.ca domain requirements
A .ca registrant must meet CIRA’s Canadian Presence Requirements
Choose the CIRA category that describes the legal holder and enter information that matches supporting records. Common eligible holders include Canadian citizens, permanent residents and Canadian corporations, while a Canadian trademark can provide a limited route for some non-Canadian owners.
Who commonly qualifies for a .ca domain?
Canadian citizen
A Canadian citizen can qualify even when currently living outside Canada.
Permanent resident
A permanent resident of Canada can register under the applicable individual category.
Canadian corporation
A corporation formed under Canadian federal, provincial or territorial law can qualify.
Other eligible entity
CIRA lists further categories for organisations such as educational institutions, associations and government bodies.
Can a non-Canadian trademark owner register .ca?
A person or entity without another Canadian presence can sometimes qualify through a trademark registered in Canada. This route is limited to a domain that consists of or includes the exact word component of that trademark. Confirm the current CIRA wording and use the trademark owner as the registrant.
Prepare for registrant information validation
- 1Identify the holder
Use the person or organisation that should legally control the domain.
- 2Choose the exact category
Select the category supported by the holder’s real Canadian presence.
- 3Enter matching details
Names and addresses should agree with government, corporate or trademark records.
- 4Respond to CIRA
If validation is requested, provide the required evidence promptly. The domain can be locked during review.
.ca registration questions
Can a UK business register .ca?
Not through UK establishment alone. It needs a qualifying Canadian presence category, such as an eligible Canadian corporation or applicable Canadian trademark.
Can I use a Canadian contact’s address?
Only if that contact is genuinely the eligible legal registrant. A borrowed address does not create eligibility.
Does availability guarantee registration?
No. The name can be available while the proposed registrant still fails CIRA eligibility or validation.
Can CIRA ask for proof later?
Yes. Registrant information can be validated after registration, so keep the record accurate throughout ownership.
Before registering
Match the legal holder to a current CIRA presence category
Accurate information protects the registration and makes validation easier.