and SSL certificates. Well-known registrars for .eu domains include TransIP, Versio, and ONE.com.

In short: EURid is the manager, registrars are the sellers. You buy your domain from a registrar, who then registers it with EURid on your behalf.

History of EURid

The development of EURid and the .eu domain is closely tied to the growth of European unification on the internet.

Brexit had a major impact on .eu domain policy. From January 1, 2021, British residents and businesses no longer meet the eligibility requirements. Existing .eu domains owned by UK holders were withdrawn unless they could provide an alternative EU address.

DNSSEC and security

EURid takes security seriously. All .eu domains support DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions), a security technology that protects against certain forms of cybercrime.

DNSSEC prevents malicious actors from forging DNS responses. This means visitors can't be unknowingly redirected to a fake version of your website. This is especially important for websites that process sensitive information, like online shops or portals with login credentials.

In addition to DNSSEC, EURid maintains strict procedures for domain transfers and modifications. Registrars must comply with security guidelines, and suspicious activity is proactively monitored.

Who can register a .eu domain?

Not everyone can simply register a .eu domain. EURid maintains strict eligibility requirements to ensure .eu domains are only used by European parties.

You may register a .eu domain if you meet one of these conditions:

• You are a resident of an EU member state
• You are a resident of an EEA country (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway)
• You are a business or organization established in the EU or EEA

When registering, you must provide a valid address within the EU or EEA. Registrars can verify this address. If it turns out you don't meet the requirements, your domain can be revoked.

Why choose a .eu domain?

A .eu domain has several advantages, especially if you're active in the European market.

1. European identity – A .eu domain immediately shows you're active in Europe. This can build trust with European customers and partners.

2. Greater availability – Many popular .com or country-specific domain names are already taken. With .eu, you often have more choices and can still secure a short, memorable domain name.

3. SEO advantage in Europe – Search engines like Google consider domain location. A .eu domain can help with better visibility in European countries.

4. Trust and legitimacy – Because only EU residents and businesses can register a .eu domain, it creates a serious and legitimate impression.

5. Attractive pricing – .eu domains are relatively affordable. Depending on the registrar, you'll pay between €5.00 and €15.00 per year.

6. DNSSEC by default – You automatically benefit from extra security without additional costs or technical configuration.

Registering a .eu domain

Registering a .eu domain is straightforward and works the same way as other domain names.

You need an accredited registrar that offers .eu domains. Popular options include TransIP, Versio, and ONE.com. On our hosting comparison page, you'll find an overview of providers that register .eu domains.

The process usually takes just a few steps:

1. Check if your desired domain name is available
2. Enter your details, including a valid EU or EEA address
3. Optionally choose additional services like privacy protection or hosting
4. Pay the registration fee (usually €5.00 to €15.00 per year)
5. Your domain will be activated within minutes

Want to learn more about domain registration and hosting? Check out our other knowledge base articles about SIDN and .nl domains or DNS.be and .be domains.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to implement this?

Implementation time varies per situation. Simple configurations can be done within an hour, more complex setups may take several hours to a day.

What are the costs?

Costs depend on your hosting provider and package. Many basic features are included for free, advanced features may incur additional costs.

Do I need technical knowledge?

You need little technical knowledge for the basics. Most hosting providers offer extensive documentation and support to help you.