DZ Domains

.DZ domain registration requirements

Algeria has a restricted domain registration system. Both direct .DZ registrations and specialized second-level extensions are available, but applicants must meet the eligibility rules established by the national registry.

For most companies, this means providing evidence of their business registration, legal presence or rights to a name in Algeria. Certain extensions are reserved for government bodies, educational institutions and other specific types of organizations.

Who can register a .DZ domain?

Companies, organizations and eligible individuals can register .DZ domains, provided they meet the registry’s requirements.

This includes businesses established in Algeria, entities with legal representation in the country and applicants with recognized rights to the requested name. Individuals residing in Algeria may also qualify if they have supporting documentation.

Simply finding an available name isn’t enough. NIC-DZ requires applicants to justify their choice of domain before approving registration.

Can foreigners register a .DZ domain?

Yes, but foreign companies must meet specific conditions. Unlike open country-code extensions, .DZ registration generally requires an established connection to Algeria.

Foreign businesses with an Algerian establishment or legal representation can apply for eligible namespaces. Companies without a local presence have a separate option under .TM.DZ, intended for foreign legal entities holding trademarks protected in Algeria.

A foreign company shouldn’t assume that owning an Algerian trademark automatically qualifies it for a direct .DZ or .COM.DZ registration. The appropriate extension and current eligibility requirements should be confirmed with an approved registrar.

Available .DZ domain extensions

Algeria offers several extensions, each intended for a particular type of registrant:

• .DZ: Direct registration for eligible entities with documented rights to the name.
• .COM.DZ: For commercial companies and businesses.
• .ORG.DZ: For nongovernmental and noncommercial organizations.
• .NET.DZ: For organizations operating in the Internet sector.
• .GOV.DZ: Reserved for government entities.
• .EDU.DZ: For educational and training institutions.
• .ASSO.DZ: For officially approved associations.
• .POL.DZ: For political parties.
• .ART.DZ: For entities working in artistic professions.
• .TM.DZ: For foreign legal entities with trademarks protected in Algeria but without documented local activity or presence.
• .SOC.DZ: For individuals residing in Algeria who own protected trademarks and don’t conduct commercial activities.

These categories are defined in the NIC-DZ naming charter. Unlike South Africa’s open commercial extensions, the different .DZ namespaces have specific eligibility conditions.

Required documents and restrictions

A .DZ registration requires more than basic contact details. Applicants must submit a signed registration form and documents establishing their rights to the requested name.

According to NIC-DZ’s registration procedure, acceptable evidence may include a commercial registration certificate, trademark documentation from Algeria’s INAPI or WIPO, or an official decree establishing the organization.

If an intermediary handles the application, written authorization may also be necessary. The registrar submits these documents to NIC-DZ for verification.

How to register a .DZ domain

Start by choosing the appropriate extension and checking whether your preferred name is available. Registration requests must go through a registrar approved by NIC-DZ.

The registrar will help you prepare the application, submit the signed form and provide the documents supporting your eligibility.

Once the application is accepted, you’ll need working DNS servers to make the domain operational. NIC-DZ’s published charter provides for registration within two working days after the registry receives a complete, valid application, although preparing and validating the documents can take longer.

.DZ domain rules and regulations

The .DZ namespace is managed by the Centre de Recherche sur l’Information Scientifique et Technique (CERIST) through NIC-DZ.

Under its published naming rules, domain names must contain between 2 and 24 characters. They can use letters, numbers and hyphens, but cannot consist entirely of numbers or begin or end with a hyphen.

Certain names are also restricted. These include geographical names, generic terms, professions, personal names and misleading or offensive expressions. Abbreviations must be supported by the applicant’s documentation.

NIC-DZ requires a working primary DNS server and at least one secondary server. The charter also requires the registrar’s primary DNS server to be located in Algeria.

Domain holders remain responsible for respecting third-party intellectual property rights. A registration may be challenged if another party has a legitimate claim to the name.

.DZ domain transfers, renewals and expiration

Domain Transfers

Moving a .DZ domain between approved registrars is permitted, but it requires written authorization from the registered holder.

The owner must provide a signed document authorizing another registrar to modify the domain’s registry records. This is different from transferring legal ownership of the name itself.

Domain Renewal and Expiration

The NIC-DZ naming charter doesn’t establish the same fixed registration periods and expiration stages commonly found with generic extensions such as .COM.

Instead, the validity of a .DZ registration is linked to the holder’s continuing rights to the registered name. Registrants must keep their information accurate and report changes affecting those rights.

NIC-DZ can cancel a registration if the original eligibility conditions are no longer satisfied. It can also remove names following a valid holder request or an order from the competent authority.

Registrar service charges and renewal arrangements should be checked directly with the provider. The published charter doesn’t specify a universal grace period or redemption window.

Domain Disputes

Algeria has a registry-level procedure for disputes involving competing claims to the same .DZ domain.

A party that believes an existing registrant has no right to use a particular name can submit a complaint to the domain dispute resolution commission.

NIC-DZ may suspend pending registration or transfer operations while the dispute is being considered. Its naming charter also provides for removal following a decision by the commission or another competent authority.

Why register a .DZ domain?

For businesses operating in Algeria, a .DZ address provides a recognizable national identity. It can be used for a local website, customer communications or a country-specific version of an international company’s main site.

Registering eligible variations of a company name can also support brand protection. However, businesses need to consider the documentation and eligibility rules for each extension before adding them to their domain portfolios.