The .int top-level domain
.int is a restricted domain for qualifying intergovernmental treaty organisations
It is not a general extension for an international company, charity, project or website. IANA limits new .int registrations to eligible organisations established by treaties between national governments, plus specified United Nations bodies. Applications go through IANA, not ordinary retail domain search.
Who can register a .int domain?
Treaty-established organisations
The organisation must have been established by an international treaty between or among national governments.
Independent legal personality
IANA requires the organisation to be widely considered independently subject to and governed by international law.
Specified UN bodies
Specialised UN agencies and organisations with observer status at the UN General Assembly are included in the stated eligibility route.
One registration per organisation
IANA’s policy says only one .int registration is allowed for each eligible organisation.
What evidence does IANA require?
- 1The establishing treaty
IANA must be able to find it in the UN treaty database or receive a true certified copy.
- 2Proof the treaty created the organisation
A constitution, bylaw or later council decision is not the same as an establishing treaty.
- 3International legal status
The application must identify how the organisation has independent international legal personality.
- 4A direct IANA application
Eligible organisations follow IANA’s registration and management process and provide the requested documentation.
What should an ordinary international business use?
| Goal | Possible route |
|---|---|
| Broad international identity | Consider .com or another suitable general extension |
| Clear UK identity | Consider .co.uk or .uk |
| Organisation identity | Consider .org where it fits the name and purpose |
| Country-specific audience | Review the relevant country-code extension and its eligibility rules |
.int questions
Can UKC register .int for me?
No. Eligible organisations apply through IANA’s specialised .int registration process.
Does .int cost more than a normal domain?
IANA states that qualifying .int registrations have no registration fee. The difficult part is strict eligibility, not buying a premium retail product.
Can a programme within an eligible organisation get one?
IANA suggests that a programme or function contact the treaty organisation about a third-level name under that organisation’s existing .int domain.
Need a public business domain?
Search an extension designed for normal registration
Use the IANA route only when the organisation clearly meets the .int policy.