How can I register a .cat ?

You can apply for a .cat domain if you belong to the Catalan cultural and linguistic community in the Internet and you comply with the conditions set in the applying procedure.

Domain names must be requested through ICANN accredited registrars that offer .CAT domain names. You can get the updated list of .CAT Registrars at http://domini.cat/en_registrar.html . You may select the registrar you prefer, but do keep in mind that they offer different services and prices. Some of them only manage defensive registrations, certain may include hosting services, others may participate in special promos offered by puntCAT, etc).

Please remember that .CAT is a sponsored domain and that domain name applications require validation. Registrars only manage the application process but do not review your application. Fundació puntCAT, being the .CAT Registry, is the entity responsible to review and accept or reject domain name applications.

Like in any other domain, Registrars will ask you to pay in advance for the domain name and additional services you request. In order to avoid issues during the validation process, please double check you provide all the required information and comply with all the required items before you pay.

The application process is plain easy, just 3 steps and no paperwork involved:

• Check that you comply with the application requirements
• Select a registrar among the list of authorized ones
• Fill in the application form at selected registrar's web page.

In order to ease the .cat application process, please follow the process:

1. Check if the domain name you want to register is still free at http://whois.cat o from registrars' web page.
2. Evaluate if you fit in any of the conditions stated below:
   • You already have online communications in Catalan (web, blog, mail-list, etc). If this is the case, you need to provide a reference URL you manage.
   • You qualified for Sunrise Phase I or Phase III; this allows you to apply for a .cat domain name at any time but without the priority you enjoyed during Sunrise. In this case you need to provide FASE1 o FASE3 code.
     
   • You have an special code (sometimes called ENS) obtained during promotions (like St. Jordi 2006 or other).
   • You carry out online activities (in any language) to promote Catalan language and culture. If this is the case you need to carefully fill in the “intended use” field explaining what you do.
   • You may be part of the “community” and be able to apply for a .CAT if you can get sponsored mail from 3 people already having a .CAT domain name that endorse your claim.
3. Follow Registrant's process to apply for the domain name and pay. Do not forget to fill in the “Intended use” field clearly stating how do you plan to use the domain. Once having submitted the application form, Fundació puntCAT will review it and accept it or reject it based on its policy compliance. You may check your request status by querying WhoIs at http://whois.cat In any case, please do remember that even if your domain has been accepted, whatever future non compliance with the “intended use” you stated or any misuse conflicting with the .CAT policy of use may be cause for setting your domain on hold (ie. not accessible).