Until recently it was only possible to register domain names in Kazakhstan under the top-level domain name ‘.kz’, as well as various second-level domains such as ‘.com.kz’. Domain name registrations under these two domains are open for registration to all entities - local and foreign, companies and individuals.
Now that the domain ".ҚАЗ" has been delegated, the Kazakh Registry has launched open registration of domain names under ".ҚАЗ", which means that it is now possible to register domain names composed entirely of characters from the Kazakh Cyrillic alphabet.
Open registration follows the period from April 1 to July 31, 2012 given for the state authorities, holders of trademarks, logos and brand names to register domain names in the new Cyrillic zone.
General open registration begins on August 15, 2012: ".ҚАЗ" domain names will be open to all entities without the need for a prior right and they will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The ".ҚАЗ" domain name must contain characters of the Kazakh Cyrillic alphabet and comply with the domain name registration rules. The prices for open registration of domain names are to be determined by the accredited registrars.
With the launch of ".ҚАЗ", Kazakhstan is now the third country in the world to offer domain name registrations in the Cyrillic alphabet, after Russia (with ‘.рф’ launched in November 2010) and Serbia (with ‘.cрб’ launched in January 2012).
