Domain registration .ru: Where and how to buy them now

Thinking about registering a .ru domain? Well, let’s get straight to it. The .ru domain is the country code top-level domain for Russia. It’s used by folks inside Russia or targeting that market. And yes, anyone can register one—no need to be Russian, no matter where you sit. But, as always, there are some steps involved. You need to provide documents if you’re an individual—like a passport—or a company, a certificate of registration. Nothing crazy, but it’s not a “just type and go” situation either.

Where to Register a .ru Domain

Now, where do you get these .ru domains? Plenty of registrars serve international clients, especially U.S. customers. Gandi.net is a good example. They charge around $18 for a year. Transfer fees are low—about $4—and renewal costs are roughly $48. EuroDNS offers similar options, with prices around €23.50 per year, but watch out for their transfer fees. UltaHost is another player, throwing in free DNS management and 24/7 support. It’s pretty straightforward.

But wait—here’s the tricky part. Russia’s in the news often, and geopolitics has made owning a Russian domain a little more complex. Increased scrutiny, sanctions, and payment hurdles can pop up—all the stuff you should keep in mind.

Geopolitical Considerations

It’s not impossible, but it’s not as simple as buying a .com anymore. And by the way, they also say there’s the .рф domain—using Cyrillic characters—which might be a better fit if you’re targeting Russian speakers but don’t want the hassle of dealing with Russian registrars.

Speaking of risks, remember that the .ru domain is managed by RU Center, a Russian registry. Most registrars have their quotas, but the geopolitical climate can influence how easy or hard it is to keep your domain active outside Russia. So, think about your goals and where your audience is before jumping in.

Final Thoughts about Domain registration .ru

To sum up, anyone can get a .ru, but documentation is a must. Reputable registrars like Gandi or EuroDNS make it simple enough for U.S. businesses or individuals. Prices vary but are generally affordable. Just don’t forget—things are changing. Reputational risks, payment issues, and legal hurdles are part of the package now.

What I’d ask you is: do you really need a .ru? If yes, then pick your registrar carefully and stay aware of the geopolitical buzz. If not, maybe think about other options, like the .рф or just go global with a .com or .net. Either way, understanding where your domain lives is the first step to controlling your online territory.

What do you think? Do you believe registering a .ru makes sense in 2024? Or are you wary of the hurdles? Drop your thoughts in the comments, or check out other articles here. Always good to hear your take.

Silas "Glich" Vance

My name is Silas, "Glicht" for my friends, they gave it to me and I don't dislike it either, I'm a bit contrary to everyone and I'm on the computer all day, it makes sense haha
I'm looking for expired domains to find opportunities and also for new domains that are being added. I have tried many hostings and servers, I also have my own. I like to share news about this world, domains, hostings, web tools... In general everything about development, webs and companies in the sector.