Published: 17.10.2026
The .ad extension is the country-code domain of Andorra, a small principality in the Pyrenees between France and Spain. Local shops, hotels, mountain services and businesses that serve visitors use it to show a clear link to the country. Use the availability form that follows this text to see whether your name in .ad is still free.
Check if a .ad domain is available .ad Check
A short history
The .ad zone grew gradually over the years. In the early years it was used mostly by larger organisations and by people working in technology. Later, shops, hotels and tourism operators began to register names of their own, and the zone widened to cover everyday local business. Today it serves a small but steady community of firms, information projects and services that deal with residents and visitors.
Who runs it
The zone is managed by a national registry, which keeps the central database of names and sets the rules for registration. Accredited registrars sell names to customers and send the orders on to the registry. Because the rules are set locally, the terms published by the registry are the reference point for eligibility, contact details and renewal, and they may change over time.
Rules in practice
- Holder conditions: the registry may set rules on who can hold a .ad name, so check whether you qualify before you pay.
- Contact details: the holder information must be accurate, and it may be checked when the registry asks for it.
- Characters: names use letters, digits and hyphens, and the length limits of the registry apply.
- Renewal: keep the expiry date in view, because a lapsed name can be picked up by someone else.
Who uses .ad
- Hotels, guesthouses and restaurants that welcome visitors to the valleys and villages.
- Ski schools, mountain guides and outdoor activity providers.
- Shops and service firms with customers in Andorra.
- Community groups, schools and cultural projects with a local audience.
Strengths
- The ending links a site to Andorra at a glance, which helps local visitors find the right business.
- The name is short and easy to say on the phone, on a sign or in a printed brochure.
- The zone is a natural fit for a business that depends on people who already know the country.
Things to keep in mind
- The zone points to one small country, so a business with a wider market may also want a generic address.
- The letters also spell the English word for advertisement, which can suit a marketing or media project but may confuse other visitors.
- Good short names are often taken, so prepare two or three alternatives before you start.
- Visitors from abroad may not know the ending, so print the full address on signs, menus and cards.
Tips before you register
- Check the same name in .com and decide whether you need both addresses.
- Enter the holder details exactly as they appear in your official documents.
- Choose the languages of the site to suit your visitors. Catalan is the official language, and Spanish and French are widely spoken.
- Set up SPF, DKIM and DMARC records before the domain sends any e-mail.
- Enable two-factor login at the registrar and keep the contact address active.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to live in Andorra to register a .ad name? The registry sets conditions for holders, and they may depend on your situation, so check the current terms at the time of the order.
Does .ad help a site appear in local search results? It is one useful geographic signal. Clear local content, a fast site and genuine links usually matter more.
Can a site in English use .ad? Yes. The ending does not fix the language, but a site aimed at Andorran visitors may also need Catalan or Spanish content.
