.ch

This article describes the procedures and requirements of .ch domain names.
Click on the subject below to open the dropdown for more information.
Registration
Successful domain registration via RCP or XML API or REST API requires:
two or more nameservers or a nameserver group. Nameservers must be configured and return an authoritative answer before the domain is requested.
Valid / real registrant details*. Fake details may lead to revoking of the domain by the registry.
* If the Registry has reasons to believe the details are not valid, they will contact the registrant, with further instructions. (This is not communicated to the registrar / reseller)
If the registrant fails to verify his details or does not respond, the registry will revoke the domain. In those cases, a domain can not be restored, reactivated and can not be refunded.
*Though a local presence is not required, the Swiss authority may demand a valid address for correspondence in Switzerland in special cases. The rule is applicable to all .ch domains with foreign holders, but is only applied on domain names respectively registrants which are suspected to partake in cybercrime, fraudulent activities or other misuse.
If the registrant cannot provide such address, the domain may be revoked. No refunds or restores are possible in these cases. Check 2.6 requirement & registry cases. 
Registration is realtime.
Note: In case a domain is presented as a "reserved domain", please contact the .ch Registry to get registration approval.
Transfer
Successful domain transfer via RCP or XML API or REST APIrequires:
authorisation code
two or more nameservers or a nameserver group
Additional notes on a .ch transfer
The registry locks a domain for transfers for the first 60 days after the previous transfer. 
Upon request, the registry can remove this lock.
The registry will not send an e-mail to the domain contacts after the transfer finishes.
Authorization code required
yes
Method of confirmation
authcode
Registration period after transfer
unchanged
Average transfer time
realtime
Advanced and simple transfers available
Contact our Sales department to check if easy transfer of 100 or more .ch domains is available.
Update
Owner change (trade)
requested as a normal domain update via RCP or or XML API or REST API
processed realtime
Other update
requested via RCP or or XML API or REST API
processed realtime
Deletion / Restore
Delete
requested via RCP or XML API or REST API
processed realtime
will result in a quarantine period
Restore / reactivate
restore / reactivation supported via RCP or XML API or REST API 
quarantine period can be found under 
Detailed extension information > Technical information > Quarantine period
Detailed extension information
Registry
Registry: Switch
Registry whois: whois.nic.ch
Registry web based whois: https://www.nic.ch/whois/
Registry zonefile updates: 2 times a day
Technical information
DNSSEC support: yes
Minimum length: 3 characters
Maximum length: 63 characters
Allowed characters: a-z 0-9 -
IDN characters: yes
Registration period: 1 year
Renewal date offset: 0 days
The number of days before the registry's expiration date, that Openprovider requires the domain to be renewed or expired. More info.
Note that the dates as shown in your Openprovider account are always leading, even if they do not match the renewal date offset mentioned here.
Soft quarantine period: n/a days
During this period, following after an expiration, the domain can be restored for free. This period does not apply if the domain is deleted explicitly. More info.
Quarantine period: 40 days
During this period, an expired or deleted domain name can be reactivated at an additional fee.
Restrictions
Local presence required? no
Does Openprovider provide local presence services? n/a
Local activity required? no
Correct nameserver configuration required? yes
The Domain(s) can be registered without further limitations.
Nameservers must be configured and return an authoritative answer before the domain is requested.
Though a local presence is not required, the Swiss authority may demand a valid address for correspondence in Switzerland in special cases. If the registrant cannot provide such address, the domain may be revoked. No refunds are possible in these cases. Check 2.6 requirement & and registry cases. The rule is applicable to all .ch domains with foreign holders, but is only applied on domain names respectively registrants which partake in cybercrime, fraudulent activities or other misuse.
Policies
All policies on the registry's website
Premium policy: no premiums supported
Acceptable Use Policy
General Terms and Conditions of SWITCH
Registration agreement
The registry requires that a registration agreement is in place between the provider and the domain holder. The text of this registration agreement and any required supplements is the following:
General registration agreement
Due to the regular changes in registry rules and configuration or missing information from registry side, and despite our effort to keep our knowledge base up-to-date, information in the knowledge base may be outdated or incorrect. If you encounter some issue, please report it through the "HotJar" feedback collector on the bottom right, or (if it is blocked by your browser) by clicking the "Submit a request" link below. No rights can be derived from the information in this knowledge base. If there is discrepancy between the knowledge base and the process in Openprovider, the process in Openprovider is leading.