Overview
NIC.br (Núcleo de Informação e Coordenação do Ponto BR — Brazilian Network Information Center) is the official registry operator for the .br country-code top-level domain (ccTLD). As a non-profit organization under CGI.br (Brazilian Internet Steering Committee), NIC.br operates and manages the Brazilian internet domain system (DNS).
NIC.br's responsibilities extend well beyond domain registration management, encompassing Brazilian IP address allocation (as a LACNIC member), internet exchange point (IX.br) operations, internet governance policy research, and cyber security technology development. The .br ccTLD ranks among the top ccTLDs globally by registration volume and is the largest country-code domain in Latin America.
NIC.br Corporation is the core driving force behind Brazilian internet infrastructure.Domain Registration
Key Strengths
- Exclusive .br Registry: NIC.br is the sole official registry for the .br namespace. All .br domain registration and management must go through its systems, making it legally and operationally irreplaceable in the Brazilian internet ecosystem.
- Non-Profit Operating Model: As a non-profit, NIC.br reinvests all revenue into Brazilian internet infrastructure improvement, cyber security research, and technological innovation, ensuring the long-term stable development of the .br namespace.
- Comprehensive Internet Governance Role: Beyond domain registration, NIC.br handles Brazilian IP address allocation, internet exchange point operations, and internet governance research, functioning as a comprehensive technical management authority for the Brazilian internet.
- Latin America's Largest ccTLD: .br ranks among the top ccTLDs worldwide by registration volume, making it the largest and most active country-code domain in Latin America with significant regional influence.
Product Ecosystem
.br Domain Registration Management
NIC.br operates a complete .br domain registration management system supporting dozens of .br subdomain categories, including .com.br (commercial), .org.br (non-profit), .gov.br (government), .edu.br (education), and many others.
DNS Resolution Services
NIC.br operates Brazilian DNS root server mirrors and .br authoritative DNS resolution infrastructure, ensuring fast and stable domain resolution for the Brazilian internet.
IP Address Allocation
As Brazil's internet number resource management organization, NIC.br handles IPv4 and IPv6 address allocation within Brazil, operating through the LACNIC system.
Internet Exchange Point (IX.br)
NIC.br operates IX.br, Brazil's largest internet exchange point network, connecting domestic ISPs and content providers to reduce local interconnection costs and improve access speeds.
Limitations
- .br Namespace Only: NIC.br exclusively manages .br and its subdomains, offering no registration services for .com, .org, or other TLDs, making it unsuitable as a multi-extension unified management platform.
- No Direct End-User Service: End users cannot register domains directly with NIC.br but must go through local Brazilian accredited registrars.
- Portuguese as Primary Language: NIC.br's systems and services primarily operate in Portuguese, creating communication and operational barriers for international users.
- Limited Accessibility Outside Brazil: .br domains have local contact and registration requirements, creating barriers for non-Brazilian residents.
Use Cases
- Brazilian Businesses & Organizations (★★★★★): Companies operating in Brazil should use .com.br and other .br domains to reach local users; NIC.br is the sole registry for all .br domains.
- Brazilian Government Agencies (★★★★★): Government .gov.br domain registrations and management are conducted within the NIC.br system.
- Brazilian Internet Service Providers (★★★★☆): ISPs and digital service providers can access .br domain resources through NIC.br's accredited registrar system.
- International Projects Targeting Brazil (★★★☆☆): Non-Brazilian companies with Brazil-facing operations may consider registering .com.br domains to enhance local trust, subject to local registration requirements.
Pricing
NIC.br does not charge end users directly. .br domain prices are set by accredited registrars based on NIC.br's wholesale pricing. Reference information below:
| Service | Pricing Model | Description |
|---|---|---|
| .com.br Domain Registration | Annual Fee (Registrar Pricing) | NIC.br sets wholesale price, registrars set retail prices |
| .br Domain Renewal | Annual Fee | Renewal pricing typically matches registration pricing |
| DNSSEC | Free | NIC.br provides DNSSEC support at no additional cost |
| IP Address Allocation | On Application | IP resource allocation services for Brazilian ISPs and enterprises |
FAQ
What is the relationship between NIC.br and CGI.br?
NIC.br is the executive arm of CGI.br (Brazilian Internet Steering Committee), responsible for the operational management of Brazilian internet infrastructure, while CGI.br sets internet governance policies.
Can non-Brazilian residents register .br domains?
Yes, but .br domains typically require a local contact or representative in Brazil, and some subdomains have specific qualification requirements for registrants. Consult an accredited registrar for specific policies.
Does NIC.br offer an English interface?
NIC.br's primary services and documentation are in Portuguese, with some pages available in English. It is recommended to operate through accredited registrars, which typically offer multilingual support.
What is the difference between .com.br and .br?
.com.br is the most common .br subdomain category (similar to .com), intended for commercial organizations. Direct .br registration has different policies depending on the country/region, and .com.br is the most widely used.