Domains

What Is a .sg Domain: A Definitive Guide to .sg Domains  

by Andrew Moore

If you’re wondering what the .sg domain is, wonder no more: .sg is the official domain of the Republic of Singapore. It’s a domain name that has been set up for Singaporean locals and those looking to do business on the island. That’s the short version. If you want to know all the details about .sg domains, then keep reading this definitive guide. 

What Country is the .sg Domain For? 

As we mentioned above, the .sg domain has been set up at the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Singapore. This young island nation has forged a unique identity in the modern world, framed by a forward-looking, yet pragmatic approach to life and society. It has thrived as one of the economic powerhouses of Asia, meaning it’s a perfect place for any business that wants a base to take on the world. 

Oh, if you were wondering what we mean by ccTLD, it’s simple. A ccTLD is a country-specific version of a generic top-level domain (TLD) like .com or .net. These ccTLDs are managed within their respective countries. 

The History of .sg Domains 

So, .sg domains have been around way back in 1988. Which is essentially back when internet dinosaurs walked the earth. Since 1995, the Singapore Network Information Centre (SGNIC) has been the registry in charge of managing these domains. SGNIC makes sure everything runs smoothly and that all the rules are followed. They’ve played a crucial role in shaping the internet landscape in Singapore. They help people and businesses establish a Singaporean presence online.  

The Benefits of Using a .sg Domain  

Getting a .sg domain it’s a good idea if you’re looking to make a mark in Singapore. It shows you have a direct connection to Singapore and so builds trust with locals because they’re going to think that a .sg website is more likely going to be for them than a random different TLD. Plus, it helps with SEO for the same reason, which is that search engines are more likely to show .sg websites. It’s essential for building a local presence. 

Time To Get Yours


But those are not the only reasons you’d want a .sg extension. We go into more detail in Is .sg a Good Domain? (Spoilers, it is.) 

How Does .sg Differ to .com?  

We’ve written a long article comparing .com vs .sg, which you can read if you want, but here’s the tl;dr. If you’re based in Singapore, and want to deal with the Singaporean market, then a .sg is probably better. It has more thorough registration requirements, which makes it more trustworthy, and it’s just more likely the specific name you want is going to be available – at least compared to the many, many .coms out there. There’s also the fact that .sg domains get an SEO boost for searches coming from inside Singapore. 

On the flip side, .com domains are more affordable and more globally recognized. If your website isn’t targeting the local market, and you can find your ideal name, then it might be worth going for them.  

What Are Popular .sg Websites?  

Look, the most visited websites in Singapore are all the ones you’d expect. The Googles, Facebooks, and YouTubes of the world. But when you look at what the most popular Singapore domain websites are, an interesting trend shows up. These are all websites where trust and reliability are an important part of their makeup. 

  • Shopee.sg is a massive online market where users can buy and sell goods. 
  • Singpass.gov.sg is the portal the manage Singaporeans digital ID pass. 
  • Mothership.sg is a news site that focuses on both local, Asian, and international stories 
  • Bds.com.sg is the website of DBS Bank Limited. 

Can I Buy a .sg Domain? 

SGNIC runs a tight ship as a domain registry, focusing on making sure that .sg domains are for Singaporeans. And their requirements to register a .sg domain match that outlook. You will need to have a local address in Singapore as well as either be Singaporean or a Foreign Identification Number (FIN) which is sometimes called a National Registration Identity Card (NRIC). Or for companies, the Business Registration Number (BID). For more details (and there are more details) check out our How to Buy a .sg Domain article. 

.sg Is the Way to Go In Singapore 

Now you know that .sg is ideal for Singapore. It’s a shoutout to locals and says, “We’re here and we’re part of the community.” It’s a trusted name for businesses to rely on, good for SEO in Singapore, and helps make a solid local impression. If that sounds like a good idea to you, especially if you’re planning to build strong roots in this dynamic and thriving island nation, then maybe .sg is for you.