Published: 17.10.2026
The .iq extension is the country-code domain of Iraq, a country in the Middle East that is closely tied to the rivers Tigris and Euphrates. Arabic is the main official language, Kurdish is also official, and Baghdad is the capital. Companies, universities and cultural groups use .iq to show a clear link to Iraq. Use the availability form just below this text to see whether your name in .iq is still available.
Check if a .iq domain is available .iq Check
A short history
The land between the Tigris and Euphrates is often described as one of the places where writing and early cities developed, and that long past still shapes the country's heritage projects today. The modern country has its own more recent history, and its online presence grew as universities, media and businesses began to publish websites. Today the zone is used by companies, schools, libraries, museums and archive projects that want a name matching the country.
Who runs it
The .iq zone is managed by a national registry, which holds the central database of names and sets the rules for registration. Registrars sell names to customers and pass the orders to the registry. Because the rules are set nationally, the current terms published by the registry are the reference point, and they should be read before you order.
Rules in practice
- Who may hold a name: the registry may limit who can register a .iq name, so check whether you qualify first.
- Contact details: the information you enter must be accurate, and it may be verified when the registry asks.
- Characters: names use letters, digits and hyphens, and the length rules of the registry apply.
- Keeping the name: set automatic renewal, because a name that lapses can be registered by another party.
Who uses .iq
- Universities, research centres and libraries that publish academic work.
- Companies and shops in Baghdad, Basra and other cities.
- Museums, heritage groups and archive projects that present the country's history and culture.
- Translators, language teachers and media that work with Arabic and Kurdish content.
Strengths
- The ending shows a clear link to Iraq and is recognisable to local users at once.
- It suits Arabic and Kurdish content, so a bilingual site can use one address for both.
- Heritage and academic projects can use a place name that matches their subject closely.
Things to keep in mind
- The zone points to a single country, so a business with international customers may also want a generic address.
- The ending may be less familiar to visitors abroad, so write the full address clearly on printed materials.
- Search engines use a country ending as one signal, but local content still does most of the work.
- Registry terms may change, so check them before each renewal.
Tips before you register
- Check the name in .com and in the social networks you plan to use.
- Enter the holder's details exactly as they appear in official records.
- Publish content in Arabic and, where needed, in Kurdish or English, with a clear contact page.
- Set up SPF, DKIM and DMARC records before you use the domain for e-mail.
- Enable auto-renewal and keep the contact address active.
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreign company register a .iq name? Holder conditions may apply, so check the current terms at the time of the order.
Does .iq help a site rank higher in search results in Iraq? It is one geographic signal among many. Clear local content, speed and genuine links usually matter more.
Is .iq only for Arabic-language websites? No. The ending does not fix the language, so you can use Arabic, Kurdish, English or a mix of them.
