Planning to reach customers in Russia or build a Russian-language website? A .RU domain can give your business a recognizable local web address.
You can also consider .РФ for Cyrillic domain names or .SU for projects with a specific connection to this legacy extension.
However, new identity verification requirements introduced on September 1, 2026, have changed how these domains are registered and managed.
Interested in a Russian domain? Check .RU availability and current prices at NiceNIC, and confirm registration eligibility with our support team before ordering.
.RU, .РФ, or .SU: Which Should You Choose?
Each extension serves a different purpose.
.RU — For Russia-focused websites
Russia’s main country-code domain is suitable for businesses, local services, and websites targeting Russian customers.
Example: yourbrand.ru
.РФ — For Cyrillic domain names
This extension allows names using permitted Cyrillic characters, making it useful for brands that communicate primarily in Russian.
Example: пример.рф
Before registering, make sure your website and email services support internationalized domain names.
.SU — For Legacy and Specialized Projects
Originally associated with the Soviet Union, .SU remains in use today. It may suit established websites, historical projects, or brands with a specific reason to use the extension.
For most businesses entering the Russian market, .RU is the natural starting point, provided the registration requirements can be met.
Can Foreigners Register These Domains?
Foreign individuals and businesses are not automatically excluded from registering Russian domains.
However, registration now depends on completing the required identity verification, not simply providing a name and email address.
Since September 1, 2026, .RU, .РФ, and .SU registrants have been subject to mandatory identification through Russia’s Unified Identification and Authentication System (ESIA), commonly associated with the Gosuslugi portal.
This can be challenging for applicants outside Russia who do not have access to the required verification process.
Before placing an order, confirm:
- Whether your personal or business identity can be verified.
- Whether the registrar supports the required verification procedure.
- Whether you can maintain and renew the domain under the current rules.
An available domain name does not guarantee that your registration can be completed.
For the official policy background, see the Coordination Center's 2026 registration rules update.
What About Renewals and Domain Transfers?
The verification requirements also affect existing domain owners.
Existing domains were not automatically deleted on September 1, 2026. However, registrants may need to complete identity verification before renewing or performing important domain-management operations.
If you want to transfer a domain to another registrar, check its eligibility and complete the required identification first.
For .RU and .РФ, registrar transfers generally involve an AuthInfo authorization code and the applicable approval procedure. Transfer restrictions may apply depending on the domain’s status and recent changes.
Do not assume that the process is identical to transferring a .COM domain.
If you currently manage a Russian domain through NiceNIC, contact NiceNIC Support to confirm the applicable renewal or transfer procedure.
Registering a Russian Domain with NiceNIC
If you’re considering a new registration, follow these steps:
- Choose an extension that fits your audience and brand.
- Check availability and pricing, including renewal costs.
- Confirm identity verification requirements before making payment.
- Complete registration through the supported procedure, if eligible.
You can begin by searching available .RU domains at NiceNIC.
A Russian domain can support a localized online presence, but the most important consideration is whether you can legally register and maintain it over time.
Choose a domain that fits your audience—and make sure you can keep it.
