Have you ever tried to register a .br domain and wondered why it’s not as straightforward as buying a .com?
You’re not alone.
Many people are surprised to find out that owning a .br domain, Brazil’s official country-code top-level domain (ccTLD), involves more than just picking a name and checking out.
In Brazil, domain registration is a structured process governed by strict local rules. This applies to everyone, from freelancers who want to localize their brands to small businesses and enterprises building a digital footprint.
Understanding these steps upfront will save you a lot of time and frustration.
Let’s walk through everything, from eligibility to setup.
But First, What Makes the .br Domain Different?
The .br extension is managed by Registro.br, the official registry responsible for overseeing all Brazilian domain names.
Unlike most countries where you can directly register a domain like “yourname.countrycode,” Brazil’s system requires you to choose a second-level category first.
This means instead of registering “yourbrand.br,” you’ll register under a specific category, such as:
- .com.br – for businesses, e-commerce, and freelancers
- .org.br – for non-profit organizations or associations
- .adv.br – for registered lawyers or law firms
- .med.br – for licensed doctors or medical institutions
- .blog.br – for personal or lifestyle blogs
Each of these has its own eligibility criteria.
For most individuals and businesses, .com.br is the best option because it’s the most recognized and widely used in Brazil.
Who Can Register a .br Domain?
One of the main things that makes .br unique is that you can’t register it anonymously or without a local presence.
You must have a Brazilian tax identification number, which shows you are legally Brazilian or that you generate your income in the country legally.
For individuals, this is your CPF (Cadastro de Pessoa Física), and for companies, it’s your CNPJ (Cadastro Nacional da Pessoa Jurídica). These are issued by the Federal Revenue Service and must be in active status, meaning your tax ID is valid and compliant with local regulations.
In addition to the ID, Registro.br requires you to list four key contacts for every domain:
- Owner (Registrant): The legal entity or individual responsible for the domain.
- Administrative Contact: The person authorized to manage ownership and account changes.
- Technical Contact: Handles DNS setup, hosting, and email configuration.
- Billing Contact: Manages renewals and payments.
These roles ensure transparency and accountability.
For local users, this process is quick once your CPF or CNPJ is verified. But if you’re not based in Brazil, things get more complicated. Which brings us to the next part.
Can You Register a .br Domain from Outside Brazil?
Yes, you can.
But you’ll need a local representative or service to meet the residency requirement.
Registro.br enforces this rule strictly to ensure that all domains remain tied to accountable, locally verifiable contacts.
You have two main options as a foreign applicant:
- Use a Trustee or Proxy Service
This is the most common and convenient method.
A local registrar or partner company acts as your official representative and registers the domain on your behalf. They use their own CPF or CNPJ to comply with Brazilian law, while you remain the beneficial owner through a service contract.
- The upside is that you can launch your site quickly without setting up a company in Brazil.
- The downside is that your domain’s legal ownership is technically tied to the proxy, so you need to work with a trusted provider and have clear terms about renewals, transfers, and control rights.
- Appoint a Legal Representative (Procurador)
This is the formal path for companies planning to do business in Brazil long-term.
You’ll appoint a local representative, known as a “Procurador”, through a Power of Attorney.
This person must live in Brazil and agree to act on your behalf.
The paperwork is extensive, requiring sworn translations, legalizations, and a declaration committing your business to start permanent operations in Brazil within 12 months.
While this route takes more time and money, it gives you direct legal ownership of your domain.
How Much Does It Cost to Register a .Br Domain?
If you register directly through Registro.br, the official annual fee ranges from $29. However, if you’re using a third-party registrar, especially one that offers trustee or compliance services, the cost can rise to $80–$300 per year, depending on the provider.
The higher fees aren’t just markup; they cover the cost of maintaining legal compliance, managing renewals, and assuming the local legal risk on your behalf.
In other words, you’re paying for peace of mind, not just the domain itself.
How to Register a .br Domain Step by Step
Let’s go through the entire process clearly so you know what to expect.
Step 1: Prepare Your Details
Start by confirming that your CPF or CNPJ is valid and active with the Federal Revenue Service. If you’re a foreign user, choose a registrar that offers a trustee or proxy service.
Also, decide on your domain category, like .com.br for commercial use or .blog.br for personal use. Picking the right one ensures smooth approval and avoids unnecessary delays.
Step 2: Check Domain Availability
Go to Registro.br and use the search bar to check if your desired domain name is available. If it’s taken, the site will suggest close alternatives.
Try variations that reflect your brand while staying simple and memorable — short names and clear spellings tend to perform better in search engines and with users.
Step 3: Set Up Nameservers
Before submitting your registration, make sure you already have your DNS (nameservers) set up. Registro.br requires between 2 and 5 working nameservers, and they must respond correctly when tested.
This pre-validation ensures that your domain is technically ready to go live. If the DNS isn’t properly configured, the request goes into a pending state and automatically expires after 14 days, meaning you’d have to start over.
Step 4: Create Your Registro.br Account
Once your domain is available, create an account on Registro.br. Enter your CPF or CNPJ and your full contact details for all four roles (Owner, Admin, Technical, and Billing).
If you’re using a registrar or trustee, they’ll handle most of this for you, but it’s still good to double-check that all data matches your official documents.
Step 5: Submit and Pay
After verifying everything, proceed to payment. The official Registro.br fee is R$40 per year, but third-party registrars may include their own charges.
Once payment is complete, the registration process begins. It’s not instant. Registro.br manually validates all information, so processing can take a few days or, in rare cases, up to 45 days if extra verification is needed.
Step 6: Wait for Activation
Once your request is approved and DNS verified, you’ll receive confirmation that your domain is live.
You may need to wait several more hours for DNS propagation, which is when your new domain becomes accessible across the global internet. After that, your site will be ready to host content or email services.
Renewal and Maintenance
.br domains can be registered for 1 to 10 years. Renewals typically open 30 days before expiration.
One important detail: there’s no grace period after expiry.
If you miss the renewal date, your domain immediately enters a 73-day redemption period and recovering it costs significantly more.
That’s why it’s smart to set up automatic renewal or calendar reminders to stay ahead.
Many registrars also send email alerts, but double-check that your billing contact email is always up to date.
Domain Transfers and Ownership Changes
Transferring a .br domain works differently from other extensions like .com.
There’s no “authorization code.” Instead, you log into your Registro.br account and update the domain’s Service Provider or ownership details directly through the platform.
This system gives you more control but also places the responsibility on you to manage it carefully.
If you’re using a trustee, ask how transfers are handled to ensure you can take full ownership later if you set up a local business.
Special Domain Categories You Should Know
Some .br domains are reserved for specific professions or institutions, and they require extra proof of eligibility.
- .adv.br: Only for lawyers or law firms registered with the Brazilian Bar Association (OAB).
- .med.br: Only for doctors with active registration in the Regional Medical Council (CRM).
- .gov.br: For official government bodies and public institutions.
- .edu.br: For accredited universities or colleges.
- .g12.br: For primary and secondary schools.
These rules prevent misuse, ensuring that visitors can trust the domain they’re interacting with.
Resolving Domain Disputes (SACI-Adm)
If a dispute arises over who owns or has rights to a .br domain, Brazil uses a system called SACI-Adm, short for Sistema Administrativo de Conflitos de Internet Relativos a Nomes de Domínios sob .BR.
It’s similar to ICANN’s global UDRP system but even broader.
SACI-Adm considers not only trademarks but also company names, trade names, civil names, and even famous pseudonyms.
This means that even if a name isn’t a registered trademark, someone could still challenge your domain if it’s closely tied to their brand or identity
To avoid this, do a quick search in Brazil’s trademark and company registries before registering. It’s an easy step that can prevent big headaches later.
Final Thoughts: .br Domain Registration
Registering a .br domain isn’t as simple as grabbing a .com, but it’s absolutely worth it if you want to build credibility in Brazil.
The strict verification process ensures that every .br domain is tied to a real, traceable person or business, which strengthens trust in the local online ecosystem.
If you’re a local user with a CPF, the process is quick and affordable.
If you’re based outside Brazil, use a reliable registrar with a solid trustee service and clear ownership terms.
Take your time to prepare your DNS setup, renew early, and keep your records up to date.
Once your .br domain is active, you’ll have a verified and trusted address that connects your business to one of Latin America’s biggest digital markets.
Register your .br domain at Truehost today.
