.eu

.eu is the country-code top-level domain for the European Union. Unlike many globally marketed country-code extensions, .eu has a real eligibility requirement. EURid, the registry, limits registration to eligible citizens, residents, businesses and organizations connected with the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway under the current rules.

The extension is therefore useful when a website wants to present a genuinely European identity rather than a single-country one. It can suit cross-border businesses, associations, institutions, projects and services operating across several European markets, especially when a national ccTLD would feel too narrow.

Eligibility is broader than simple residency. An EU, Icelandic, Liechtenstein or Norwegian citizen may qualify even when living elsewhere, while non-citizens can qualify through residence in the eligible area. Businesses and organizations generally qualify through establishment in one of the eligible states. Registrants should use EURid's current wording rather than assuming that an address anywhere in Europe is sufficient.

Because .eu is restricted, the registrant's continuing eligibility matters after registration as well as at purchase. A registrar may request information needed to verify the holder, and a name can still be unavailable, reserved or affected by third-party rights.