.za Domain
.za is the ccTLD of South Africa, registered with IANA on November 7, 1990, and managed by ZADNA. There is no direct second-level registration: domains are registered under subdomains such as .co.za, .org.za, or .net.za.
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About the .ZA domain
What is the .ZA domain?
A relevant structural quirk: there is no direct second-level registration under .za (that is, you cannot register brand.za); all domains must be assigned at the third level, under an existing subdomain, such as .co.za (commercial use), .org.za (organizations), .net.za (networks), .gov.za (government), or .mil.za (armed forces), each with its own registration model: some, like .mil.za, require direct application to the registry, while most are managed through ZADNA-accredited registrars. The .co.za subdomain accepts applications from both South Africans and foreigners, though the latter are typically required to accept the application of South African law and the jurisdiction of its courts in any name dispute. Some subdomains are moderated and require meeting specific eligibility criteria depending on entity type, while others impose no additional restrictions beyond the usual contact information.
There is no direct second-level registration under .za: domains must be registered at the third level, under an existing subdomain such as .co.za, .org.za, .net.za, or .gov.za, each with its own registration model. .co.za accepts both South African and foreign applicants, though the latter must consent to South African courts having jurisdiction over any dispute. Some subdomains are moderated and require specific eligibility criteria; others impose no restrictions. Contact our team to confirm availability and the exact requirements.
Uses of .ZA
Who is the .ZA domain for?
These are the most common situations where .ZA is the ideal extension.
Businesses and projects targeting the South African market
The most direct use: businesses registering under .co.za.
International brands via .co.za
Foreign companies accepting South African jurisdiction to register their domain.
Non-profit organizations (via .org.za)
A specific subdomain for third-sector entities.
Government and military bodies
Reserved for the .gov.za and .mil.za extensions depending on entity type.
.ZA vs other extensions
Which extension suits you best?
Each extension has its own profile. Here we compare .ZA with the most common alternatives to help you choose.
| Extension | Best for | Restrictions | Registration price |
|---|---|---|---|
| .co.za | South Africans and foreigners (with South African jurisdiction) | Acceptance of South African jurisdiction for non-residents | Inquire |
| .com | Any project with no specific jurisdiction requirement | None | $14.99/yr |
Registration process
How to register your .ZA domain at miHosting
Check availability
Type the name you want in the search bar. We show you in seconds whether it's available or if you need to look for alternatives.
Complete registration
Fill in the registrant details and choose whether to add hosting. The entire process takes less than 5 minutes.
Your domain is live
Within minutes your .ZA domain is active and visible from anywhere in the world. DNS propagates in under 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions about the .ZA domain
Can I register a "brand.za" domain directly?
No. There is no direct second-level registration; you must choose a subdomain such as .co.za, .org.za, or .net.za.
Can I register a .co.za without being South African?
Yes, but as a foreigner you must accept the jurisdiction of South African courts in case of a dispute.
What is the difference between moderated and unmoderated subdomains?
Moderated ones require meeting specific eligibility criteria; unmoderated ones impose no additional restrictions.
Who manages the .za domain?
ZADNA (.za Domain Name Authority), based in Midrand. It was registered with IANA on November 7, 1990.
How much does a .za domain cost?
Pricing varies by registrar and chosen subdomain. Contact our miHosting team to confirm the current price.
Can I register my .za domain with miHosting?
Yes, especially via .co.za. Contact our team to confirm availability and current pricing.
Register your .ZA today
Your .ZA domain.
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