Registering a domain name

If you want to start a website in the Netherlands, you must first choose a domain name (Internet address). You cannot choose a domain name that is already in use, and your domain name must respect the trademark rights and trade name rights of other companies.

Domain name check

You can use the Whois-search option on the website of the Foundation for Internet Domain Registration in the Netherlands (Stichting Internet Domeinregistratie Nederland, SIDN), if you want to check if a certain domain name (.nl) already exists. You could also consult your internet provider's website, which usually offers domain name checks for .nl and other extensions as well.

Submitting a request for domain name registration

You must register a domain name from a domain names registrar, which will submit a registration request on your behalf to the organisation that administers domain names. The organisation administering the top level domain (TLD) ‘.nl’ is SIDN.

Discontinuing domain names

If you wish to discontinue using your domain name, contact your registrar.