.ca Domain Registration: Requirements, Features and Rules
A .ca domain is the official top-level domain for Canada, designed for individuals and businesses with a Canadian presence. Here's what you need to know about managing .ca domains with Squarespace:
Registration Requirements:
- Must meet Canadian presence requirements
- Must belong to CIRA-defined categories
- Legal form verification required
- Documentation may be requested by CIRA for proof of Canadian presence
Pricing and Billing:
- Transfer to Squarespace is free
- Standard renewal rates apply
- Canadian taxes may be added at checkout
- Not eligible for free domain offers
Important Features:
- 5-day refund grace period after registration
- WHOIS protection available only for individual registrants (Canadian citizens/permanent residents)
- Legal form can be modified through the Domains dashboard
- Must respond to CIRA verification emails within 2 months to avoid domain deletion
To Enable WHOIS Protection:
- Access Domains dashboard
- Select your .ca domain
- Edit Registrant Information
- Select Additional Information
- Choose Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident
- Enable WHOIS Protection option
Note: If connecting a third-party .ca domain, these specific guidelines don't apply. Domain transfers won't automatically add an extra year of registration, unlike other extensions.
For transfers, payment information is required at the time of transfer, with billing occurring on the regular renewal date at standard rates.
CIRA verification is crucial - failing to respond to verification emails or provide proper documentation will result in domain deletion within two months of registration.
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