Are you a business or brand in Brazil and looking to connect with audiences in Brazil? A .br domain is the perfect way to show your local presence and build immediate trust.

Knowing the .br domain requirements is a critical step before you get to registration.

Country-code domain requirements are not one-size-fits-all. Your eligibility depends on your status as an individual, a business, or an organization.

If you are feeling stranded on .br domain requirements, this guide breaks down everything you need to know in simple terms. It explains the different types of .br domains and who qualifies for each so that you can find the right fit for your goals.

.Br Domain Basics

The .br domain is Brazil’s country-code extension. It is the Brazilian internet suffix that shows a domain is connected to Brazil.

Due to the specific nature of the ccTLD, strict rules must be adhered to when registering the .br domain. NIC.br administers the .br domain.

To organize the Brazilian internet space, the .br namespace is further divided into second-level domains, each catering to a specific type of business or individual, which directly dictates who is eligible to register.

Here are some of the .br subdomains and the purpose: 

.Br Subdomain	Purpose
.com.br	For businesses, shops, self-employed professionals, and any formally registered commercial activity in Brazil.
.org.br	For officially recognized non-governmental organizations (NGOs), associations, and foundations.
.net.br	Companies providing internet, network, or telecommunications services and infrastructure.
.gov.br	Exclusively for official bodies of the Brazilian government at the federal, state, or municipal level.
.edu.br	Accredited schools, universities, and other recognized Brazilian educational institutions.

Who Can Register a .Br Domain?

The type of subdomain you need determines the domain requirements and qualifications for who can register a .br domain. 

So, who can register a .br domain?

Individuals

Brazilian citizens and foreigners who permanently reside in Brazil can register a .br domain. 

For example, an individual living in Brazil can register a personal website or a blog with a .ind.br subdomain. 

During registration, the individual must provide a valid Brazilian CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas) number for registration and verification.

Businesses

Businesses that want a company website or run an e-commerce store in Brazil can register a .br domain.

The best subdomain for businesses is the .com.br.

The key requirement to register a .com.br is a valid Brazilian CNPJ (Cadastro Nacional da Pessoa Jurídica) number, which is the national corporate tax ID.

This requirement applies to any formally registered commercial operation within Brazil with a business license, such as:

• Corporations
• LLCs
• Sole proprietorships (MEI)
• Self-employed professionals like lawyers

Non-profit Organizations

Brazilian non-profit organizations can register a .org.br website to promote their cause, share information, and attract support.

To get a .br domain, organizations must provide documentation proving their official non-profit status in Brazil.

This applies to officially recognized and registered non-governmental organizations, associations, foundations, charities, and other non-profit entities operating in Brazil.

Government Institutions

Government bodies with authorization from the Brazilian government authority can register a .gov.br domain for official government portals, public services, and information dissemination.

This includes:

• Federal ministries
• State agencies
• Municipal government offices

Educational Institutions

Accredited Brazilian institutions such as universities, colleges, schools, and research institutes can register a .br domain for official institutional websites, student portals, and academic resources.

The appropriate domain for educational institutions is .edu.br.

To prove its accredited status, any educational institution requires authorization from the Brazilian Ministry of Education or another relevant governing body to register a .br domain.

Network Providers

Network providers in Brazil need a .br domain for technical services and operations. The best .br domain to register in this case is the .net.br.

The Main Requirement

The dominant requirement for the registration of the .br domain is local presence. 

To register a .com.br, .org.br, or .net.br domain, the registrant must be a legally established business within Brazil or an individual with a permanent resident status.

NIC.br local presence requirement ensures the integrity of the .br domain space is maintained. 

Domain Name Requirements and Specifications

Apart from the registration requirements, there are other rules and specifications you should meet when registering a .br domain. This includes:

Domain Name Rules

• A .br domain name must be between 2 and 26 characters long. 
• Permissible characters include letters (a-z), 
• Should consist of numbers (0-9), 
• A domain name can have hyphens
• A domain name cannot begin or end with a hyphen

WHOIS Transparency

When registering a .br domain, it is essential to ensure that all information you give is accurate and transparent.

Contact details of the registrant, including name and address, are published in the public WHOIS database.

Domain Name Accuracy

The chosen name should accurately represent the registrant’s identity, trade name, or brand. 

Note that NIC.br can request documentation to prove the connection between the name and the entity or individual registering it. 

Domain name accuracy requirement helps prevent misleading registrations and cybersquatting.

How to Get a .Br Domain

Now that you understand the .br domain registration requirements and who can register, getting a .br domain is a simple process.

Choose a Registrar

You cannot register a .br domain directly with NIC.br. Hence, you need an accredited domain registrar that NIC.br authorizes to offer .br registration services. 

Truehost is an international domain registrar accredited for .br domain registration. It offers straightforward .br registration and dependable customer support.

Confirm Eligibility Requirements

Before you begin, know which domain category you qualify for. For instance, see whether you can register a .ind.br, .com.br, or other domain categories.

Then, gather the required documentation. For a .com.br domain, this will be the Brazilian CNPJ  number. 

For an .ind.br domain, you will need your CPF number. 

Check Domain Availability

Truehost has a tool that allows you to check if your desired domain name is available within seconds. 

If the .br domain is available, you can proceed with the registration process. 

In this case, Truehost support will guide you through submitting your application and uploading the necessary documentation for verification.

Verification and Activation

Truehost verifies the submitted documents with NIC.br to ensure they match the eligibility criteria for your chosen domain category. 

Once approved, the domain is activated and registered in your name.

Conclusion

A .br domain opens you up to the Brazilian digital world, giving you a local connection to the country. Your eligibility depends on who you are and which specific subdomain you choose.

You can get one if you are:

• An individual living in Brazil (using .ind.br).
• A registered business with a Brazilian tax ID (using .com.br).
• A non-profit organization operating in Brazil (using .org.br).
• An accredited school or university (using .edu.br).
• A government body (using .gov.br).

To prove your eligibility, you need to provide official documentation, like a CPF or CNPJ number. Your contact information will also be public. 

The best way to get started is through an accredited registrar. Truehost can guide you through checking your domain’s availability and handle the verification process smoothly.