A domain name is not tied to a single service provider. If your current registrar's prices or service no longer suit you, you can move your domain to another provider without downtime and without losing anything. Here is how it works.
What is a domain registrar?
A domain registrar is a company that registers and manages domain names on behalf of its customers. In Finland, .fi domains are handled by registrars approved by Traficom, and you can find the list of them on Traficom's website. The registrar takes care of registration, renewals, name services and support, while the domain itself always remains the property of its holder.
When is it worth changing registrar?
- The renewal price has risen clearly higher than with competing registrars
- You want your domain, email and website with the same provider and on a single invoice
- Your current service does not offer DNS management or support at the level you need
The registrar transfer key, or authorisation key
To make the transfer you need a transfer key (also called an authorisation key or transfer code). It is a single-use code that proves you have the right to transfer the domain. You get the key from your current registrar, usually from the control panel or by asking customer service. The registrar is obliged to provide the key to the holder of the domain.
How the transfer proceeds
- Request the transfer key from your current registrar.
- Start the transfer with the new registrar by entering the domain and the transfer key on the transfer form.
- The transfer is confirmed. For .fi domains the transfer happens immediately once the key has been entered. Your website and email keep working the whole time, because the name service settings do not change automatically during the transfer.
Good to know. Transferring a .fi domain does not change its validity period, and .fi domains have no lock periods. With international extensions (.com, .net, .org) the transfer typically takes anything from a few days to a week, and a new registration brings a 60-day transfer lock.
Transfer your domain to Nordweb
Nordweb is a domain registrar approved by Traficom. Transferring a .fi domain to us is free of charge and does not affect the domain's validity. Start your domain transfer here.