Domain extension .gmbh
Buy a .gmbh domain: rules, proof and price
With .gmbh, the legal form appears right in the web address, for example example.gmbh. The extension is intended for limited liability companies (GmbH) in German-speaking countries, including Swiss GmbHs.
- Registration
- CHF 43.90
- in the first year · incl. VAT
- Renewal
- CHF 43.90
- per year · incl. VAT
- Transfer
- CHF 43.90
Is your .gmbh domain still available?
What is .gmbh?
.gmbh is a generic top-level domain that has been available for registration since 2016. It is operated by the registry Identity Digital, which manages many new extensions. Unlike .ch, .gmbh is subject to ICANN's rules for generic extensions. As with all extensions, you register through a registrar such as HostOn.
Who may hold a .gmbh domain?
Under the registry's terms, the holder must be able to prove, at the request of the registrar or registry, that it is a GmbH or a GmbH in the process of being formed. The company must be verifiable with the competent authorities in Switzerland, Germany, Austria or Liechtenstein. In Switzerland, this is usually the entry in the commercial register.
A check does not necessarily take place with every order, but proof can be requested at any time. If the holder cannot provide it, the registry may suspend or delete the domain without a refund. For sole proprietorships, AGs, associations or private individuals, .gmbh is therefore the wrong choice.
Enter the GmbH itself as the holder, with the company name exactly as it appears in the commercial register, and not the managing director or founder as a private individual. That way the proof matches the domain.
GmbH in formation
Because a GmbH in formation is also eligible, you can secure the name before the commercial register entry is published. In that case, keep formation documents ready, for example the deed of incorporation or the application to the commercial register. First check whether your company name is still available in the commercial register, then the domain. This prevents the company name and domain from drifting apart.
Price, renewal and transfer
At HostOn, a .gmbh domain costs CHF 43.90 per year, including every renewal. A transfer to HostOn costs CHF 43.90; with generic extensions such as .gmbh, a transfer usually includes an additional year of registration. To switch, you need the auth code from your current provider. As with other generic extensions, Whois today usually shows only the registrar, status and dates; personal data are generally not shown publicly.
What happens on conversion or dissolution?
Eligibility depends on the legal form. If your GmbH is converted into an AG, merged with another company or dissolved, the requirement for .gmbh is no longer met. In that case, plan a new main address in good time, for example under .ch or .ag, and forward the .gmbh domain until then.
Typical uses
- An additional address alongside the .ch domain that forwards to the main website and emphasises the legal form.
- A short name when your-company.ch is already taken but your-company.gmbh is still free.
- Protecting the company name against imitators, in addition to .ch and .com.
- A GmbH active in Switzerland, Germany and Austria looking for a neutral, cross-border address.
Alternatives to .gmbh
For customers in Switzerland, .ch remains the most familiar extension. Public limited companies often use .ag, which, as the country extension of Antigua and Barbuda, can be registered freely worldwide. If you want to emphasise Swiss origin, you can apply for .swiss. Zurich GmbHs can also consider .zuerich.
Who is .gmbh a good fit for?
For limited liability companies from Switzerland, Germany, Austria and Liechtenstein that want to show their legal form or protect their name comprehensively, and for founders who want to secure the name before registration. .gmbh can be used as the only address, but most Swiss GmbHs use .ch as their main domain and .gmbh as an addition.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the questions we are asked most often about this service.
We advise against it. According to the registry, the holder must be able to prove on request that it is a GmbH or a GmbH in formation. Without this proof, the domain can be suspended or deleted.
Not necessarily. Proof is requested at the request of the registrar or registry. So keep the extract or formation documents ready.
Yes. The registry explicitly names companies that are verifiable with authorities in Switzerland, Germany, Austria or Liechtenstein.
At HostOn, CHF 43.90 per year, including renewal. A transfer costs CHF 43.90.
It can, but rarely makes sense. Most customers in Switzerland type .ch first. It is best to use .gmbh as an addition that forwards to your main address.
