Nic.ve Review 2026. Is nic.ve good or bad on providing Domain Registration services?

📄 Editorial Review

(3*) 🔧 Services: Domain Registration | 🔘 Official NIC authority for .ve
⇔ Redirected from conatel.gob.ve🔃 Selling only to resellers

NIC.VE – Venezuela’s Official Domain Name Authority

In Venezuela, the administration of internet domain names ending in .ve is overseen by NIC.VE, the division responsible for registry operations and WHOIS services under the broader framework of CONATEL—the National Telecommunications Commission of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. This body, functioning as a governmental agency, governs all aspects of the .ve namespace in line with the Organic Telecommunications Law, specifically Chapter III of its amended form.

Institutional Mission and Vision

CONATEL’s broader mandate extends beyond domain management. It positions itself as a public authority committed to democratizing access to telecommunications, integrating them into the national development agenda. Its role includes shaping policies that promote equitable technological access, reflecting the values and constitutional goals of the Bolivarian Republic.

Structure of the .VE Domain

Open Registrations at the Third Level

Most domains in Venezuela are structured at the third level, beneath a number of defined second-level categories. Many of these are open to the public without restrictions, offering varied options for individuals and organizations:

• .com.ve – Commercial entities
• .net.ve – Network providers and infrastructure services
• .org.ve – Non-profit and community-focused groups
• .web.ve – Personal use or portfolio websites
• .co.ve – General purpose, similar to .com domains
• .info.ve – Informational or content-based sites
• .radio.ve – Radio broadcasters and streaming services
• .arts.ve – Artistic or cultural institutions

Restricted Domains

Some extensions are reserved for official or specific entities and require documentation:

• .gob.ve / .gov.ve – Government institutions
• .edu.ve – Accredited educational organizations
• .mil.ve – Military agencies
• .int.ve – International treaty organizations
• .tec.ve – Technology-focused universities or institutes

Second-Level Domains (New as of 2024)

In a significant policy shift, second-level .ve domains (e.g., example.ve) were opened for registration in 2024. However, eligibility is restricted to trademark holders, both domestic and international. This approach mirrors international best practices for protecting brand identity in premium namespace allocations.

Multilingual and International Support

NIC.VE supports internationalized domain names (IDNs), allowing characters such as á, é, í, ó, ú, ü, and ñ. This ensures better representation of Spanish-language content and branding online, especially for native speakers and local businesses.

Pricing and Fees

The cost structure for .ve domain services is priced in Bolívares (Bs.), and while base prices appear relatively affordable, they exclude administrative fees and other possible surcharges:

• New Registration: 1,481.20 Bs. annually
• Renewal: 1,481.20 Bs. annually
• Transfer: 2,962.41 Bs. (biennial term)

These figures suggest a commitment to maintaining broad accessibility, though users should account for variable extra costs depending on registrar policies or domain type.

Domain Management and Oversight

NIC.VE operates as a non-commercial and centralized authority, without reliance on public or private funding outside of its own revenue. The operation is fully sustained by domain-related activities, including registrations and IPv4 resource management.
All domain-related queries and transactions are conducted through NIC.VE’s official platform, integrated under the CONATEL ecosystem via https://nic.ve

🎯 Conclusion

NIC.VE plays a pivotal role in Venezuela’s digital identity framework, offering structured domain services that align with public policy and national regulation. While the market remains somewhat conservative compared to fully liberalized ccTLDs, the recent opening of second-level domains for trademark holders signals a move toward modernization. At the same time, domain pricing is generally accessible, and internationalized character support makes .ve a culturally inclusive option.

However, limitations on open second-level registrations and potential delays associated with administrative processes could be seen as drawbacks by users accustomed to more deregulated environments. Still, for Venezuelan institutions, residents, and businesses seeking local credibility and compliance with national standards, NIC.VE remains the sole authoritative source for .ve domains.

📢 Special pages

• About us