Registering .fr Domains on Squarespace
TL;DR:
- .fr domains have specific rules that differ from other domain types on Squarespace
- You must be a resident of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein to register one
- These domains don't support locking or Whois privacy protection
- Renew at least one day before expiry to avoid losing your domain
- No refunds once registered, so check for typos before finalizing
.fr domains are France's country code top-level domain (ccTLD) and work differently from most other domains on Squarespace. The French registry has specific rules that affect how you can register, manage, and renew these domains.
You can register a new .fr domain directly through Squarespace, transfer an existing one from another provider, or connect a .fr domain you own elsewhere to your Squarespace site.
Key Restrictions for .fr Domains
Eligibility Requirements
You must be a resident of one of these areas to register a .fr domain:
- Any EU country
- Switzerland
- Norway
- Iceland
- Liechtenstein
If you don't meet this requirement, you won't be able to register a .fr domain through Squarespace.
Naming Rules
The French registry prohibits domain names that reference governmental or public entities. This helps prevent confusion with official government websites.
Missing Security Features
.fr domains don't support some standard features:
- Domain locking – This security feature that prevents unauthorized transfers isn't available
- Whois privacy protection – Your registration details will be publicly visible in the Whois database
Renewal and Expiration Rules
.fr domains have stricter renewal requirements than most other domain types:
Renewal deadline: You must renew at least one day before your domain expires. Don't wait until the last minute.
No grace period: Once you register a .fr domain, you can't get a refund. Double-check your spelling before completing the registration.
After expiration: What happens depends on your registrar:
- Tucows domains enter a 30-day redemption period with additional fees
- Key-Systems allows renewals for about 30 days through your dashboard
Transferring .fr Domains to Squarespace
When you transfer a .fr domain to Squarespace, the renewal date changes to match when the transfer completes. You'll get one additional year added to your registration, but any remaining time with your previous provider won't carry over.
The transfer process follows Squarespace's standard domain transfer procedure, but remember that .fr domains can't be locked during or after the transfer.
FAQs
Can I register a .fr domain if I live outside the EU?
No. You must be a resident of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein. This is a requirement from the French registry, not Squarespace.
What happens if I miss my renewal date?
It depends on your registrar. Some offer a redemption period where you can recover your domain for an additional fee. Others may release the domain immediately. Check your domain dashboard for available options.
Can I hide my contact information for a .fr domain?
No. Whois privacy protection isn't available for .fr domains due to registry policies. Your registration details will be publicly visible.
Can I lock my .fr domain to prevent unauthorized transfers?
No. Domain locking isn't supported for .fr domains.
Jargon Buster
ccTLD: Country Code Top-Level Domain. A two-letter domain extension assigned to a specific country or territory.
Registry: The organization that manages all domains under a specific extension. AFNIC manages .fr domains.
Redemption Period: A grace period after a domain expires when the original owner can still reclaim it, usually for an additional fee.
Whois Privacy: A service that replaces your personal contact information in the public Whois database with generic registry information.
Wrap-up
.fr domains work well for businesses targeting French audiences, but they come with specific restrictions you won't find with generic domains like .com or .org. The residency requirement, lack of privacy protection, and stricter renewal rules mean you need to plan more carefully than with other domain types.
If you meet the eligibility requirements and understand the limitations, a .fr domain can strengthen your connection to French customers and improve your local search presence in France.
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