Brexit and .eu domain names

From 1 January 2021, certain undertakings, organisations and individuals based in the UK became ineligible to hold or register a .eu domain name. 

According to the legislative requirements[1], only the following are eligible to register .eu domain names:

• an European Union ("EU") citizen, independently of their place of residence;
• a natural person who is not an EU citizen, but who is resident in an EU member state;
• an undertaking established in the EU; or
• an organisation that is established in the EU, without prejudice to the application of national law.

This meant that undertakings and organisations established in the UK (but not in any other EU member state), UK citizens who are not resident in an EU member state, and UK residents who are not EU citizens (collectively "UK Registrants"), could no longer hold or register an .eu domain name[2].

Affected .eu domain name registrations became invalid and were suspended on 1 January 2021.

Can I reinstate my suspended .eu domain name?

A suspended domain name cannot support any service (such as websites or email); however, it may be reinstated if the registration data is updated to meet the eligibility criteria. This includes:

• for organisations, transferring/registering to a legally established entity/address in an eligible EU member state; or
• for individuals, updating their residence to an EU member state or proving their citizenship of an EU member state.

This suspension was due to remain in place until 31 March 2021, but has subsequently been extended to 30 June 2021.

What happens if I can't update my registrant details?

On 1 July 2021, where no remedial action has been taken by the UK Registrant (or their registrar(s)), EURid will notify them by email that their .eu domain name is withdrawn. A withdrawn domain name no longer functions and cannot support any service (such as websites or email).

On 1 January 2022, 00:00:00 Central European Time (CET)), all of the affected .eu domain names which were withdrawn will be revoked – thereafter, becoming available for general registration. Their release will occur in batches from the time they become available.

Can I apply for a new .eu domain name, or re-apply for one I have lost?

EURid will not allow the registration of any new domain name by UK Registrants, nor the transfer (including transfer through update) of any domain name to a UK Registrant.

If you want to purchase a new .eu domain name (or purchase an old .eu domain name once it has become available), it would have to be via an individual or organisation that can demonstrate that they fulfil the legislative requirements to be eligible to register and hold an .eu domain name.

What if my question is not answered here?

Please contact any member of our Intellectual Property team if you have any additional questions.

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[1] Set out by Article 4(2)(b) of Regulation (EC) No 733/2202, as amended by Regulation (EU) 2019/517

[2] EU citizens resident in the UK, and UK citizens resident in an EU member state, will maintain their eligibility after Exit Day.