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A Step-by-Step Guide to Registering a .SG Domain Name in Singapore 


Table of Content

Introduction
What is the .SG domain?
Why Should you Choose a .SG Domain?
Type of .SG Domains
Our 4-Step Guide: Setting up and Maintaining Your .SG Domain
Understanding the Requirements for .SG and .COM.SG
Registering With Nominus
FAQs
Conclusion
 

Introduction

Amid its futuristic tropical skyline dominated by towering structures, heartland parks, and cascading living gardens, Singapore offers a captivating blend of urban innovation and natural beauty. Celebrated for its robust business environment, connectivity, and economic diversity, the country has firmly established itself as a leading business hub in Asia, leveraging its substantial consumer base and attractive tax rates to strategically position itself in the Asia-Pacific market.
 
Singapore's IT sector, with a sharp focus on digital transformation, has been a key driver of its accelerated growth and a catalyst for developments in fintech, e-commerce, healthcare IT, smart city solutions, and cybersecurity, all contributing to the nation's pursuit of Smart Nation status.
 
Against this backdrop, securing your .sg domain isn't just about online identity; it's a strategic step to enable your business to tap into the abundant opportunities offered by Singapore’s flourishing digital landscape. As of September 2023, it consistently records nearly 200,000 new domain registrations each month. This trend highlights the city-state's ongoing commitment to a thriving online presence and the growing interest in domain ownership.
 
In this comprehensive guide, we highlight the benefits of owning a .sg domain, list the eligibility requirements for local and foreign applicants, and walk you through the steps required to acquire one.


What is the .SG domain?

The .sg domain serves as Singapore's country-code top-level domain name (ccTLD) extension. While it was originally intended for local organizations and websites using the native language, the .sg domain has gained worldwide appeal, extending its accessibility and providing a valuable online presence to Singaporeans and all legally registered businesses and entities in Singapore.


Why Should you Choose a .SG Domain? 

Here are 6 key reasons why a .sg domain is relevant for your business's success in the Lion City.

  1. Trust and credibility: If your company operates primarily in Singapore and you cater to a Singaporean audience, then a .sg domain is essential as it enhances trustworthiness and credibility among your Singaporean consumers. They are more inclined to do business with a company using a domain that aligns with their country.

  2. International recognition of Singapore: Singapore's global reputation for business, technology, and innovation can be leveraged by using a .sg domain. This association could enhance your company's image on an international platform.

  3. Local SEO: Having a .sg domain can benefit your company's Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for local searches within Singapore. Search engines prioritize ccTLDs when displaying results for users in the respective country, making it easier for local customers to find your company online.

  4. Compliance: Some industries or government regulations may require companies to use specific domain extensions for compliance or legal reasons. For a healthcare company, for instance, a .sg domain, signals to both patients and regulatory authorities that this company is operating in accordance with Singapore's data protection laws.

  5. Brand identity: A .sg domain can help reinforce your company's brand identity as a business with strong ties to Singapore and committed to the local market.

  6. Marketing strategy: You may wish to use a .sg domain extension as part of your marketing strategy to target a specific audience or market segment in Singapore. 

It's important to note that while the .sg domain is associated with Singapore, it is not restricted to businesses physically located in the country. Many international companies operating in or targeting the Singaporean market use .sg domains to establish their online presence in the region. For example, tech companies such as Carousell Singapore (www.carousell.sg) and ShopBack Singapore (www.shopback.sg) use a .sg domain to focus on their Singaporean audience and enhance their local presence in the tech and e-commerce industries. Ultimately, the choice of domain extension should align with your company's strategic goals and target audience.


Type of .SG Domains

The Singapore Network Information Centre (SGNIC) Pte Ltd is the official registry for the .sg country code Top-Level Domain (ccTLD). In its capacity as the .sg domain registry, SGNIC manages and oversees the allocation of domain names concluding with .sg within the Internet domain name ecosystem.

Currently, the .sg domain offers six different extensions, each with specific eligibility criteria that must be met to use them legally:

  • .sg: open to anyone with a valid Singapore postal address. Foreign applicants are required to appoint a local agent with a valid Singapore postal address as their Administrative Contact.

  • .com.sg: an applicant must be registered or in the process of registering with the Accounting & Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA), IE Singapore, or another professional body. Foreign companies can apply as long as they appoint a registered and authorized local agent as the Administrative Contact.

  • .org.sg: Available to town councils, community centers, places of worship, embassies, and other unclassified organizations, either registered or in the process of registering with the Registry of Societies (ROS).

  • .edu.sg: Exclusively for educational institutions registered with Singapore's Ministry of Education (MOE).

  • .gov.sg: Reserved for the Singapore government.

  • .net.sg: Open to providers operating information technology and telecommunications networks and associated services, data storage facilities, or hosting services.


Our 4-Step Guide: Setting up and Maintaining Your .SG Domain

Step 1: Domain Availability Search

Begin by checking the availability of your domain. Use the Nominus.com tool for a quick and efficient search to see if your desired domain is available.

The criteria for choosing your domain name are as follows:

  • It should have at least one character and a maximum of sixty-three characters.

  • Acceptable characters include letters from "a" to "z" (without case sensitivity), numeral digits 0-9, and the hyphen, which is allowed but not at the beginning or end or in the third and/or fourth position of your domain name string.

  • Your domain name can be made up of Latin characters, a mix of Latin and Chinese characters, or just Chinese characters.

Premium domain names or PDNs are concise, easy to remember or include sought-after keywords. They often come with a notably higher price tag than regular domain names, according to their perceived market value. PDNs include:

  • Numeric Domain Names (NDNs): These are purely numeric domain names: Single-digit NDNs (e.g., 0, 1, 2 ... 9) and Two and three-digit NDNs (e.g., 00 ... 999).

  • Single character ASCII domain names: These consist of single-letter alphabet characters (e.g., A, B, C ... X, Y, Z).


Step 2: Understanding the Requirements for .SG and .COM.SG

The eligibility requirements for Individuals and Businesses are as follows:

For individuals:

  • Singapore address: An individual must provide a postal address in Singapore for the administrative contact.

  • Identification: A valid passport or an officially recognized ID is required.

  • Phone number for .COM.SG: For a .com.sg domain, a local Singapore telephone number is needed for the domain registrant.


For organizations/businesses:

  • Administrative address: Businesses must give a postal address in Singapore for administrative purposes.

  • Business certificate: An Organization Registration Number is needed for the registration process.

Note: If your domain name is a registered trademark in Singapore, you may have to send additional information.
 
If you do not meet these requirements, Nominus can register the domain in our local representatives' name and make it available to you. This option has an additional cost (Trustee Service).


Registering With Nominus

You will need to create an account on our user-friendly platform. Click on the 'Sign Up' button; you will then be prompted to provide your name, email address, mobile number, and create a strong password for your account.
 
During registration, you will need to provide accurate contact details, including your name, address, email, and phone number. These details are crucial for managing your domain and avoiding problems, like recovering your account if there's a critical error.
 
You also choose the domains you want to register, whether it's a .sg or a .com.sg  domain. You can also select how long you want to register the domain for, from one year up to multiple years. Plus, you can add a trustee service to your order to meet the local presence requirement.

Then, you'll move on to the payment section. Here, you'll confirm your order and choose how to pay, either with PayPal or a credit card. After you submit your payment and it's processed, your domain will be activated and ready to use. You should also get a confirmation email at this point.


Step 3: Setting up Your Domain

Having registered and paid for your domain, you will need to configure your domain settings to link your domain to a website or hosting service. This includes setting up your DNS records and configuring any additional services such as domain privacy protection or Email Hosting if required.


Step 4: Renewing Your Domain

When registering a domain name, it's crucial to consider the renewal cost. Some registrars may provide lower initial registration fees but could have higher renewal charges in subsequent years. Make sure to examine the renewal rates to prevent unexpected costs in the future.


FAQs

Is there a limit to the number and type of domain names I can register?

You can apply for any number and type of domain names for which you are eligible, and you may use multiple registrars if desired.
 

Are my contact details made public?

Contact details are typically displayed in the WHOIS record, but sensitive data such as NRIC numbers are not shown. SGNIC has also implemented a policy to mask email addresses and phone numbers under the Registrant, Administrative, and Billing Contacts to combat spam. An exception is made for the Technical Contact field to ensure the swift resolution of time-sensitive technical issues, necessitating full contact disclosure.
 

What's the maximum renewal period for a domain name with a registrar?

With Nominus.com, each domain name can be renewed for up to 10 years.
 

How can I transfer my domain name to Nominus.com?

First, you should request a "domain transfer password" from your current registrar, then contact Nominus to initiate the transfer. SGNIC will approve it.
 

Conclusion

Registering a .sg domain name and building a robust online presence in Singapore is essential for businesses looking to expand their reach and appeal in the local market. Whether you're an individual looking to create a personal online space or a business seeking a competitive edge in Singapore, this guide provides you with the essential knowledge to confidently navigate the .sg domain registration process. A .sg domain name not only strengthens your brand identity among the Singaporean audience but it also helps build your credibility in the region. By following the steps outlined in this guide, your business will be well-positioned to flourish in the Singapore market.