Delete Domains View Domains
You have  item(s) in your Shopping Cart
Delete Items Check Out
False
  • Domain Services
  • Trademark Services
  • Support
EN
Español
support icon mobile

Understanding the .UY Top-Level Domain


The .uy TLD is Uruguay's official domain extension. TLDs, usually two-letter extensions, denote a website's geographic association. A website with a .uy domain indicates a connection to Uruguay, whether through location, audience, or other ties. The following sections further explore the .uy TLD's nuances and development.


What Does the .UY Top-Level Domain Represent?

The .uy TLD symbolizes Uruguay in the digital world. TLDs, like .com or .org, indicate specific associations. With .uy, the link to Uruguay is evident. Websites with this extension, from government agencies to businesses targeting the Uruguayan audience, showcase their affiliation to the country.


Development Timeline of the .UY TLD

The evolution of the .uy top-level domain (TLD) can be traced through the following milestones:

  • 1990: The Central Computing Service at the University of the Republic in Uruguay was entrusted with the administration of the .uy domain.

  • 2012: This year witnessed two significant developments:

    • The implementation of the DNSSEC protocol and the introduction of Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs) under the .uy extension. This allowed domains to include characters with tildes and the "ñ" letter.

    • Direct registration of .uy domain names became possible.

  • 2014: AGESIC took on the responsibility of registering domain names under the .mil.uy and .gub.uy extensions.

  • 2019: AGESIC became the official registration agent for all new domains under the existing .mil.uy and .gub.uy extensions.

  • 2023: The number of .uy domain registrations surpassed 100,000.


Domain Name Options for Various Organizations

For those interested in registering a domain under the .uy TLD, here are some of the available options:

  • .uy: A general domain suitable for any website.

  • .edu.uy: Tailored for educational institutions.

  • .gub.uy: Reserved for government agencies.

  • .org.uy: Ideal for non-profit organizations.

  • .net.uy: For companies providing internet services.

  • .mil.uy: Designated for the Uruguayan armed forces.

  • .com.uy: Suited for commercial entities.


Criteria for Registering under the .UY TLD

When considering a domain name under the .uy TLD, it's essential to be aware of specific criteria:

  • Avoid domain names that closely resemble existing ones.

  • Refrain from using domain names that could be mistaken for state offices or national institutions.

  • Domain names that are considered against societal norms and values should be avoided.

  • Domain names starting with the character sequence "xn" are not permissible.

  • Domain names that infringe on intellectual property rights are not allowed.


What can be Registered as a Domain under the .UY TLD?

Domain registration under the .uy TLD, overseen by Uruguay's national domain registry, adheres to specific rules and guidelines to ensure proper use and prevent misuse. Key points to consider are:

  • Special Characters: Domains can incorporate special characters, broadening the spectrum of potential domain names. This encompasses letters such as á. é, í, ó, ú, ü and ñ. This provision aids in supporting domain names in local languages and scripts, enhancing accessibility and local relevance.

  • Domain Length: Domain names can range from 1 to 50 characters in length.

  • Appropriate Content: Uruguay will assess the appropriateness of user requests via its domain registration authority. This process ensures that domain names that are offensive, discriminatory, illegal, or could cause confusion, deception, or identity theft are not registered.

These are the primary guidelines for registering a .uy domain name. For a comprehensive understanding of these rules, you can visit the official website of Uruguay's domain registry.


Reasons to Register a .UY Domain in Uruguay

Several benefits come up with the registration the .uy domain and some of these reasons are as follows:

  • Local Association & Credibility: A .uy domain strengthens ties with Uruguay, enhancing online presence for local entities and building trust among the Uruguayan audience.

  • SEO & Audience Targeting: It optimizes local SEO, ensuring your website effectively reaches the Uruguayan audience.

  • Digital Infrastructure & Compliance: Registering with a .uy domain contributes to Uruguay's digital growth and ensures adherence to local domain regulations and policies.

  • Brand Protection: Using a .uy domain safeguards your brand identity, preventing others from using your name.

  • Unique Identity & Flexibility: It differentiates your site from generic domains and offers alternative name suggestions if your preferred choice is unavailable.


Statistics for the .UY Domain

As of June 2023, there are 101,045 domains registered under the .uy top-level domain. Here's the breakdown for each .uy domain extension:

 

Conclusion

The .uy top-level domain is more than just a digital address; it's a powerful emblem of Uruguay's presence in the digital realm. For businesses, organizations, and individuals alike, registering a .uy Domain offers a unique identity, fostering trust and local relevance. By understanding the intricacies and advantages of the .uy TLD, entities can effectively harness its potential, ensuring they not only stand out in the vast digital landscape but also resonate authentically with the Uruguayan audience.