In short
- You don't need to be Spanish or live in Spain: having interests in or ties with Spain is enough.
- You'll need an ID number: NIE or NIF if you have one, otherwise a passport or national ID.
- Register it through any accredited registrar; prices are usually around €10–20 a year.
- Register it in your own name or your company's, never in your web designer's.
What a .es domain is
Every country has its own top-level domain: .uk, .fr, .de. Spain's is .es, run by Red.es, a public body under the Spanish government, through its registry at dominios.es. Domains aren't sold directly by Red.es but through accredited registrars (agentes registradores), which include most hosting companies.
Besides the plain .es, there are third-level versions such as .com.es, .org.es and .nom.es (for individuals), but for a business the standard .es is the one to go for.
Who can register a .es domain
Under the current rules, a .es domain can be registered by individuals, companies and organisations that have interests in or maintain ties with Spain. Running a business here, serving clients in Spain or owning property here all count. You don't need Spanish nationality or residence.
| Your situation | ID you'll typically be asked for |
|---|---|
| Spanish company or autónomo | NIF / CIF of the business |
| Foreign resident in Spain | NIE |
| Non-resident individual | Passport or national ID number |
| Foreign company | Company registration or tax number from its country |
How to register it, step by step
- Check availability on any registrar's website or on dominios.es.
- Choose a registrar that is accredited by Red.es. Compare the renewal price, not just the first-year offer.
- Enter the holder's details: name or company name, ID number, address and an email you check regularly.
- Pay and confirm. Domains can be registered for one or several years.
- Turn on auto-renewal and keep the payment card up to date.
- Point the domain to your website and email; your registrar or web designer can do this for you.
.es or .com for a business in Spain?
| .es | .com | |
|---|---|---|
| Signals | A business based in or focused on Spain | International, no country |
| Best for | Local clients, Spanish and expat market | Clients in several countries |
| Availability | Short names often still free | Many good names already taken |
| Price | Around €10–20 a year | Similar |
Both rank perfectly well in Spain; what matters is your content. If your budget allows, register both and redirect one to the other, so nobody else takes the name. If most of your clients are local, use the .es as your main address.
Common mistakes
- Letting a designer or agency register it in their name. Getting it back later can be difficult. The holder must be you.
- Using an email you don't check. Renewal and transfer notices go there.
- Forgetting to renew. When a domain expires, your website and email stop working, and after a grace period anyone can register it.
- Choosing a name that's hard to spell. If clients will hear it over the phone, test it on a Spanish speaker and an English speaker.
Domain, website and email in one go
Our website packages (€400 for up to 5 pages, €600 for up to 12) include the domain and hosting for the first year, registered in your name, plus the SSL certificate. We can set up your site in English, Spanish or both. See our pricing or web design, and if you're setting up your online presence from scratch, read website legal requirements in Spain.
FAQ
Can a foreigner register a .es domain?
Yes. Since the rules were opened up, any individual or organisation with interests in or ties with Spain can register a .es domain, whether or not they live in Spain.
Do I need a NIE to register a .es domain?
Not necessarily. If you have a NIE it's the natural choice, but non-residents can usually register with a passport or national ID number.
How much does a .es domain cost?
Usually around €10–20 a year, depending on the registrar. Watch the renewal price, which is sometimes higher than the first year.
Can I transfer my .es domain to another provider?
Yes. Your current registrar provides what you need to move it, and the new registrar handles the transfer.
A website with your .es domain included
€400 for up to 5 pages or €600 for up to 12, with domain, hosting and SSL for the first year, registered in your name.
See pricing