Register free domain: what to know before using it for a business

Registering a free domain means getting a domain name without an upfront registration fee, for example through Freenom (the .tk, .ml, .ga, .cf, .gq extensions) or the .id.vn/.biz.vn programs offered by some Vietnamese registrars. According to Wikipedia, Freenom stopped accepting new domain registrations in 2023 and exited the domain business in 2024, so this route no longer works the way many old tutorials describe.

What a free domain is and the common options

A free domain is a web address that does not require an upfront registration fee, and in some cases is also free to renew for a limited period. Common options include:

• Country-code style extensions previously managed by Freenom: .tk, .ml, .ga, .cf, .gq.
• Free subdomains offered by website builders such as WordPress.com or Blogger, in the form of yourname.wordpress.com.
• Fee-waiver programs for .id.vn and .biz.vn in Vietnam, aimed at specific groups, with free registration fees for the first few years.

Why Freenom is no longer a reliable choice

Many tutorials still circulating online describe creating a Freenom account, choosing a .tk/.ml/.ga/.cf/.gq extension, verifying an email address, and then managing DNS from the Freenom client area. However, according to Wikipedia, Freenom stopped accepting new .tk registrations in 2023 following a lawsuit over trademark infringement, and in early 2024 the company announced it would fully exit the domain registration and registry business. Around the same time, most domains that had been registered through Freenom (Wikipedia cites Netcraft figures showing a very large share) became inaccessible.

So if you are searching for how to register Freenom or create a Freenom account to get a free domain, be aware that the service is currently not accepting new registrations as the old guides describe. Before following any tutorial you find online, check the actual status of the registration page, since the information may be outdated compared to when the original article was published.

.id.vn and .biz.vn: conditional free .vn domains

Some Vietnamese .vn domain registrars run fee-waiver programs for two types of domains:

• .id.vn: typically aimed at individuals within a certain age range.
• .biz.vn: typically aimed at newly established businesses or household businesses.

According to information published by these registrars on their own sites, the fee-waiver period is usually counted in years (for example, the first couple of years), after which the registrant starts paying fees from the following year. Eligibility conditions, required documents, and the length of the free period can vary between registrars and may change over time. This is information summarized from service providers' own pages, not a legal document — you should check directly with the registrar or current regulations before registering to confirm the exact conditions that apply to your case.

Advantages and drawbacks of free domains

Advantages: no upfront cost, fast to register, suitable for testing or learning.

Drawbacks: domain names are often long or use extensions less familiar to local users; the provider may reclaim the domain if it is left unused or if terms are violated; some paid-domain registrars state that free extensions tend to be ranked lower by search engines compared to familiar extensions like .com or .vn — this is the provider's own view, not an independent measurement.

In addition, Wikipedia cites reports from McAfee and the Anti-Phishing Working Group noting that the .tk extension was recorded as having a higher-than-average share of phishing activity during certain periods. This is third-party report data quoted in the Wikipedia article, not an assessment made by this article itself.

When a free domain fits, and when to move to a paid domain

If a business or individual needs a stable, long-term domain for an official website, it is worth registering through a registrar with a clear service license. For example iNET or Tenten for .vn domains with Vietnamese-language support, Mat Bao if you want domains and web services bundled with one local provider, or Hostinger if you just need an international domain managed alongside hosting.

Steps if you want to try a free domain

1. Decide the purpose first: if it is only for learning or a short-term demo, a free domain or a subdomain from a website builder is usually enough.
2. Check the provider's actual operating status before registering, since services like Freenom have stopped accepting new registrations.
3. If considering the .id.vn or .biz.vn programs, contact the registrar directly to confirm eligibility, required documents, and the current free period at the time of registration.
4. Read the terms of service carefully, especially the section on domain reclamation for inactivity or content violations.
5. If the project grows into a real product or sales channel, plan to move to a paid domain early to avoid disruption if the free domain is reclaimed.

Frequently asked questions

Can I still register a new free domain through Freenom?

According to Wikipedia, Freenom stopped accepting new .tk registrations in 2023 and announced it was exiting the domain registration business in early 2024, so the Freenom account creation steps described in many older tutorials no longer apply as written.

Can I get a free domain and free hosting together?

Some providers bundle a free domain with a paid hosting plan, or offer conditional .id.vn/.biz.vn domains for specific groups. These are provider-specific programs, so read the eligibility terms carefully before signing up.

Can a free domain be used for an online store?

It can be used for testing, but for a real online store a free domain is often seen as less professional and carries a risk of being reclaimed, so it is worth considering a paid domain from the start if you plan to sell long-term.

Who is eligible for a free .id.vn or .biz.vn domain?

According to information published by some registrars, .id.vn is typically aimed at individuals within a certain age range and .biz.vn at newly established businesses or household businesses. Exact eligibility should be confirmed directly with the registrar, as conditions can change over time.

What happens to my website if a free domain is reclaimed?

If a free domain is reclaimed, the website attached to it will stop being reachable at that old address. If the website already has real visitors, it is safer to move to a paid domain early to avoid disruption.