.fr domain
.fr is the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for France. The .fr domain was created in 1986 and is one of the earliest ccTLDs on the internet. It’s managed and administered by the Association Française pour le Nommage Internet en Coopération (AFNIC), a nonprofit organization responsible for the administration and registration of .fr domains.
AFNIC also manages the registration of the following domain extension for its territories outside of France .re, .pm, .yt, .wf and .tf
To register and use a .fr domain you must live within the European Union or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein according to AFNIC guidelines.
Important note for British registrations of .fr domain: Following the UK's leaving of the EU in January 2021, British residents are no longer able to register a .fr domain. However .fr domains registered before the 30th of December 2020 by UK residents are still valid.
Learn more: What is a domain, .com vs .org
Who uses .fr and why?
.fr domains are used by a wide range of website owners. Specific or potential users include:
Many French businesses and companies use .fr domains to establish a clear online identity and target a local French audience.
Non-profit organizations, governmental agencies, educational institutions and cultural entities in France often choose .fr domains to signify their connection to the country and their specific mission.
Individuals use .fr domains for personal blogs, portfolios and other personal projects. It's a way to create a distinct web presence with a local touch.
French eCommerce businesses often opt for .fr domains to build trust among French consumers and emphasize their local presence.
Newspapers, magazines, television stations and other media organizations in France use .fr domains to provide news and content to the local audience.
Websites related to tourism and travel in France use .fr domains to promote tourist attractions, accommodations and services.
The current number of registered .fr domains is believed to be 4,066,241.
Learn more: Website infrastructure
Websites using .fr domain
This French beauty brand uses a .fr domain, establishing it's brand as a locale based one but also drawing on the trust potential customers hold for French quality and beauty products.
This French brand sells a range of home accessories, children's toys and clothing. Its use of a .fr domain establishes its central position as a French brand and all that suggests in terms of quality and style.
This French artist's site sells unique and creative prints online, their .fr domain being a large part of their creative identity at the same time.
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How to register a .fr domain
Registering a .fr domain involves specific requirements and the process may vary depending on the domain registrar and AFNIC's policies. Here are some of the general steps necessary to register a .fr domain:
01. Before registering a .fr domain, you need to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements, which typically involve having a physical presence or legal entity in Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein. The specific requirements may vary, so it's important to review AFNIC's policies and guidelines.
02. Select a domain registrar accredited by AFNIC to offer .fr domain registration services. Registrars may have different registration procedures and pricing so make sure to do your research.
Tip: If you’re making a website with Wix and have a Premium Plan, you can choose and register a domain name for building your site.
03. Use the registrar's domain name search tool to check if your desired .fr domain name is available. If it's available, you can go ahead and register it.
Learn more: How to choose a domain name
04. Then you’ll have to provide accurate registrant information, including your name, address and contact details. This will also need to be kept up to date.
05. After confirming domain availability and providing all of the necessary details, follow the registrar's instructions to complete the registration. A .fr domain can only be registered for a year at a time.
ICANN and .fr
ICANN, or the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, is a non-profit organization responsible for coordinating the global Internet's Domain Name System (DNS), IP address allocation as well as other domain and Internet-related tasks. In the context of country code domain extensions like .fr, ICANN plays a crucial role in overseeing the management and distribution of these top-level domains (TLDs).
ICANN ensures that the use of .fr as a domain extension always follows the guidelines and standards set for TLDs. This means overseeing the registration process, veryifying that domain names are unique and that the associated WHOIS information is accurate. WHOIS is a protocol used to query databases and obtain information about registered domain names, including details about the domain owner, registrar and date of registration.
Within this a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the address used to access resources on the World Wide Web. It includes the protocol (like HTTP or HTTPS), the domain name (which includes the TLD like ".company") and the specific path or string to the resource on the web server. ICANN's involvement ensures that these URLs are properly structured in order to make the internet easily navigable and accessible to all.
.fr domain extension FAQ
How much does a .fr domain cost?
The cost of a .fr domain can vary depending on the domain registrar and any additional services or features you choose. Prices typically range from around 10 to 30 euros or more per year. However many website builders, like Wix, offer free domain registration as part of a premium plan.
Are there specific rules for .fr domain registration?
Yes, there are specific rules and requirements for .fr domain registration, including the need for a French connection or presence. Review AFNIC's policies for full details.
Can I transfer my .fr domain to a different registrar?
Yes, you can transfer a .fr domain to a different registrar. The process typically involves obtaining an authorization code from your current registrar and following their steps for the switch.