Unfortunately, yes. There was a time when it was rather easy to register a .cn domain. However, since the end of 2009, the registration is only possible for companies with a permanent residence in China. Quite a few documents are required to prove one's eligibility and to complete the registration, e.g. an excerpt from the commercial register, an organization code, and the identification card of the administrative contact.

As for almost every other domain, the First-Come First-Served principle is being used.

Yes. China has a very restrictive domain policy. Only companies with a permanent residence in China are allowed to register .cn domains.

Not directly. But there is a special policy to handle disputes.

Yes.

Any of the 2-character country codes may not be registered. For example, the domain name »de.com.cn« is not allowed. For further information see valid domain names.

A .cn domain must not be used to provide pornographic content, to offend the chinese government, or to cause civil commotion or disturbance of public life. This might result in the deletion of the domain.

The registration is being initiated after we have received the e-mail registration form and the required documents. The verification process at the registry itself usually takes a few days.

Yes. Especially for long company or product names it often makes sense to register several versions of the name, e.g. with and without a hyphen. This helps to ensure that no free-riders try to benefit from the good reputation of your company or your brand by using your name.

Yes. Nameservers that are located in China need to have an MIIT ICP recording number (from China's MIIT ICP Recording system). For nameservers in other locations an adequate declaration must be provided.

Yes. Unfortunately, the fees of the Chinese registry are higher than those for the registration of many other top level domains. You can look up the current costs in our price list.