Theory7 is an accredited SIDN registrar
Register your .nl domain name directly with an officially accredited SIDN registrar
- Officially accredited by SIDN
- Direct registration without middlemen
- Full WHOIS control over your domain
- .nl domain name from €0.45 per year
Benefits of an accredited SIDN registrar
Officially accredited by SIDN
Theory7 is accredited as a registrar by the Foundation for Internet Domain Registration Netherlands (SIDN). That means we are directly connected to the .nl register and register your domain name without middlemen.
Faster registration and transfers
As a direct SIDN registrar we process registrations and transfers faster than resellers. No waiting time due to intermediate steps: your .nl domain is active within minutes.
No reseller markups
Because we work directly with SIDN, you pay no markup from middlemen. You can register your .nl domain name with us from €0.45 per year excluding VAT.
Full WHOIS control
As the holder of a .nl domain with an accredited registrar, you have full control over your WHOIS details. You process changes to contact details and name servers directly.
Dutch support from experts
Our support team consists of domain specialists who know the SIDN procedures inside out. For questions about transfers, DNS or disputes, we help you with real expertise.
DNSSEC included as standard
Every .nl domain at Theory7 is secured with DNSSEC as standard. This extra security layer protects visitors against DNS spoofing and man-in-the-middle attacks.
Start with your own domain name
Instantly check whether your desired domain name is still available
How to check whether a provider is really a SIDN registrar
Not every domain name provider is an accredited SIDN registrar. Many companies sell .nl domain names as a reseller without clearly communicating this to the customer. It is wise to check whether your provider is actually accredited by SIDN before you register a domain name.
You can check this in two ways:
- SIDN registrar list: SIDN publishes a current list of all accredited registrars on their website. You can search here by company name to verify whether a provider is really accredited.
- Registrar ID in WHOIS: if you have an existing .nl domain, you can see in the WHOIS details which registrar manages your domain. If it lists a different company than where you bought the domain, then your provider is a reseller.
Theory7 is registered as an official SIDN registrar. When you register a .nl domain name with us, Theory7 is listed as the registrar in the WHOIS details of your domain. You always have direct control and there is no middleman between you and the .nl register. See our domain name registration page for all available extensions and prices.
Domain name and hosting packages
.nl domain from €0.45/year, including DNSSEC and WHOIS privacy
- .nl domain name registration
- Free DNSSEC security
- Free WHOIS privacy
- DNS management via DirectAdmin
- Free domain transfer to Theory7
- Free .nl domain name (1st year)
- 1GB NVMe SSD storage
- LiteSpeed Enterprise web server
- Free SSL certificate
- Daily backups
- Free .nl domain name (1st year)
- 5GB NVMe SSD storage
- LiteSpeed Enterprise web server
- Free SSL certificate
- Host 3 websites
Domain transfer to a SIDN registrar: step by step
Want to transfer your existing .nl domain name to Theory7? As an accredited SIDN registrar we make the transfer process as easy as possible. The transfer is free and your website and email stay reachable throughout the entire process.
The transfer process in 4 steps:
- Request the token: request an authorization code (also called a token or auth code) from your current registrar. This is a unique code that proves you are the rightful holder.
- Start the transfer: enter the token at Theory7 during our order process. We send the transfer request directly to SIDN.
- Confirmation: SIDN verifies the token and approves the transfer. This usually takes a few hours.
- Active at Theory7: your domain is now registered with Theory7 as the registrar. You can manage the DNS settings, name servers and contact details directly via our control panel.
Do you also need hosting with your domain? Combine your transfer with one of our hosting packages and enjoy a free .nl domain name in the first year. Our support team is happy to help you transfer both your domain and your website.
Frequently asked questions about SIDN and registrars
A SIDN registrar is a company accredited by the Foundation for Internet Domain Registration Netherlands (SIDN) to register and manage .nl domain names. SIDN manages the .nl register, but consumers cannot register directly with SIDN. That always goes through an accredited registrar such as Theory7. A registrar has a direct technical connection to the SIDN system and must meet strict quality requirements.
A registrar is directly accredited by SIDN and has a direct connection to the .nl register. A reseller buys domain names from a registrar and resells them to end customers. With a reseller there is always an extra middleman between you and the register. This can lead to higher prices, slower transfers and less control over your domain details. Theory7 is an accredited registrar, so you register directly at the source.
Yes, Theory7 is officially accredited by SIDN as a registrar for .nl domain names. You can verify this on the SIDN website, where all accredited registrars are listed. As an accredited registrar we meet all technical and operational requirements that SIDN sets and we have a direct connection to the .nl registration system.
You can register a .nl domain name with Theory7 from €0.45 per year excluding VAT. There are no hidden costs or setup fees. DNSSEC security and WHOIS privacy are included as standard. When you take out a hosting package with annual payment, you receive a free .nl domain name for the first year.
Yes, transferring your .nl domain to Theory7 is free and easy. You request an authorization code (token) from your current registrar, enter it at Theory7 and we take care of the rest. Because we are a direct SIDN registrar, the transfer is fast and without intermediate steps. Your website and email remain reachable throughout the transfer.
DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions) adds a cryptographic signature to your DNS records. This verifies that the DNS answers visitors receive are authentic and have not been tampered with in transit. SIDN fully supports DNSSEC for all .nl domains. At Theory7, DNSSEC is activated automatically with every .nl registration, at no extra cost.
The .nl domain is one of the most popular country-code extensions in the world, with more than 6 million registered domain names. This gives the Netherlands one of the highest domain densities per capita. The .nl extension is managed by SIDN and has been active since 1986. It is the default choice for Dutch businesses and organizations that focus on the Dutch market.
If a registrar stops its services, SIDN ensures that all .nl domain names are transferred to another accredited registrar. So your domain does not simply disappear. Even so, it is wise to choose an established registrar with a stable financial position. Theory7 has existed for more than 15 years and manages thousands of .nl domain names.
What does it mean that Theory7 is an accredited SIDN registrar?
The Foundation for Internet Domain Registration Netherlands (SIDN) is the official manager of all .nl domain names. However, SIDN does not register domains directly for consumers and businesses. That happens through accredited registrars: companies that meet strict technical and operational requirements and have a direct connection to the SIDN registration system. Theory7 is such an accredited SIDN registrar, which means that with us you register your .nl domain name directly at the source.
The difference with many other domain name providers is significant. Many parties that sell domain names are not a registrar but a reseller. A reseller buys domain names from a registrar and resells them with a markup to end customers. That means higher costs, slower processing and less direct control over your domain. At Theory7 there is no middleman: we communicate directly with the SIDN register.
Benefits of registering with an accredited registrar
Choosing an accredited SIDN registrar for your .nl domain name offers concrete benefits compared to registering through a reseller. These benefits are not theoretical but directly noticeable in the daily handling of your domain name.
Direct registration without middlemen
When you register a .nl domain name with Theory7, your request is sent directly to the SIDN system. There is no third party in between that has to forward the request. This results in faster processing: your domain is usually registered and active within a few minutes. According to Google, load time is a crucial ranking factor for websites. With a reseller this process can take longer because the request first has to go through their registrar.
Lower costs because markups disappear
A reseller pays the cost price of the domain to its registrar, plus a markup. The reseller then adds its own margin on top of that. As an accredited registrar we only pay the SIDN registration costs. We pass that saving on to our customers: you can register a .nl domain name with Theory7 from €0.45 per year. View the current prices on our domain name registration page.
Full control over your domain data
With an accredited registrar you have direct control over your WHOIS details, name servers and authorization codes. Changes are carried out immediately in the SIDN register. With a reseller you depend on the intermediate party to carry out changes, which can cause delays. Especially in urgent situations, such as recovering a hacked domain or quickly changing DNS records, that direct control is essential.
Faster and more reliable domain transfers.
Research by Uptime Institute shows that 99.9% uptime is the industry standard for professional hosting.
Transferring a .nl domain name between registrars is a standardized process via SIDN. As a direct registrar we can process incoming transfers quickly without an extra party involved. Requesting an authorization code also goes directly via our connection with SIDN, without delay from intermediate steps.
How does domain registration via a SIDN registrar work?
The registration process at an accredited SIDN registrar such as Theory7 runs through a number of clear steps. The whole process is automated and usually takes no longer than a few minutes from start to finish.
First you check whether your desired .nl domain name is still available. You do this via our domain name checker. This tool queries the SIDN register in real time and shows immediately whether the domain is free. If your domain name is available, you can add it to your order right away.
After completing your order we send the registration request directly to SIDN. The domain is registered in your name as the holder. We automatically configure the DNS records and activate DNSSEC security. Within a few minutes your .nl domain name is active and you can link it to your website or email.
SIDN registrar vs reseller: the difference explained
To make the difference between a registrar and a reseller clear, it helps to understand the entire chain of domain registration. This chain consists of three levels:
- Register (SIDN): manages the .nl register, the central database of all .nl domain names. Does not register directly to end users.
- Registrar (e.g. Theory7): accredited by SIDN, has direct access to the register. Registers domain names on behalf of end users.
- Reseller: buys domain names from a registrar and resells them to end customers. Has no direct access to the SIDN register.
The fundamental difference is the direct connection to the register. A registrar has its own technical connection (EPP connection) with SIDN, so all actions are carried out directly. A reseller has to route actions through the registrar, which adds an extra step to every process.
In practice you notice this difference in:
- Speed of registration: direct processing vs forwarding through a middleman
- Costs: no double margin with a registrar
- Domain transfer: faster token issuance and processing of incoming transfers
- Support in disputes: a registrar can communicate directly with SIDN in case of problems
- Control over WHOIS: direct changes without an intermediate party
What exactly does SIDN do?
SIDN is the Foundation for Internet Domain Registration Netherlands, established in 1996. As the registry, SIDN manages the .nl domain: the central database in which all registered .nl domain names and associated DNS information are stored. SIDN is responsible for the technical infrastructure that ensures all .nl domain names are correctly resolved to IP addresses.
Besides managing the .nl register, SIDN actively invests in the safety and stability of the Dutch internet. The foundation maintains an extensive network of DNS servers, carries out research into internet security and offers services such as SIDN BrandGuard for brand protection and registration monitoring.
With more than 6 million registered .nl domain names, the .nl domain is one of the most popular country-code extensions in the world. The Netherlands has one of the highest domain densities per capita, which reflects the quality of the .nl ecosystem. The .nl extension is known worldwide as reliable and stable, partly thanks to the strict accreditation policy of SIDN for registrars.
Why choose a .nl domain name?
A .nl domain name is the standard choice for businesses and organizations that focus on the Dutch market. The extension is instantly recognizable to Dutch internet users and radiates trust and local presence. Research shows that Dutch consumers prefer websites with a .nl address over international extensions.
For search engine optimization, a .nl domain offers advantages when ranking in Dutch search results. Google recognizes the country code and gives .nl domains a slight advantage for searches from the Netherlands. Combined with hosting on Dutch servers, such as at Theory7, you reinforce this local signal.
In addition, a .nl domain offers excellent availability. Although more than 6 million .nl names have been registered, there are still millions of combinations available. Longer and descriptive domain names in particular are often still free. Check right away whether your desired .nl domain name is available via our domain name checker.
Security of your .nl domain name
At Theory7 we take the security of your domain name seriously. As an accredited SIDN registrar we implement multiple security layers to prevent unauthorized parties from making changes to your domain.
First, every .nl domain at Theory7 is secured with DNSSEC as standard. This technology adds a cryptographic signature to your DNS records, so visitors can verify that they are being sent to the correct IP address. SIDN fully supports DNSSEC and actively encourages its use.
In addition, we offer registrar lock (also called transfer lock) on all .nl domains. This feature prevents your domain from being transferred to another registrar by accident or without your consent. You can easily turn the lock on and off via your control panel when you want to transfer the domain.
Finally, we register every domain in your name as the holder. With some resellers the domain is registered in the name of the reseller, so technically you are not the owner. At Theory7 you are always registered as the holder with SIDN, with full rights over your domain.
Combine your .nl domain with reliable hosting
A domain name is the address of your website, but you also need hosting to actually put your website online. At Theory7 you can combine your .nl domain registration with our web hosting for a complete solution. All hosting packages run on LiteSpeed Enterprise web servers with NVMe SSD storage, free SSL certificates and daily backups.
When you take out a hosting package with annual payment, you receive a free .nl domain name for the first year. That way you start without extra domain costs. And because both your domain and your hosting are with the same party, you always have a single point of contact and you do not have to switch between different providers.
Want to start a WordPress website on your .nl domain? Then take a look at our optimized WordPress hosting packages. Or get started right away with our website builder, with which you build a professional website on your own .nl domain without technical knowledge.
SIDN: the foundation behind the .nl domain
The Foundation for Internet Domain Registration Netherlands (SIDN) was established in 1996 with the aim of taking over management of the .nl domain from CWI (Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica), which had managed the .nl extension since 1986. SIDN is a non-profit foundation, which means the proceeds are fully reinvested in the stability, security and development of the .nl ecosystem.
SIDN is based in Arnhem and has more than 100 employees. The organization not only manages the .nl register, but also actively invests in research, innovation and the security of the Dutch internet. For example, SIDN founded the SIDN Labs platform for technical research into DNS security, privacy and internet measurements. In addition, SIDN offers services such as SIDN BrandGuard for brand protection and DomainMonitor for monitoring domain name registrations.
The accreditation process for registrars is strict. A company that wants to become a SIDN registrar must meet technical requirements (a working EPP connection with the register), financial requirements (a bank guarantee) and operational requirements (adequate complaint handling and availability). Theory7 meets all these criteria and maintains a direct, secure connection to the SIDN system.
The .nl domain market in numbers
With more than 6.2 million registered .nl domain names, the .nl domain is one of the most popular country-code extensions (ccTLDs) in the world. The Netherlands ranks in the top 5 of countries with the most domain name registrations per capita. For comparison: Germany has more than 17 million .de domains, but with five times as many inhabitants. The .nl domain density per capita is therefore considerably higher.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of new .nl domain names are registered. Although the growth of the .nl domain has stabilized in recent years, the number of active registrations remains stable at over 6 million. This indicates a mature and healthy market in which businesses actively use and renew their domain names. The .nl extension is internationally known as reliable and professional, partly thanks to the strict oversight of SIDN on the quality of registrars.
For Dutch businesses, .nl remains the undisputed standard. Research shows that more than 90% of Dutch businesses use a .nl domain name as their primary web address. Consumers associate .nl with reliability and local presence. Anyone who seriously wants to serve the Dutch market starts by registering a strong .nl domain name with an accredited registrar. Check availability via our domain name checker.
Life cycle of a .nl domain name at a registrar
Managing a .nl domain name has a clear life cycle. As an accredited SIDN registrar we guide you through every phase of this process, from initial registration to renewal or possible transfer.
The life cycle begins with registration: you choose a domain name, check availability and complete the order. As the registrar we send the request directly to SIDN, which registers the domain in the .nl register within a few minutes. We then configure the DNS records and activate DNSSEC security.
After registration comes the active period. Your domain name is registered and linked to your website and email. During this period you can change DNS records, adjust name servers and update contact details. With an accredited registrar all these changes run directly via the EPP connection with SIDN, without delay.
Before your registration period expires comes the renewal. SIDN domains are registered per year by default. At Theory7 you receive reminders well in advance so you never lose your domain unintentionally. The renewal process is fully automated.
In the event of a transfer to another registrar, you request an authorization code via our control panel. As a direct SIDN registrar we generate this code immediately, without delays or unnecessary thresholds. With a reseller, requesting an authorization code can sometimes take days because the code first has to be requested from the upstream registrar.
Premium .nl domain names
In addition to regular registrations, there is a market for premium .nl domain names. These are short, descriptive or generic domain names that have been registered before and are now offered for sale by the current holder. Examples are domain names such as hosting.nl, webshop.nl or marketing.nl: short, powerful names with high commercial value.
Premium domain names are traded on the secondary market, through auctions or direct sale. Prices range from a few hundred euros for moderately attractive names to tens of thousands of euros for top names. SIDN does not facilitate this trade directly, but the transfer process via authorization codes makes it easy to move a purchased premium domain name to your own registrar.
If you buy a premium .nl domain name, you can manage it at Theory7 as your accredited registrar after the transfer. We process the incoming transfer quickly and at no cost. That way you have your valuable domain name directly under your own management with a registrar that communicates directly with SIDN.
.nl domain disputes and the SIDN dispute resolution scheme
Sometimes disputes arise over .nl domain names. Think of situations where someone registers a domain name that is identical to an established brand, or where a domain name is used in bad faith to mislead visitors. For such cases, SIDN has set up a dispute resolution scheme.
The SIDN dispute resolution scheme offers brand owners and other interested parties a fast and relatively inexpensive way to resolve a dispute over a .nl domain name, as an alternative to going to court. The procedure is carried out by an independent dispute arbiter who assesses whether the registration of the domain name conflicts with the rights of the complainant.
A dispute resolution can lead to transfer of the domain name to the complainant, or to keeping the registration with the current holder. The procedure usually takes a few weeks and is considerably faster and cheaper than a legal procedure. As an accredited SIDN registrar, Theory7 can advise you on the options if you are confronted with a domain dispute, both as a complainant and as a holder.
It is wise to protect your brand name proactively by registering relevant domain names before others do. In addition to your primary .nl domain name, you can register common variants, spelling mistakes and additional extensions. At Theory7 you register all these domains as a direct SIDN registrar, with full control and without middlemen. View all options on our domain name registration page.
Sources and references
- SIDN: sidn.nl
- ICANN: icann.org
- Verisign: verisign.com
