Extension
.ch
.ch in short
The .ch domain is the country-code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Switzerland, operated by SWITCH. Registration is open to anyone worldwide with no local-presence requirement, and it is the trusted default for Swiss websites.
.ch at a glance
Type
ccTLD — Country-code top-level domain
Registry
SWITCH
Launched
1987
Country / scope
Switzerland
Restrictions
Open to anyone — no Swiss residency required
Typical price
$11/yr
Example sites
Swiss sites
Source: IANA root zone database & registry data · methodology
Where to register a .ch domain
Prices are indicative and set by each registrar; renewal rates may differ from first-year promotions. Links may be sponsored. tldlist.us is an independent reference and not a registrar.
What does .ch mean?
The .ch extension is the national domain of Switzerland. The “ch” comes from Confoederatio Helvetica, the country’s Latin name — a neutral choice given Switzerland’s four national languages. Delegated in 1987 and managed by SWITCH, the Swiss academic network foundation, it is the default, locally trusted address for Swiss business and life.
Who uses .ch?
Swiss companies, banks, retailers, watchmakers, media and individuals across the German-, French-, Italian- and Romansh-speaking regions. In a market that prizes precision and trust, a .ch domain is a strong local credibility signal and the natural choice for anyone selling into Switzerland. International firms targeting the Swiss market routinely register one alongside their global .com.
.ch registration rules and requirements
.ch is open. SWITCH imposes no Swiss residency, citizenship or business requirement — anyone worldwide can register one first-come, first-served with valid contact details. This open policy, combined with Switzerland’s strong reputation, makes .ch both easy to obtain and reputationally valuable.
How much does a .ch cost?
A .ch domain typically costs about $10–$15 per year. Swiss registrars and international resellers both offer it at stable rates, without the aggressive first-year gimmicks seen on some generics.
| Registrar type | Typical .ch price (per year) |
|---|---|
| Swiss registrars | ~$10–14/yr |
| International resellers | ~$11–15/yr |
.ch pros and cons
Pros
- The trusted default domain for the Swiss market.
- Open registration — no residency requirement.
- Carries Switzerland’s strong reputation for trust.
- Stable, gimmick-free pricing.
Cons
- Limited meaning outside Switzerland.
- Switzerland is a small market, so reach is modest.
- Not a global substitute for .com.
- Best short Swiss-market names are often taken.
Example .ch websites
- Swiss banks, watchmakers and retailers on .ch.
- Media and institutional Swiss sites across four language regions.
- International brands’ Swiss-market sites alongside their .com.
.ch — frequently asked questions
What is the .ch domain?
The .ch domain is the country-code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Switzerland, operated by SWITCH. Registration is open to anyone worldwide with no local-presence requirement, and it is the trusted default for Swiss websites.
Who can register a .ch domain?
Anyone, anywhere. .ch has open registration through SWITCH with no Swiss residency, citizenship or business requirement — you only need valid contact details.
How much does a .ch domain cost?
A .ch domain typically costs around $10–$15 per year, with stable pricing across Swiss registrars and international resellers and few first-year gimmicks.
Is .ch good for SEO in Switzerland?
Yes. As Switzerland’s country-code domain, .ch is a clear local-relevance signal that helps a site rank for Swiss audiences and reassures local customers, more effectively than a generic .com aimed at the same market.