Can anyone recommend where to register cy domains?

[Vizcom]

I'm looking to register a number of .cy domains. Can anyone point me in the right direction. I asked the same question on webtalker and they recommended this site.

 

[nielsencl]

When I am looking for someone that works with a certain kind of domain I use Google. Try searching for ".cy register" without the quotes and you will find some places. It looks like they cost about $395 for 2 years...! Or $490 for one year, depending on what site you look at...!!! Man, some are even more...

 

[Vizcom]

Cheers Chris

Crikey!

I think I will advise them not to bother!

 

[michaeldotcom]

Actually, .cy domains (second-level registrations) are limited to Cyprus residents and companies registrered in Cyprus.

If you're not personally registered in Cyprus, you can only register com.cy domains (third-level registrations). No restrictions there, anybody can register them even without being a resident.

So not only are Cyprus domains very expensive ($400-500 per year) but you could only get com.cy domains.
Note that there are often additional charges for DNS modification, etc.

Sounds like a perfect opportunity for domainers...

Michael

 

[Pommy - The DN Doc]

Why the protective rules and fees? Apart from a few good hacks, I cant see people dying to reg them...

 

[michaeldotcom]

Why the protective rules and fees? Apart from a few good hacks, I cant see people dying to reg them...

That's a very good question that can be asked about so many ccTLDs, especially from poorer countries, which is a shame as it could provide them with some well-needed cash, even if registrations would still be quite low and limited to hacks and specific sectors like tourism.

African countries for example often have extremely high fees and very restrictive regulations. For example, Ethiopia (.et cctld which isn't bad at all and could surely be used for some hacks, etc.) does have some extremely high fees (around $400 per year plus charges for DNS modification, etc.) and they only accept third-level registrations.

Other countries like Vietnam (.vn) have registrations that are a bit more affordable but prohibit the transfer, leasing or sale of domain names in any form. Therefore no domainer would ever invest in them.

I've also heard about other cctlds where domain transfers have to be made through local lawyers (involving high legal fees).