The verdict in three sentences
The .ci domain is Ivory Coast's national extension, managed by NIC CI under the authority of ARTCI: it instantly signals a local business and inspires trust. In 2026, it costs 45,000 FCFA/year at the official registry, activates in 2 to 5 days, and improves click-through rate by +12 to 18% on geolocated Ivorian queries. For a brand targeting the local market, the .ci + .com combo (60 to 90,000 FCFA/year) is the winning choice.
.ci registration price and process in 2026
Registration goes either directly through NIC CI (the official registry) or through an accredited reseller who charges a margin but simplifies the formalities. Here is the 2026 pricing.
| 2026 service | Cost | Delay |
|---|---|---|
| .ci via NIC CI (official) | 45,000 FCFA/year | 2 to 5 days |
| .ci via reseller | 50 to 75,000 FCFA/year | 1 to 3 days |
| .ci + .com pack | 60 to 90,000 FCFA/year | 2 to 5 days |
| Incoming transfer (to new provider) | 35,000 FCFA | 3 to 7 days |
| Required documents | Ivorian RCCM or national ID | — |
| Annual renewal | ~45,000 FCFA | automatic |
The SEO impact of .ci versus .com
Google uses the extension as a geographic relevance signal: for an internet user in Abidjan looking for a local provider, a .ci reassures more than a generic .com. The gain is measured mainly on click-through rate.
| 2026 SEO metric | Generic .com | Local .ci |
|---|---|---|
| CTR on geolocated CI query | base | +12 to 18% |
| Local trust signal | weak | strong |
| Recommended by ARTCI | not specific | yes |
| Geo-targeting (Search Console) | to configure | implicit |
| Brand confusion risk | medium | low |
Note: these values are 2026 order-of-magnitude estimates; the real impact depends on your sector and local competition.
Mini case study
Kone runs an accounting firm in Abidjan. His site was on a .com, but his Ivorian prospects clicked little, confusing it with foreign firms. He registers cabinet-kone.ci via NIC CI (45,000 FCFA/year) and keeps his .com as a redirect (pack at 80,000 FCFA/year). On his target query "cabinet comptable Abidjan", his CTR rises from 4.2% to ~5.0% (+18%), i.e. ~15 more qualified visitors per month. With an 8% contact rate, that represents 1 to 2 new appointments monthly for an annual upcharge under 80,000 FCFA — profitable from the very first signed client.
FAQ
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How much does a .ci domain cost in 2026?
Via NIC CI (the official registry), expect 45,000 FCFA/year. Via a reseller, the price rises to 50 to 75,000 FCFA/year, sometimes with additional services (DNS, support).
What documents are needed to register a .ci?
A company provides its Ivorian RCCM; an individual their national ID. The .ci extension requires proof of a tie to Ivory Coast, unlike the .com open to all.
Does .ci really improve SEO?
It mainly improves CTR (+12 to 18%) on geolocated Ivorian queries, because it reassures the local user. It is a trust signal more than a raw ranking boost.
Should I keep my .com in addition to the .ci?
Yes, the .ci + .com pack (60 to 90,000 FCFA/year) protects your brand and prevents a competitor from buying the other extension. The .com is usually redirected to the .ci.
How long does .ci activation take?
Expect 2 to 5 days via NIC CI after document validation. A reseller can speed it up to 1 to 3 days.
Let's talk about your project. We register your .ci, configure DNS and cleanly redirect your .com for maximum local signal. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
