A .cn domain signals to Chinese users, and to Baidu, that your site is legitimately built for the local market. It also tends to perform better in local search results than a generic .com. The process is more paperwork-heavy than registering a Western domain, but it’s manageable if you know the steps. Here’s what’s involved.

1. Confirm Your Eligibility

Foreign companies can register .cn domains — this restriction was lifted years ago — but you’ll need to go through a registrar that supports international applicants and be prepared to submit business verification documents. Individual (non-business) registrations are generally not available to foreign applicants.

2. Choose an Accredited Registrar

Not every domain registrar handles .cn registrations. You’ll need one accredited by CNNIC (China Internet Network Information Centre) or a partner reseller that works with foreign businesses. Look for a registrar experienced specifically with foreign applicants, since the verification process differs from domestic registrations.

3. Prepare Your Business Documentation

Chinese domain registration requires real-name verification. As a foreign business, you’ll typically need:

• A copy of your company’s business registration/incorporation certificate
• Notarized or apostilled translation of that certificate into Chinese (requirements vary by registrar)
• A copy of the authorized applicant’s passport or ID
• A completed domain registration application form

Some registrars can help facilitate translation and notarization as part of the registration package.

4. Submit Your Application

Once your documents are ready, your registrar submits them along with your desired domain name for CNNIC review. Unlike .com registrations, .cn domains go through a manual verification process rather than instant activation.

5. Wait for Verification

Approval typically takes a few business days, though it can take longer if additional documentation is requested. Common causes of delay include mismatched company names between documents, missing notarization, or an registrar unfamiliar with foreign paperwork.

6. Complete ICP Filing (If Hosting in China)

Registering the domain and hosting in mainland China are two separate processes. If you plan to host your site on mainland servers, you’ll also need to complete an ICP filing tied to that domain — a separate step with its own documentation requirements. If you’re hosting outside mainland China (e.g., Hong Kong), ICP filing generally isn’t required, but the domain purchase process itself remains the same.

7. Set Up DNS and Launch

Once the domain is approved and active, you can point it to your hosting provider like any other domain — updating nameservers or A records as needed. If this domain will run alongside an existing site (e.g., a .com), plan your redirect and localization strategy at this stage rather than after launch.

The .cn registration process takes longer than a typical domain purchase due to the verification requirements, so it’s worth starting well ahead of your planned launch date. Working with a registrar experienced in handling foreign business applications is the biggest factor in avoiding delays.

This entry was posted on Saturday, July 18th, 2026 at 8:16 am and is filed under Domain Names. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.