While the global trend is moving towards greater openness in domain registration, India has opted for the opposite approach. From May 28, 2025, there will be a significant change in the conditions for registering domains with the .in extension (including, for example, .co.in) – primarily for holders outside the territory of India.

Domain registration .IN will be newly restricted

The Indian registry has announced new conditions that will apply to all new domain registrations, transfers, and changes of holders. What exactly do they bring?

  • Registration of .in domains will only be allowed for citizens of India and legal entities registered in India.
  • Foreign holders can retain their existing domains – the management of these domains remains unchanged.
  • In the case of a change of ownership, the new registrant will be required to meet the condition of Indian citizenship or to have a registered office in India.

This step contrasts with the approach of most national domain managers, who tend to strive for greater accessibility and openness. An example is the CZ domain, which can be registered by anyone in the world.

New verification procedures are also coming

Along with the new rules, there comes a requirement to verify identity and contact details during registration:

  • The applicant for the domain will receive a link to verify their identity.
  • They will need to confirm their email address and phone number.
  • This verification procedure will only apply to new .in domain registrations, transfers, and changes of holders – existing registrations remain unaffected.
  • Domain sellers are not responsible for the verification process; everything will occur between the domain holder and the registry.

What to watch out for?

If you plan to target the Indian market and are considering registering a .in domain, it is important to check whether you meet the new conditions. If not, it may be time to consider an alternative domain – such as .com, .net, or .co, which remain fully open and without similar restrictions. Alternatively, you can register a domain under current conditions until May 28, 2025.

If you already own a .in domain, you do not need to take any action. Your domain remains active, valid, and will continue to be properly managed.

Are you looking for a suitable domain without complications?

Some country domains may set their own rules – that's why it's worth having a partner who is well-versed in the domain world. With us, domain registration is fast, reliable, and without unnecessary administration. Whether you are aiming for foreign markets or need a CZ domain, we are happy to assist you with your choice.