Can I Keep My .EU Domain Name?

As a UK citizen, owning an EU domain might seem to complicate things with the ongoing transition. The news that the European Union (EU) domain registrar has suspended 81,000 domains registered by UK citizens could be concerning. Displeasure and confusion are understandable, but there is a path forward for domain owners. In this article, I will guide you on how UK citizens can keep their valuable .EU domain names.

The Situation and the Deadline

The European Union (EU) has initiated a process to enforce new regulations on domain names registered by UK citizens. According to the coding of these updates, as of October 2023, 81,000 UK-registered .EU domain names have been suspended. The owners have a three-month grace period during which they must provide proof of EU citizenship and update their contact information accordingly. If not, their domain registrations will be revoked, and the domains will be made available for sale. This is a significant development and there is a lot to consider before making any changes.

Proving EU Citizenship

After this grace period, domain owners will need to submit proof that they are EU citizens. This can include any of the following:

National identification card from an EU country Certified copy of an EU passport Certified copy of a residence permit issued by another EU country

It is crucial to note that the contact information that must be updated includes accurate details such as a valid mailing address, email address, and phone number to ensure the correct correspondence from the domain registrar. Failure to do so within the given timeframe results in the loss of the domain name. It is essential to act quickly to avoid any inconvenience.

Alternative Solutions - Establishing a Presence in the EU

For those who are unable to provide the necessary documentation, an alternative solution is to establish a presence in the European Union (EU). This can be achieved through a variety of means:

1. Irish Location

Investing in an office or digital presence in Ireland is a common choice for individuals who want to continue operating a .EU domain name. Ireland has a robust digital infrastructure and many incentives to attract tech entrepreneurs. Founding a company in Ireland can involve:

Establishing a Limited Company (Ltd.) Registering for VAT if your business reaches €75,000 in annual turnover Securing a physical address for registered office and correspondence

The process of establishing a company in Ireland can be managed by professional service providers who specialize in such services. These service providers can handle the necessary legal and administrative formalities, including setting up the company, applying for the residence permit, and updating the necessary contact information with the domain registrar.

2. Other EU Countries

Other EU countries such as Germany, France, and Spain also offer attractive opportunities to establish a presence. Each country has its unique benefits, from tax incentives to robust digital infrastructure. Here’s a quick overview:

Germany

Germany is a powerhouse in the technology and startup scenes. It offers a favorable business climate and numerous accelerators and incubators to support entrepreneurs. Establishing a GmbH (a private limited company) involves:

Filing the company's founding documents with the Commercial Register Securing a business license and VAT registration, if required Maintaining the company's address for business correspondence

France

France is renowned for its business-friendly environment, especially in the digital sector. It offers several benefits including reduced tax rates and access to subsidized workspace. To establish a SARL (a limited liability company) involves:

Filing for company registration with a notary public Registering the company's details with the Companies Register Obtaining a business license and VAT number

Spain

Spain is gaining traction as a tech hub, with cities like Barcelona and Madrid offering advanced infrastructure and an easy business setup process. Creating a Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada (SL) involves:

Filing the articles of association with the Companies Register Maintaining the company's address for legal purposes Registering for VAT if the company meets certain conditions

Conclusion and Next Steps

While the suspension of .EU domains for UK citizens due to Brexit is a significant challenge, it also provides an opportunity to strengthen your presence in the EU. Whether you opt to provide proof of EU citizenship or establish a digital presence within the Union, taking action now is crucial to retain the valuable .EU domain names you currently hold.

For further assistance, consider working with professional service providers who specialize in domain management and EU business setups. They can guide you through the process to ensure compliance and help you make the most of your .EU domain name in the evolving landscape of UK-EU relations.

Key Takeaways: Understand the regulations and deadlines for proving EU citizenship. Explore alternative solutions like establishing a presence in Ireland or other EU countries. Seek professional assistance to facilitate the process and ensure compliance.