A Dutch business name may contain an accent, apostrophe or ampersand that cannot be copied literally into a .nl address. Your displayed brand and technical address may therefore differ. Choose the conversion deliberately and test whether customers still recognise it.
Which characters belong in the .nl label?
SIDN’s technical requirements apply to the label before .nl: letters a–z, digits and the standard hyphen, with a length of 2–63 characters. A label cannot start or end with a hyphen. Accented letters and spaces are not part of this .nl spelling. Check the precise candidate in domain search.
Choose a good domain name: a practical five-minute test →
Convert the brand into a readable address
Removing an accent may work, but check whether the meaning changes. An ampersand can become a word such as en; spaces can be removed or replaced with a permitted separator. Test alternatives in text and on a business card, prioritising recognition over literal reproduction of the logo.
Avoid document-copying errors
Word processors can replace plain characters with typographic alternatives. Retype the address in plain text rather than relying on a PDF or design file. Use the same checked spelling for website and email. Search validation can detect technical problems but does not assess brand confusion.
A .nl domain with a hyphen: when does it help? →
Use the technical spelling consistently
Your visual brand can retain its original spelling, while the actual web address is shown clearly. Check trading names, brands and availability for that exact variant. Other extensions may have different character rules; do not assume those possibilities apply to .nl or to every domain in a bundle.
Your practical checklist
- Follow the current .nl technical rules.
- Check whether conversion changes meaning.
- Retype the address outside the design file.
- Use one address spelling for website and email.
A fictional café can retain its accented brand in the logo while choosing an unaccented address. Showing the exact domain alongside the logo removes uncertainty about what customers should type.
Common questions
Can I use the é in my business name literally in .nl?
No, not in the .nl label under these character rules. Choose a permitted alternative, such as removing the accent, and check its exact spelling and availability.
Sources and further reading
Registration rules and provider functions can change. Check the current requirements for your domain before ordering or changing services.
Ready for your own .nl?
€9.99 for year one, €12.99 renewal or 3 years for €27. No hosting required.
Check your domain →
