CNNIC rules checked 14 August 2026
A .cn domain requires verified, accurate registrant identity information
CNNIC’s current rules allow natural persons, legal persons and unincorporated organisations to apply. They do not state a universal Chinese local-presence requirement for an ordinary .cn name, but the registrar must verify the applicant’s identity materials and may require specific supported documents.
Who can apply for a .cn domain?
An individual
A natural person may apply using supported government-issued identity documentation in the registrant’s real legal name.
A registered organisation
A company or other legal person may apply using the organisation’s formal registered name and certificate details.
An unincorporated organisation
CNNIC’s rules also include unincorporated organisations, subject to the identity evidence the registrar can verify.
A non-Chinese applicant
The current general rules do not impose one universal China-presence condition, but overseas document support must be confirmed with the provider.
Which documents and details are normally needed?
| Applicant | Typical identity evidence | Information that must match |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | A supported passport, identity card or other government-issued document | Full legal name, document type and number, address, telephone and email |
| Company or legal person | Company registration, business licence or equivalent official certificate accepted by the provider | Exact organisation name, certificate type and number, address, telephone and email |
| Unincorporated organisation | Official evidence showing the organisation and the authorised applicant | Formal organisation details and supported contact information |
| All applicants | Any additional material CNNIC or the registrar requests during verification | The registration period, domain, nameservers and registration, administrative, technical and billing contacts |
The registrar must check that submitted materials are authentic, accurate and complete. Use a clear, current document and enter the holder’s name exactly as the provider tells you to transcribe it. Transliteration, punctuation and organisation suffix differences can cause a mismatch.
How does real-name verification work?
- 1Choose the true holder
Decide whether the individual or organisation will own the domain before entering contact details.
- 2Submit supported evidence
Provide the document type, number, holder name and any image or certificate requested through the secure provider process.
- 3Wait for verification
The registrar checks the data and forwards a valid application to CNNIC. Do not assume the domain is usable until the process completes.
- 4Correct exact mismatches
If rejected, compare spelling, order, punctuation, dates, certificate numbers and image quality before resubmitting.
What can a .cn domain name contain?
Letters and numbers
Ordinary ASCII .cn labels can use English letters A to Z and numbers 0 to 9. Letter case does not create a different domain.
Hyphens with limits
A hyphen cannot be the first or last character. CNNIC’s FAQ also says it must not be registered by itself or used continuously.
No spaces or ordinary symbols
Spaces and characters such as exclamation marks, ampersands and question marks are not valid in a standard ASCII label.
Length and Chinese names
A label is limited to 63 characters. Chinese internationalised names are measured after Punycode conversion and follow additional registry rules.
Availability is not permission to infringe a trade mark, impersonate another party or use prohibited content. CNNIC and the registrar can review registrations, require corrections and cancel names that breach the governing rules.
Is registering .cn the same as permission to operate a website in China?
No. Domain registration, DNS, web hosting and compliance for an internet information service are separate matters. Registering .cn does not automatically obtain an ICP filing, content approval, business licence or permission to host a public service in mainland China.
| Task | What it does | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Register .cn | Creates the domain registration for the verified holder | CNNIC eligibility, identity, naming and provider requirements |
| Configure DNS | Directs the domain to website, email or other services | Correct authoritative nameservers and records |
| Host outside mainland China | Publishes the site from another jurisdiction | Provider terms, performance, target audience and applicable law |
| Provide a service from mainland China | Uses mainland access infrastructure for the website or application | Current ICP filing or licensing route, access-provider checks and any sector approvals |
How should a UK applicant prepare to register .cn?
- 1Confirm current provider support
Ask whether the registrar can accept your applicant country, holder type and exact passport or organisation document.
- 2Choose the legal holder
Use the person or organisation that should control renewal, DNS and any later transfer.
- 3Check the name and rights
Review spelling, prohibited terms, trade marks, availability, registration price, renewal price and VAT.
- 4Prepare matching details
Use the holder’s exact legal name and a clear supported document, with reliable email and telephone contacts.
- 5Complete secure verification
Follow the provider’s identity process and respond promptly if it asks for a correction or additional evidence.
- 6Verify activation and DNS
Confirm the registration completed, nameservers are correct and the domain resolves before launching a service.
Which mistakes commonly delay or invalidate a .cn application?
Using a nickname or trading style
The holder name must correspond to the accepted identity or organisation evidence, not merely the website brand.
Assuming all passports work
Document types supported by a provider can change. Confirm yours before payment rather than after rejection.
Uploading an unclear document
Cropped, expired, altered or unreadable evidence can fail authenticity and completeness checks.
Confusing registration with ICP filing
A registered domain does not by itself authorise a mainland-hosted website or regulated online activity.
.cn registration questions
Do I need a company in China to register .cn?
The current general CNNIC rules allow natural persons, legal persons and unincorporated organisations and do not set one universal local-presence rule for ordinary .cn registrations. However, confirm that the current provider supports your country and identity documents.
Can an individual register .cn?
Yes under the general rules, subject to a supported identity document, accurate contact data, the provider’s verification route and any exception applying to the requested name.
Will the domain work immediately after payment?
Not necessarily. Payment and reservation are not the same as successful identity verification and registry activation. Check the order and registration status.
Does a .cn domain include permission to trade in China?
No. A domain is an internet identifier. Company, sector, content, hosting, ICP and other legal requirements are separate.
Where can I read the official rules?
Read CNNIC’s Implementing Rules of China ccTLD Registration and its current .cn naming FAQ.
Verify before paying
Confirm that your holder and identity document are supported for .cn
Use accurate details, keep registration separate from mainland website compliance and ask UKC about the current ordering route when anything is unclear.