Rules and Conditions for Registration, Management, Renewal, and Transfer of Albanian Domain Names

Proposed Last Updated: 21 October 2026

1. General Provisions

1.1 Acceptance of Terms

By submitting a request to register, renew, or transfer a domain name under the .al country-code top-level domain (ccTLD), the applicant confirms that they have read, understood, and accepted the terms and conditions set forth in this document.

The applicant agrees to comply with the applicable laws of the Republic of Albania, the regulations issued by the Electronic and Postal Communications Authority (AKEP), and the applicable policies of the domain registry and registrar.

These conditions apply together with the iHost.al Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

1.2 Regulatory Framework

The registration and administration of Albanian domain names are governed by applicable laws and regulations, including:

• Law No. 54/2024, “On Electronic Communications in the Republic of Albania.”
• Council of Ministers Decision No. 219, dated 17 April 2025, concerning the security, resilience, and accuracy of .al domain registration data.
• The regulation approved by AKEP Decision No. 18, dated 9 September 2026, concerning the registration and administration of .al domain names and related subdomains.
• Applicable Albanian legislation concerning personal data protection, intellectual property, and cybersecurity.

In the event of regulatory changes, the mandatory provisions of the applicable laws and regulations shall prevail.

1.3 Applicant Responsibility

The applicant declares, under their legal responsibility, that all information and supporting documents submitted during the registration process are accurate, authentic, complete, and up to date.

Providing false information or forged documents may result in rejection, suspension, or cancellation of the domain registration and may give rise to liability under applicable Albanian law.

2. Domain Registration Requirements

2.1 Eligible Applicants

Domain names under the .al namespace may be registered by eligible individuals, sole proprietors, companies, organizations, and other legal entities established in Albania or abroad, subject to the requirements of the applicable registry regulations.

Additional eligibility requirements may apply to specific third-level domains.

2.2 Available Domain Extensions

The Albanian domain namespace includes the following extensions:

• .al — Second-level domain names available to eligible applicants.
• .com.al — Subject to the applicable registration requirements for this category.
• .org.al — Intended for organizations and other eligible entities, subject to registry rules.
• .net.al — Subject to the relevant registry eligibility requirements.
• .edu.al — Reserved for eligible educational institutions and organizations.
• .gov.al — Reserved for authorized governmental institutions.
• .mil.al — Reserved for authorized military institutions.

Certain extensions may require additional documentation, authorization, or eligibility verification.

2.3 Domain Availability

A domain name may be registered only if it is available and complies with the applicable registry requirements.

A domain availability search does not guarantee successful registration.

Registration is considered completed only after confirmation by the relevant domain registry.

3. Required Information and Documentation

3.1 Applicant Identification

Applicants may be required to provide the following information:

• Full name or registered legal entity name
• Personal identification number or business registration number, as applicable
• Country of residence or registration
• Complete residential or business address
• Postal code
• Valid telephone number
• Valid email address
• Additional information required by the registry or applicable legislation

All submitted information must be accurate, current, and verifiable.

3.2 Personal Identification

Where identity verification is required, the applicant’s information must match their official identity documents or business registration records.

The registry or registrar may request additional documentation to verify the applicant’s identity.

3.3 Address Requirements

Applicants must provide a complete and accurate address, including all necessary details to identify their location.

Address formatting must comply with the technical validation requirements of the registry’s registration system.

Incomplete or invalid address information may result in rejection of the registration request.

3.4 Telephone and Email Verification

The telephone number and email address provided must be valid, active, and accessible to the applicant or their authorized representative.

Applicants are responsible for maintaining up-to-date contact information and receiving important registry notifications.

3.5 Supporting Documentation

iHost.al or the relevant registration service provider may request supporting documents when necessary to:

• Verify the identity of an applicant.
• Confirm business or organizational eligibility.
• Meet registry requirements.
• Prevent fraudulent registrations.
• Comply with applicable legal obligations.

Failure to provide required documentation may result in rejection or suspension of the registration request, subject to applicable procedures.

4. Reserved and Prohibited Domain Names

4.1 Restricted Names

Domain names included in official restricted or reserved lists maintained under the applicable AKEP rules cannot be registered without the required authorization.

Restricted categories may include certain:

• Governmental and institutional names
• Technical and internet infrastructure terms
• Geographic names
• Protected or reserved identifiers
• Other names restricted by applicable legislation or registry regulations

4.2 Prohibited Activities

Domain names must not be registered or used for unlawful activities, including:

• Phishing and financial fraud
• Identity theft and impersonation
• Malware or virus distribution
• Unauthorized system or network access
• Cyberattacks
• Illegal spam campaigns
• Infringement of intellectual property rights
• Other activities prohibited under Albanian or applicable international law

Violations may result in appropriate administrative, contractual, or legal measures.

5. Trademarks and Intellectual Property Rights

5.1 Trademark Verification

Before registering a domain name, applicants are responsible for checking whether the requested name infringes existing trademarks, trade names, or other legally protected intellectual property rights.

Applicants are encouraged to consult the official database of the Albanian General Directorate of Industrial Property (DPPI).

Official Website: https://dppi.gov.al

5.2 Third-Party Rights

The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the registration and use of a domain name do not unlawfully infringe the rights of third parties.

Registration of a domain name does not automatically grant ownership of a corresponding trademark or trade name.

5.3 Trademark Disputes

If a legitimate dispute arises regarding trademark ownership or intellectual property rights, the matter shall be handled according to the applicable registry dispute resolution procedures and legislation.

A domain name may be suspended, transferred, or canceled where required by a valid legal decision or applicable registry procedure.

Applicants and domain holders retain any rights of appeal or legal remedies available under applicable law.

6. Domain Usage and Activation

Domain holders must comply with any applicable registry requirements concerning the activation, use, and administration of registered domain names.

A domain may be used for legitimate purposes, including:

• Websites
• Email services
• DNS services
• Business applications
• Other lawful internet services

Any regulatory requirement to activate or use a domain within a specified period shall apply in accordance with the current registry regulations.

Non-use of a domain does not automatically result in the loss of registration rights unless expressly provided by applicable regulations and implemented through the relevant procedures.

7. Domain Renewal and Expiration

7.1 Registration Period

Domain names are registered for the period selected by the customer, subject to the maximum and minimum registration periods permitted by the registry.

7.2 Renewal Responsibility

Domain holders are responsible for renewing their domain names before expiration.

iHost.al may send renewal reminders through registered contact channels.

However, failure to receive a reminder does not relieve the domain holder of their responsibility to renew the domain.

7.3 Expired Domains

If a domain is not renewed before its expiration date, it may be:

• Suspended
• Deactivated
• Deleted
• Released for registration by another applicant

The relevant procedures and timelines are determined by the registry’s applicable policies.

7.4 Domain Restoration

Where supported by the registry, restoration of an expired domain may require additional verification and payment of applicable restoration fees.

Restoration cannot be guaranteed once the domain has been permanently deleted or registered by another party.

8. Domain Transfers

8.1 Transfer Requests

A domain holder or their authorized representative may request the transfer of a domain name in accordance with the applicable registry procedures.

8.2 Ownership Verification

For security reasons, domain transfers may require verification of ownership and authorization.

8.3 Transfer Restrictions

A transfer request may be rejected or delayed if the domain is subject to:

• A valid legal restriction
• An administrative restriction
• A technical restriction under applicable registry rules
• An unresolved dispute that legally prevents transfer
• Other applicable registry restrictions

8.4 Transfer Completion

A domain transfer is considered completed only after confirmation by the relevant registry system.

9. Suspension, Blocking, and Deletion

Domain names may be suspended, blocked, or deleted where permitted or required by applicable law and registry regulations.

Such circumstances may include:

• Submission of false or inaccurate registration information
• Use of forged documentation
• Failure to comply with applicable registry requirements
• Illegal activities
• Decisions issued by competent authorities
• Failure to renew the domain
• Other violations justifying action under applicable law

Actions shall be carried out by the competent entities in accordance with the relevant procedures and applicable legal protections.

10. Payments and Refunds

10.1 Registration Fees

Domain registration, renewal, transfer, and restoration services may be subject to applicable charges.

Fees are displayed or otherwise communicated to customers before the order is confirmed.

10.2 Refund Policy

Payments for domain registration, renewal, transfer, or restoration operations that have already been completed through the registry are generally non-refundable.

This does not affect refunds or other remedies required by applicable law or registry rules.

10.3 Unsuccessful Registrations

If a domain registration cannot be completed, the payment shall be handled according to the transaction status, any applicable charges, and the customer’s legal rights.

11. Personal Data Protection

11.1 Processing of Personal Information

Personal information provided during domain registration is processed for legitimate purposes, including:

• Domain registration
• Identity verification
• Domain administration
• Billing and payment processing
• Registry compliance
• Fraud prevention
• Legal and regulatory obligations

11.2 Sharing Information With Registries

Information required for domain registration may be transmitted to the relevant registry, registrar, authorized service providers, or competent public authorities, in accordance with applicable legislation.

11.3 Security of Personal Data

iHost.al implements appropriate technical and organizational safeguards to protect personal data under its control.

11.4 Privacy Rights

Applicants have the rights provided by applicable personal data protection legislation, including rights to information, access, correction, and other rights where applicable.

Additional information is available in the iHost.al Privacy Policy.

12. Domain Holder Responsibilities

The domain holder is responsible for:

• Providing accurate registration information.
• Maintaining valid contact information.
• Renewing the domain before expiration.
• Protecting account credentials.
• Maintaining appropriate DNS configurations.
• Respecting intellectual property rights.
• Ensuring lawful use of the domain.
• Promptly updating registration information when changes occur.

Failure to comply with these obligations may result in actions permitted under the applicable registry regulations.

13. Responsibilities of iHost.al

iHost.al endeavors to provide clear information regarding domain registration services and to process customer requests within its operational and contractual responsibilities.

Domain registrations, renewals, and transfers may be processed through an authorized registrar or other approved registration service provider.

iHost.al cannot guarantee decisions or outcomes that fall under the exclusive authority of the registry or competent public institutions.

14. Amendments to Domain Policies

These Terms may be updated to reflect changes in:

• Albanian legislation
• AKEP regulations
• Registry procedures
• Security requirements
• Technical infrastructure
• Service administration

Material changes will be communicated where required by applicable law or contract.

Mandatory legal and regulatory provisions take precedence over conflicting contractual terms.

15. Complaints and Dispute Resolution

Customers may submit complaints or requests for clarification through the official iHost.al support channels.

Disputes concerning domain ownership, registration procedures, or administrative decisions shall be handled by the competent entities and authorities under the applicable legal and regulatory framework.

Nothing in these Terms removes or restricts rights of appeal, legal remedies, or judicial protection guaranteed by applicable law.

16. Official Regulatory References

For further information regarding Albanian domain name registration and administration, applicants may consult the following official sources.

AKEP — Electronic and Postal Communications Authority
https://akep.al

AKEP — Domain Services
https://akep.al/e-aplikime-domain/

DPPI — General Directorate of Industrial Property
https://dppi.gov.al

iHost.al — Official Website
https://ihost.al

iHost.al — Customer Portal
https://my.ihost.al

17. Final Declaration

By submitting a request to register, renew, or transfer an Albanian domain name, the applicant confirms that:

• They have read and understood the applicable registration conditions.
• They agree to comply with AKEP regulations.
• All submitted information is accurate and authentic.
• They accept responsibility for the lawful use of the domain.
• They have been informed about the processing of personal information.

In the event of any conflict between these Terms and mandatory applicable legislation or registry regulations, the relevant legal and regulatory provisions shall prevail.