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Jun 25, 2025 09:35 PM
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.fr domain registration
squarespace
domain management
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To register a .fr domain on Squarespace, you must reside in specific countries, follow strict naming rules, and accept that your contact details will be public. There are no free domain offers, no locking option, and missed renewal deadlines can lead to immediate expiration. Transfers reset the registration period, and understanding these limitations is crucial before proceeding.
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.fr Domain Registration on Squarespace: What You Need to Know
If you're thinking about registering a .fr domain on Squarespace, there are some important rules you need to understand first. These French domains work differently from standard .com or .co.uk domains, and getting it wrong can be costly.
Key Requirements for .fr Domains
You must live in specific countries
You can only register a .fr domain if you're a resident of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein. No exceptions.
Strict naming rules apply
You can't register names that reference French local authorities or national institutions - these are reserved by the registry. Always check your proposed name is allowed before attempting registration.
No privacy protection
Your contact details will be publicly visible in the Whois database. There's no option to hide this information with .fr domains.
How .fr Domains Work on Squarespace
No free domain offers
.fr domains don't qualify for Squarespace's free domain promotions. You'll need to pay the standard registration fee.
Cannot be locked
Unlike most other domains, .fr domains can't be locked for security. This is a registry restriction, not a Squarespace limitation.
No grace period for mistakes
There's no cooling-off period after registration. Once you've registered, you can't cancel or get a refund, so double-check everything before you submit.
Renewal deadlines are strict
You must renew at least one day before your domain expires. If you miss this deadline, your domain expires immediately and gets removed from your Squarespace account. There's no way to reactivate it.
Transferring a .fr Domain to Squarespace
Here's something that catches people out: when you transfer a .fr domain to Squarespace, any remaining time from your previous provider doesn't carry over. You'll start fresh with a new one-year registration, and the renewal date resets to the day your transfer completes.
This means if you had six months left with your old provider, you lose that time. Factor this into your decision about when to transfer.
Expiration and Renewal Process
Different registrars handle expired .fr domains differently. Squarespace uses either Tucows or Key-Systems as the backend registrar, and each has different restoration processes and costs if your domain does expire.
The safest approach is to set up auto-renewal and keep your payment details current. Missing a renewal deadline isn't just inconvenient - it can mean losing your domain entirely.
Before You Register
Check the naming restrictions
The French registry maintains a list of prohibited terms. Research this before you get attached to a particular name.
Confirm your residency status
Make sure you meet the geographical requirements. You'll need to provide proof of residency in one of the qualifying countries.
Consider the privacy implications
If having your contact details public is a concern for your business, a .fr domain might not be the right choice.
Common Questions
Can I use a .fr domain if my business serves French customers but I'm based elsewhere?
No. The residency requirement is personal, not business-based. You must personally reside in one of the qualifying countries.
What happens if I move outside the EU after registering?
You should be able to keep your existing domain, but you won't be able to register new .fr domains or transfer existing ones.
Can I transfer my .fr domain away from Squarespace later?
Yes, transfers out work normally. Just remember you can't lock the domain, so make sure you secure your registrar account properly.
Bottom Line
.fr domains come with more restrictions and quirks than standard domains. They're perfect if you need to establish a clear French presence and meet all the requirements, but they're not suitable for everyone.
The key is understanding these limitations upfront. The lack of privacy protection, strict renewal deadlines, and geographical restrictions mean you need to be certain this is the right choice for your project before you register.
If you're unsure about any of these requirements, consider whether a .com or other generic domain might serve your needs better, especially if you're just starting out.