Namibian Domain Registration - Complete Guide to .na Domains
Everything you need to know about registering .com.na, .na, and other Namibian domains. Pricing, requirements, step-by-step process.
A domain name is your business address on the internet. For Namibian businesses, registering a .na domain signals to customers, search engines, and partners that you are exactly who you say you are: a local business, operating locally, serving Namibian clients.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Namibian domains, from the different types available to the full registration process, pricing, and what to do after you register.
What Is a .na Domain?
The .na country code top-level domain (ccTLD) belongs to Namibia. Like .uk for the United Kingdom or .za for South Africa, .na and its extensions exist exclusively for Namibia's internet identity.
Every Namibian domain extension lives under the .na root. This means .com.na, .org.na, .net.na, and the rest are all Namibian domains, managed by the Namibian Network Information Centre (NA-NIC).
When someone sees a .com.na address, they immediately know the business is based in Namibia. That recognition matters more than most business owners realise.
The 9 Namibian Domain Extensions Explained
Namibia offers nine domain extensions, each suited to different types of organisations. Here is what each one means and who it is best for.
.com.na - Commercial Businesses (N$1,450/year)
The most popular Namibian domain extension. .com.na is the standard choice for any Namibian commercial business, whether you sell products, offer services, or operate online.
Best for: Retail shops, service providers, tourism operators, contractors, consultants, any business that sells to customers.
If you are a business registered with BIPA and you want a professional Namibian web presence, .com.na is your first choice. Check availability at info.na/domains.
.na - Premium National Domain (N$5,495/year)
The shortest and most prestigious Namibian domain. A .na domain signals that you are a major national player. The higher price reflects the exclusivity and the authority that comes with owning such a short, recognisable address.
Best for: National brands, large companies, government-affiliated organisations, businesses that want maximum authority and a short, memorable address.
.org.na - Non-Profit Organisations (N$1,100/year)
Designed for NGOs, non-profits, community organisations, churches, and civic bodies. A .org.na domain tells visitors immediately that your organisation exists to serve a cause, not to make a profit.
Best for: Registered NGOs, community trusts, religious organisations, welfare bodies, conservation groups.
.info.na - Information Sites (N$380/year)
The most affordable Namibian domain extension. .info.na suits informational resources, blogs, news sites, and directories. It is also a practical choice for personal branding or community projects where budget matters.
Best for: Community information portals, personal websites, directories, news blogs, low-budget projects.
This very platform (info.na) uses the .info.na extension, demonstrating how well it suits a business information resource.
.net.na - Network and Technology Companies (N$600/year)
Originally intended for internet service providers and network operators, .net.na has broadened to include technology companies, software developers, and digital service businesses.
Best for: ISPs, IT companies, telecoms, software businesses, tech startups.
.co.na - Companies (N$1,100/year)
An alternative to .com.na that works well for companies wanting a slightly shorter domain or when their preferred .com.na name is taken. The .co extension is internationally recognised as a company abbreviation.
Best for: Companies, startups, professional services.
.edu.na - Educational Institutions (N$1,100/year)
Reserved for accredited educational institutions in Namibia. Registration requires verification that the applicant is a recognised school, college, university, or training provider.
Best for: Schools, colleges, universities, vocational training centres, NCHE-accredited institutions.
.alt.na - Alternative and Creative Projects (N$1,100/year)
A creative extension for alternative media, arts organisations, cultural projects, and innovative businesses that do not fit neatly into the commercial or organisational categories.
Best for: Arts collectives, creative agencies, alternative media, cultural projects, innovative brands.
.school.na - Schools (N$1,100/year)
A dedicated extension for schools, making it immediately clear to parents, students, and staff what the site is. Separate from .edu.na, which covers tertiary institutions.
Best for: Primary schools, secondary schools, private schools, community schools.
Namibian Domain Pricing Table
| Extension | Annual Price | Best For | |-----------|-------------|----------| | .com.na | N$1,450 | Commercial businesses | | .na | N$5,495 | National brands, premium | | .org.na | N$1,100 | NGOs, non-profits | | .info.na | N$380 | Information sites, personal | | .net.na | N$600 | Technology, networks | | .co.na | N$1,100 | Companies, startups | | .edu.na | N$1,100 | Educational institutions | | .alt.na | N$1,100 | Creative, alternative | | .school.na | N$1,100 | Schools |
All prices are per year, in Namibian dollars, and include full DNS management.
Why .na Domains Beat .com for Namibian Businesses
Many business owners ask whether they should register a .com or a .com.na. For most Namibian businesses, the answer is clear.
Local SEO Advantage
Google uses a concept called geographic relevance when ranking search results. When someone in Namibia searches for "plumber Windhoek" or "lodge Etosha", Google gives preference to websites with Namibian signals: .com.na or .na domains, Namibian hosting, Namibian phone numbers.
A .com domain can rank in Namibia, but it starts at a disadvantage. Google does not know it is a Namibian business until it finds other local signals. A .com.na domain tells Google immediately: this is a Namibian business.
Trust With Local Customers
Namibian customers recognise .com.na as a Namibian business. When they see a .com domain, they often wonder if the business is local or foreign. That doubt costs you enquiries.
Professionalism and Credibility
A local domain with a local email address ([email protected]) signals that you are an established Namibian business. It sets you apart from the informal operators who use Gmail or free website builders.
Availability
Popular .com names have been registered since the 1990s. Most short, meaningful .com names are taken. The .com.na namespace is less crowded, meaning you are far more likely to get your preferred business name.
BIPA Alignment
When you register a business with BIPA, your official business name is Namibian. Your domain should match. A .com.na domain that mirrors your registered business name is the cleanest, most professional choice.
.com.na vs .com: A Direct Comparison
| Factor | .com.na | .com | |--------|---------|------| | Price | N$1,450/yr | ~N$250/yr | | Local SEO | Strong advantage | No inherent advantage | | Name availability | Good | Very limited | | Local trust signal | Immediate | Requires other signals | | Registration speed | 24-48 hours | Instant | | Target audience | Namibian customers | Global |
For a business whose customers are primarily Namibian, .com.na wins on every dimension that matters: trust, local SEO, availability, and professionalism.
Who Can Register a Namibian Domain?
Any individual or business can register most Namibian domain extensions. You do not need to be Namibian or have a Namibian business registration to get a .com.na or .info.na domain.
The exceptions:
- .edu.na: Requires verified educational institution status
- .school.na: Requires verified school status
- .gov.na: Reserved for Namibian government entities
For commercial extensions (.com.na, .co.na, .org.na, .net.na, .info.na, .alt.na), registration is open to anyone with a legitimate need.
Namibian businesses do not need to provide BIPA registration documentation, though having your registration number on file can speed up any future administrative processes.
Step-by-Step: How to Register a Namibian Domain
Registering a Namibian domain through info.na takes less than 10 minutes. Here is the full process.
Step 1: Search for Your Domain
Go to info.na/domains and type your preferred domain name. The search will show you which extensions are available and their prices. Try a few variations if your first choice is taken.
Step 2: Choose Your Extension
Select the extension that best fits your business type. For most Namibian businesses, .com.na is the right choice. If you are registering for an NGO or school, choose the appropriate extension.
Step 3: Complete Your Registration Details
Provide your contact information: name, physical address, phone number, and email. This information appears in the public WHOIS record associated with your domain.
For business registrations, use your registered business name and your business address.
Step 4: Configure Your Nameservers
Nameservers tell the internet which server hosts your website and email. If you are setting up hosting at the same time, we configure this for you. If you are managing DNS elsewhere, enter your nameserver details now.
Step 5: Complete Payment and Await Activation
Pay by EFT, card, or mobile payment. Namibian domains go through NA-NIC approval, which typically takes 24 to 48 hours. You will receive an email confirmation once your domain is live.
Once activated, your domain is yours for one year. We will send renewal reminders 60 days before expiry.
DNS Basics for Business Owners
You do not need to understand DNS deeply to manage your domain. But knowing a few terms helps when dealing with technical support or setting up email.
DNS (Domain Name System): The system that translates your domain name into the IP address of your server. When someone types your domain into a browser, DNS tells their computer where to find your website.
A Record: Points your domain to your web server's IP address. This is what makes yourbusiness.com.na load your website.
MX Record: Points your domain's email to your mail server. This is what allows [email protected] to work.
CNAME Record: Creates an alias from one domain name to another. Often used for www to redirect to your main domain.
TTL (Time to Live): How long DNS records are cached before being refreshed. Lower TTL means changes propagate faster but creates more DNS lookups.
When you host with DIC, we manage all DNS records for you. You do not need to configure these manually unless you have specific requirements.
Domain Renewal: What You Need to Know
Namibian domains renew annually. Miss the renewal window and your domain expires, meaning your website goes offline and your email stops working.
Here is how to avoid that:
- We send renewal reminders at 60 days, 30 days, and 7 days before expiry
- Auto-renewal is available and recommended for business-critical domains
- There is a short grace period after expiry, but do not rely on it
- Domains that lapse can be registered by anyone, including competitors
Treat your domain renewal like a business licence renewal: put it in your calendar and pay it promptly. The cost of rebuilding a brand around a new domain is many times the cost of the annual renewal fee.
Related: How to Register a .com.na Domain Step by Step
Quick Answers for Local and Foreign Registrants
Can a foreign person or company register a .com.na domain?
Yes. Most Namibian commercial domain extensions, including .com.na, .co.na, .org.na, .net.na, .info.na and .alt.na, are open to local and foreign registrants. A foreign applicant does not normally need a Namibian company registration just to register a .com.na domain.
Which Namibian domain should a foreign company choose?
For a foreign company selling to Namibia, .com.na is usually the safest choice. It is the recognised commercial namespace, it is easier for local customers to trust than an unfamiliar foreign extension, and it is practical for websites, email, landing pages and local campaigns.
Which domain should a Namibian SME choose?
For most Namibian SMEs, .com.na is the default recommendation. It gives a clear local business signal without the higher annual cost of a direct .na domain.
Do I need local hosting for a Namibian domain?
No. A Namibian domain can point to hosting anywhere in the world. What matters is that the DNS records are set correctly for the website and email provider you use.
Can I use a .com.na domain with Google Workspace or Microsoft 365?
Yes. A .com.na domain can be used with Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, cPanel email, Zoho, Proton, or another email provider. The domain needs correct MX, SPF, DKIM and DMARC records.
Where can I check a .com.na domain?
You can check and order .com.na domains at domains.com.na or use the domain tools on info.na/domains.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to register a Namibian domain?
Most .com.na and other .na domains are activated within 24 to 48 hours after registration. This is because NA-NIC (the Namibian registry) processes applications manually. Simpler applications are often done in a few hours.
Can I transfer my existing domain to info.na?
Yes. If you have a .com.na or other Namibian domain registered elsewhere, you can transfer it to info.na. Contact our support team at [email protected] and we will guide you through the process.
What happens if my domain expires?
When a domain expires, it goes offline. Your website and email stop working. There is typically a 30-day grace period during which you can renew without penalty. After that, the domain may enter a redemption period with higher fees before being released for public registration.
Do I need a Namibian business registration to get a .com.na domain?
No. Any individual or business can register a .com.na domain. You do not need a BIPA registration number.
Can I register multiple domains?
Yes. Many businesses register several variations of their name: .com.na, .co.na, and sometimes the .com equivalent, to protect their brand. You can manage all your domains from one account.
What is the difference between a domain and hosting?
Your domain is your address. Hosting is the building at that address. You need both to have a functioning website. See our hosting packages if you need web hosting alongside your domain.
Can I point my domain to an existing website?
Yes. If you already have a website on another platform, we can point your new Namibian domain to it. This is done by updating the domain's nameservers or DNS A record.
Will my domain rank well in Namibia if I use it with a Google Workspace account?
Using a .com.na domain with Google Workspace still gives you the local SEO benefit of the Namibian ccTLD. The domain name itself is a local signal, regardless of where your email or website is hosted.
What if the domain name I want is taken?
Try variations: add your city (windhoekplumbing.com.na), use an abbreviation, or choose a different extension. Our domain search at info.na/domains shows all available alternatives automatically.
Who manages Namibian domains?
Namibian domains are managed by NA-NIC (Namibian Network Information Centre). As an accredited registrar, we handle your registration with NA-NIC on your behalf.
Next Steps
Search for your domain name at info.na/domains and secure your Namibian internet address. Once you have your domain, you can add web hosting, professional email, or a complete managed business presence that includes design, hosting, and ongoing support.
If you need help choosing the right domain or extension for your business, contact us at [email protected]. We have been helping Namibian businesses get online since 1998 and are happy to advise at no charge.