NIC.MG is the official registry of the geographic top-level domain .MG (Madagascar). As such, it manages the registration database of .mg domain names, the DNS servers of the extension, and publishes reference information (contact and delegation data) accessible via the Whois.
International context. Historically, the “Network Information Center (NIC)” refers to the organization responsible for naming and technical coordination (DNS, directories, etc.) at the Internet level. Today, each extension (ccTLD) has its own national registry: for Madagascar, it is NIC.MG.
What does NIC.MG do?
- Administers the .mg extension and its second-level subdomains (e.g., intended for commercial, associative, institutional, or educational entities).
- Defines and publishes the applicable naming rules and allocation policies for .mg domain names.
- Maintains the registry’s DNS infrastructure and Whois database.
- Coordinates the accredited registrars who sell and manage domain names for holders (registrants).
Allocation policies and naming rules
The .mg follows the principle of “first come, first served”, subject to compliance with the registry’s policies. NIC.MG may refuse a name for political, religious, historical, legal, or cultural reasons, or if it violates technical standards or conventions (DNS).
Prohibited and reserved names
Certain terms cannot be registered (blacklist, reserved categories, sensitive words, etc.). See the list of prohibited .mg domain names.
Common syntax rules
- Allowed characters: letters (a–z), digits (0–9), and hyphen “-” (not at the beginning or end, nor double consecutive).
- Minimum/maximum length: generally 3 to 63 characters (excluding the “.mg” suffix).
- A name must be unique, not misleading, and consistent with its intended use.
Note: Specific documents or proof may be required depending on the type of second-level extension (commercial entity, association, public institution, etc.). Your registrar will indicate which documents to provide if needed.
How to register a .mg domain name
- Check availability via the Whois.
- Choose the extension (directly under .mg or via a second-level extension suited to your status or use).
- Place an order through a registrar (e.g., Madagascar Internet): Register a .MG domain name.
- Configure DNS (A, AAAA, MX, TXT, CNAME, etc. records) once the domain is created. See our help articles at the bottom of the page.
Whois, DNS & propagation
- Whois .MG: search and verify the public information of a domain (holder per policy, registrar, DNS servers, dates, etc.).
- DNS propagation: after modifying name servers (NS) or DNS records, a delay of a few minutes to 24–48 hours may occur depending on cache and TTL.
Disputes and compliance
In case of conflict (prior rights, trademark, misuse, etc.), NIC.MG applies its procedures and naming charter. Your registrar can guide you through the proper process (mediation, dispute procedure, or registry request).
Best practices
- Choose a clear, short, and memorable name.
- Check for prior rights (trademark, business name) before registration.
- Enable DNSSEC if offered by your host/registrar to enhance DNS security.
- Keep your Whois contact details (administrative/technical) up to date.
- Enable auto-renewal to avoid unintended expiration.
