Table of Contents
- Connecting .au and .com.au Domains to Squarespace
- Requirements for .au and .com.au Domains
- What You'll Need
- Registration Process
- Transfers vs Connections
- Managing Domain Renewal
- Renewal Window
- Registrar-Specific Steps
- Updating Registration Details
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need an ABN or ACN for these domains?
- Can I transfer my existing .au domain to Squarespace?
- What happens if my domain expires?
- Jargon Buster
- Key Takeaways
Last Edited Time
Jun 25, 2025 09:35 PM
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AI summary
To connect .au and .com.au domains to Squarespace, you need an Australian address and an ABN or ACN for .com.au domains. Direct transfers are not allowed; instead, connect existing domains by updating DNS settings. Manage renewals within 30 days of expiration through the Squarespace dashboard.
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Connecting .au and .com.au Domains to Squarespace
If you're running an Australian business or want to target Australian customers, you'll need to understand how .au and .com.au domains work with Squarespace. These Australian country code domains have specific requirements that differ from regular .com domains.
Here's what you need to know about registering and connecting these domains to your Squarespace site.
Requirements for .au and .com.au Domains
What You'll Need
Australian Address
You must have a valid Australian address to register any .au or .com.au domain. This links your domain directly to an Australian presence.
Business Numbers
For .com.au domains (which are for commercial entities), you'll need either:
- An Australian Business Number (ABN), or
- An Australian Company Number (ACN)
The requirements vary slightly between .au and .com.au domains, so check the specific rules for your chosen extension.
Registration Process
Once you register your domain through Squarespace, verification happens automatically. You won't need to click through verification emails like you might with other domain types.
Important timing note: You can only extend your domain registration within 90 days of the renewal date. Try to extend it outside this window and you'll get a payment error.
Transfers vs Connections
Here's something that catches people out: you cannot transfer existing .au or .com.au domains from other registrars directly into Squarespace.
If you already own one of these domains elsewhere, you'll need to connect it to your Squarespace site instead. This means keeping your domain registration with your current provider whilst pointing it to display your Squarespace website.
Managing Domain Renewal
Renewal Window
If your domain expires, you typically have 30 days to renew it through your Squarespace domains dashboard. This depends on which registrar Squarespace uses for your specific domain.
Registrar-Specific Steps
If your domain registrar is Tucows or Key-Systems, you'll see renewal options in your domains dashboard. If these options don't appear, contact Squarespace customer support to check your domain status.
Updating Registration Details
Business details changed? You'll need to contact customer support to update your domain registration information. Be aware that multiple changes might involve additional costs.
Tip: Double-check all your domain details for typos before submitting. Mistakes here can cause headaches later with registrations or connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an ABN or ACN for these domains?
Yes, for .com.au domains you'll need either an Australian Business Number (ABN) or Australian Company Number (ACN). The exact requirement depends on your business structure and the specific domain extension you choose.
Can I transfer my existing .au domain to Squarespace?
No, Squarespace doesn't support direct transfers of .au or .com.au domains. You can connect your existing domain to your Squarespace site instead. This involves changing DNS settings with your current registrar to point to Squarespace's servers.
What happens if my domain expires?
You usually have about 30 days to renew through your Squarespace dashboard, but this depends on your specific registrar. Don't leave it to the last minute - renewal windows can vary.
Jargon Buster
ccTLD (Country Code Top-Level Domain): Domain extensions designated for specific countries (like .au for Australia or .uk for the United Kingdom).
ABN (Australian Business Number): An 11-digit number that identifies your business for tax and regulatory purposes in Australia.
ACN (Australian Company Number): A unique number issued by ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission) to identify companies registered in Australia.
Key Takeaways
Getting .au or .com.au domains set up with Squarespace involves more paperwork than standard domains, but the process is straightforward once you understand the requirements.
Make sure you have your Australian address and business numbers ready before starting the registration process. If you already own one of these domains elsewhere, plan for connecting rather than transferring it to Squarespace.
Keep track of renewal dates and use your Squarespace domains dashboard to manage renewals within the required timeframes.