Domain extension .swiss
Apply for a .swiss domain: requirements, process and price
.swiss belongs to the Swiss Confederation and is open only to the Swiss community. Every application is reviewed before the domain is allocated. Here you can see who is eligible and how to submit an application that goes through.
- Registration
- CHF 133.90
- in the first year · incl. VAT
- Renewal
- CHF 133.90
- per year · incl. VAT
- Transfer
- CHF 133.90
Is your .swiss domain still available?
Who operates .swiss?
The registry operator of .swiss is the Federal Office of Communications OFCOM (BAKOM). Unlike .ch, a .swiss domain is not simply registered but allocated on application. You submit the application through an accredited registrar or one of its resellers, for example through HostOn. Prices are set by the registrars; OFCOM does not sell domains directly.
Who is eligible?
- Public-law bodies such as the Confederation, cantons and municipalities, as well as public-law organisations.
- Companies, associations, foundations and sole proprietorships entered in the Swiss commercial register with a registered office and physical administrative office in Switzerland.
- Associations and foundations without a commercial register entry, if their registered office and administrative office are in Switzerland.
- Since 24 April 2024, also natural persons resident in Switzerland or with Swiss citizenship.
Branches of foreign companies are not eligible, nor are companies from Liechtenstein without a Swiss registered office. For companies, the UID number given must match the applying company; for sole proprietorships, the full name as entered in the commercial register applies.
Rules for private individuals
Private individuals can only apply for names that contain their surname. According to OFCOM, other officially registered names, first names, stage names or a registered trademark of their own are also possible, and these elements may be combined with freely chosen words, for example meier-carpentry.swiss. Surnames with a general meaning, such as Metzger or Marchand, are only allocated with an addition. The application needs the AHV (Swiss social security) number and the address. Swiss citizens abroad may use .swiss only for private, charitable or association purposes, not for commercial activities from abroad.
The name must relate to you
For companies and organisations, OFCOM requires an objective link between the applicant and the domain, for example the company name, an own trademark or a geographical name in which you have a legitimate interest. If the link is not obvious, explain it in the «Intended use» field of the application. Generic terms such as hotel, taxi or lawyer are subject to special conditions. Names of cantons and municipalities are in principle reserved for the authorities.
The application must be made in the name of the future holder, not in the name of your web or marketing agency. Only then can OFCOM check the link between you and the name.
Process and duration
- 1You order the .swiss domain you want and enter the holder's details in full.
- 2OFCOM pre-checks the application and publishes it on a Tuesday for 20 days in the list of registration applications.
- 3During this time, others can apply for the same name or report objections.
- 4If there is neither a competing application nor any comment, the domain is usually allocated within three days after the period ends.
So allow a good three weeks, longer if there are competing applications. If several parties apply for the same name, a fixed order applies: authorities where there is a public interest, then holders of a right to the designation; legal persons take priority over natural persons. Do not plan .swiss for a launch in just a few days.
Price and renewal
At HostOn, a .swiss domain costs CHF 133.90 per year, including every renewal, and a transfer costs CHF 133.90. This makes .swiss considerably more expensive than .ch. The requirements must remain fulfilled throughout the entire term.
Mind the Swissness rules
A .swiss address can be understood as an indication of origin. Anyone selling products under it must avoid misleading customers about where they come from; the Swissness rules of the Trademark Protection Act also apply here. If in doubt, the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property can help.
Who is .swiss a good fit for?
For Swiss companies, authorities, associations and private individuals who want to emphasise their origin, for example in exports, tourism or for Swiss products. For most SMEs, .ch remains the main address; .swiss complements it or provides additional protection for the name.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the questions we are asked most often about this service.
Yes, since 24 April 2024, if they live in Switzerland or hold Swiss citizenship. The domain name must contain their surname or another permitted name, and the application needs the AHV number.
The application is published for 20 days. If there are no competing applications or objections, the domain is usually allocated within three days after that. Allow a good three weeks.
The agency can help you, but the application must be in your name as the future holder. OFCOM does not accept applications made by intermediary service providers in their own name.
Common reasons are a lack of eligibility, a UID number that does not match the company, no link to the name, or a generic term without an addition. You can submit a new application with corrected details.
Only if it is entered in the Swiss commercial register and has its registered office and administrative office in Switzerland. Otherwise, .li or .ch are suitable.
