Published: 17.10.2026
The .al extension is the country-code domain of Albania, a country on the Adriatic and Ionian coasts of south-eastern Europe, with its capital in Tirana. Albanian companies, travel agencies, schools and local media use the ending to show where they are based, and it suits any project written in Albanian for readers in the country. Use the availability form that follows this text to see whether your name in .al is still free.
Check if a .al domain is available .al Check
A short history
In Albanian the country is called Shqipëria, and its national zone has grown with the local economy. Early use of .al was mainly by larger organisations and technology users. Later, shops, travel firms and professional services began to register names as they moved online, and the zone now serves towns and coastal communities alike.
Who runs it
The zone is administered by a national body, which sets the registration rules and keeps the database of names. Registrars sell names to the public and send the orders on to the registry. Because the rules are published and may be updated, the current conditions for holders, documents and renewal are the ones to read before you order.
Rules in practice
- Holder conditions: the registry may require specific information from holders, so check the current terms before you order.
- Contact details: the data you give must be accurate, and it may be verified.
- Characters: names use letters, digits and hyphens. If you want Albanian letters in a name, check whether the zone accepts them before you build a brand around them.
- Renewal: keep the expiry date under the control of a named person, and keep the contact address active.
Who uses .al
- Travel agencies, hotels and tour operators that welcome visitors to the coast and the mountains.
- Shops, restaurants and service firms with customers in Albania.
- Schools, cultural institutions and media that publish in Albanian.
- Companies abroad that want a clear local presence for customers in Albania.
Strengths
- The ending shows at once that a business or project is linked to Albania.
- The name is short and easy to spell, which helps on a sign, a menu or a delivery van.
- The address suits Albanian-language content and gives local visitors a familiar signal.
Things to keep in mind
- The zone is tied to one country, so a business that serves customers across the region may prefer a generic ending alongside it.
- Visitors from abroad may not recognise the ending, so print the full address on every card and sign.
- Some good short names are already in use, so it helps to have two or three alternatives ready.
- Holder conditions are specific to this zone, so read them carefully rather than relying on what applies to other endings.
Tips before you register
- Check the name in .com and on the local platforms you plan to use, and decide whether you need both addresses.
- Enter the holder details exactly as they appear in the company registration or in your personal documents.
- Write the site in Albanian, and add English if you serve visitors. Include a clear contact page.
- Set up SPF, DKIM and DMARC records before you use the domain for e-mail.
- Store the registrar login safely, with two-factor login and a backup contact.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an Albanian company to register .al? Holder conditions apply, and they can depend on your status and location. Read the current rules before you order.
Does .al help a site appear in Albanian search results? It is one geographic signal. Relevant Albanian content, a fast site and reliable local information usually matter more.
Can I use .al for a site in English? Yes. The ending does not set the language. If your customers are in Albania, though, a few pages in Albanian will help them trust the site.
