Extension
.pt
.pt in short
The .pt domain is the country-code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Portugal, operated by DNS.PT. It is the standard, trusted extension for the Portuguese web and is openly registrable.
.pt at a glance
Type
ccTLD — Country-code top-level domain
Registry
DNS.PT
Launched
1988
Country / scope
Portugal
Restrictions
Open to anyone (no local presence required)
Typical price
$12/yr
Example sites
Portuguese sites
Source: IANA root zone database & registry data · methodology
Where to register a .pt 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 .pt mean?
The .pt extension is the official internet country code for Portugal, assigned under ISO 3166-1 and operated by DNS.PT (the Associação DNS.PT). It is the recognised, trusted marker of the Portuguese web — used by businesses, media, public institutions and individuals across Portugal and the Portuguese-speaking world.
Once tightly restricted, .pt has been progressively liberalised and is now openly registrable. It is available as a plain second level (example.pt) and in long-standing functional forms such as com.pt. For a Portuguese audience, a .pt address is the natural expectation and a clear signal of local relevance.
Who uses .pt?
.pt is used by Portuguese companies, ecommerce stores, news and media outlets, public bodies, universities and individuals. For any business serving Portuguese customers, a .pt address signals genuine local presence and supports trust and regional search visibility.
If your reach is broader than Portugal, a generic .com avoids the national framing. But for the Portuguese market specifically, .pt is the default local standard, sitting alongside its neighbouring Iberian extension .es and the wider family of country-code domains.
.pt registration rules and requirements
.pt is open to registrants worldwide: after earlier restrictions were lifted, there is no general Portuguese-residency or local-presence requirement for the standard domain, which makes it easy for international brands to localise. Registration runs through DNS.PT-accredited registrars on a first-come, first-served basis. Both the plain .pt form and functional forms like com.pt are available.
How much does .pt cost?
A .pt domain typically runs about $12 per year at mainstream registrars, though rates vary by registrar and any introductory promotion. Always confirm the renewal price — not just the first-year offer — before you register.
| Registrar | Typical .pt price (per year) |
|---|---|
| DNS.PT accredited registrars | ~$10–18/yr |
| Portuguese hosting providers | ~$10–16/yr |
| com.pt functional form | ~$10–16/yr |
.pt pros and cons
Pros
- Strong local trust with Portuguese users and search engines.
- Open to registrants worldwide — no local presence required.
- Liberalised and straightforward to register today.
- Backed by DNS.PT, a stable national registry.
Cons
- No advantage for a worldwide, non-Portuguese audience.
- Many short, generic .pt names are already taken.
- Pricier than the cheapest European ccTLDs like .pl.
- Portuguese-language registrar processes can be a hurdle for outsiders.
Example .pt websites
- Portuguese retailers and banks run primary sites on .pt.
- News and media outlets anchor their presence on trusted .pt addresses.
- Global brands localise their Portuguese presence on brand.pt.
.pt — frequently asked questions
What is the .pt domain?
The .pt domain is the country-code top-level domain for Portugal, operated by DNS.PT. It is the standard, trusted extension for the Portuguese web, used by businesses, media, public bodies and individuals, and it is now openly registrable.
Can a foreigner register a .pt domain?
Yes. After earlier restrictions were lifted, .pt is open to registrants worldwide with no general Portuguese-residency or local-presence requirement, making it straightforward for international brands to localise.
How much does a .pt domain cost?
A .pt domain typically costs around $12 per year, with most registrars in the $10–$18 range. The com.pt functional form is similar. Confirm the renewal price before buying, as it can differ from first-year promotions.
Is .pt good for SEO in Portugal?
Yes, indirectly. A .pt domain signals genuine local relevance to Portuguese users and can support regional search visibility for a Portuguese audience. The extension itself is not 'ranked' higher, but the local trust and relevance it conveys help.