Understanding the .ch Domain

As of December 31, 2023, there are 2,562,914 registered .ch domain names in the world. It's popular, but different enough to make your website’s domain name stand out. If you want the next update to contain your website as well, here’s everything you need to know.

What Is the .ch Domain?

The .ch domain is the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Switzerland. This extension was introduced in 1987 – just two years after the iconic .com. The extension is based on Switzerland’s ISO 3166-2 code derived from Confoederatio Helvetica, which is Latin for “Helvetic Confederation.” You’ll see the same two letters used in various contexts, such as vehicle registration codes and currency.

When it comes to domain names, these two letters are managed by Switch Information Technology Services. This is an independent foundation that oversees the .ch domain under the direction of Switzerland’s Federal Office of Communications.

The Swiss government considers the DNS for .ch as part of its critical infrastructure. That’s why the .ch domain is one of the most secure TLDs in the world.

Who Can Get the .ch Domain?

The .ch domain is accessible to virtually anyone. In other words, there are no special requirements for registration. However, there are a few general conditions to keep in mind.

The first refers to the registration period. The shortest period that you can register a .ch domain is one year. Although to be fair, this is pretty standard in the domain world.

The .ch domain also doesn’t support third-level formats. This means that only “ch” can come after the dot in the domain name. You can’t use “com.ch” or “org.ch”.

Finally, you must remember some naming requirements. For instance, your domain name must be from three to 63 characters long. You can also include some special characters, such as “à,” “ç” and “ñ.” But other than that, you’re allowed to use good old letters, numbers, and hyphens.

How Can You Get the .ch Domain?

You can easily get your hands on a .ch domain name. Here’s how.

1. Make sure your desired name is available. You can do this on Switch’s website or your chosen registrar.
2. Visit your registrar’s website to place your order. Usually, you’ll find the .ch extension under an “International Domains” tab.
3. Fill out the registration form with your personal or business information.
4. Choose a payment method to complete the registration.

Your chosen .ch domain name will become yours as soon as your payment is processed. Afterward, you can start building your website.

Why Should You Get the .ch Domain?

Registering a .ch domain is a great choice both for Swiss and global organizations and individuals. Here’s why.

Strong Swiss Identity

The .ch domain extension immediately screams Switzerland. And Swiss products are known for their quality and trustworthiness. So, if you use a .ch domain, your brand will be instantly associated with these values. And once you align yourself with these values, you can go anywhere from there.

Enhanced Local Branding

If your business is targeting Swiss consumers, it doesn’t get better than a .ch domain. This domain extension will give you strong local relevance. But we aren’t only talking about consumers. Search engines like Google also prefer .ch domains in local search results. As a result, you’ll have an easier time reaching your target audience in the country.

Global Appeal

The .ch domain was initially created for Swiss residents. However, the domain has since evolved into a global extension. Businesses and individuals worldwide now use it precisely for this reason – its international recognition. And you can be one of them.

Creative Domain Hacks

Numerous words in English end in “ch.” This allows you to use the .ch domain in lots of creative ways. For instance, your design firm might register a domain name “sket.ch.” At the same time, “coa.ch” might be the perfect domain name for a sports or life coach.

Less Competition

Extensions like .com and .org are quite popular. Their .ch counterpart is not. This makes it easier to secure exactly the domain name you want. This is especially significant for businesses that want to establish a distinctive – and consistent – online presence.

Register Your .ch Domain Name Today

As you can see, nothing is standing in your way from securing a highly coveted .ch domain. So, that’s precisely what you should do today.