Published: 17.10.2026
The .ci extension is the country-code domain of Côte d'Ivoire, which is known in English as the Ivory Coast. The country lies on the Atlantic coast of West Africa, and French is its official language. Companies, cooperatives, schools and media outlets that serve people in the country use .ci to show where they are based. Use the availability form just below this text to see whether your name in .ci is still free.
Check if a .ci domain is available .ci Check
A short history
The national code was set up in the early days of the internet. For many years the zone was used mostly by public bodies, universities and early technology firms. As businesses in the larger cities began to publish their own websites, registrations grew, and the ending became a familiar sight in Abidjan and other towns. For dates and the official history, the operator's own pages are the most reliable source.
Who runs it
The zone is managed by a registry operator that keeps the database of names and sets the rules for registration. Registrars sell names to the public and pass the orders on. The operator publishes the rules on holders, contact data and renewal, so the current version is the one to read before you order.
Rules in practice
- Holder conditions: the operator may set requirements on who can hold a .ci name, and these can depend on the holder's details, so check them first.
- Contact details: the holder information must be accurate, and it may be checked when the registrar asks for it.
- Characters: names use letters, digits and hyphens, and each label can be up to 63 characters long, which is a general limit of the domain system.
- Renewal: keep the expiry date in view and enable auto-renewal, so the name does not lapse during a busy season.
Who uses .ci
- Companies and shops in Abidjan, Yamoussoukro, Bouaké and other towns that serve Ivorian customers.
- Agricultural cooperatives and food producers, including cocoa businesses, that present their products to buyers.
- Schools, universities and training centres with a French-speaking audience.
- Media, cultural organisations and public information projects in the country.
Strengths
- The ending links the site to Côte d'Ivoire at a glance, which helps local customers recognise it.
- The name is short and easy to read on a shop sign, a delivery van or a product label.
- The zone suits French-language content aimed at Ivorian readers and customers.
Things to keep in mind
- The ending points to one country, so an exporter with buyers across West Africa or in Europe may also want a generic address.
- Visitors from abroad may know the country as the Ivory Coast, so a site may need both names on its pages.
- Good short names are often taken, so prepare two or three alternatives in advance.
- Holder conditions can change, so check the current terms before you renew.
Tips before you register
- Check whether the name is free in .com and decide whether you need both addresses.
- Use the company name exactly as it appears in your official registration papers.
- Write the site in French, and add English if your buyers are abroad.
- Set up SPF, DKIM and DMARC records before the domain sends invoices or newsletters.
- Keep the renewal reminders going to a mailbox that someone checks every week.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be based in Côte d'Ivoire to register a .ci name? Holder conditions may apply and can depend on your situation. Check the operator's current terms at the time of the order.
Is .ci connected to the name Ivory Coast? The code comes from the French name Côte d'Ivoire, which is the official name. Ivory Coast is the English form, and both names refer to the same country.
Does .ci help a site appear in search results in the country? It is one geographic signal. Clear French content, a fast site and genuine links usually matter more.
