The .ME domain extension, originally Montenegro’s country code top-level domain (ccTLD), has transformed into one of the most versatile and personalized domain choices available today. Since its introduction in 2007, following Montenegro’s independence, it has grown beyond its geographical roots to become a popular choice for personal branding and creative web addresses.
Historical Background
The story of .ME begins in September 2007 when ICANN approved its delegation to the Montenegro government. Initially managed by the University of Montenegro’s Center of Information Systems, the domain’s administration was later awarded to doMEn, a consortium comprising Afilias Limited, GoDaddy.com, and ME-net.
The domain’s launch was marked by a successful sunrise period in July-August 2008, during which premium domains like insure.me and sync.me were auctioned, generating over $2 million in revenue. Today, .ME boasts approximately 1.4 million registered domains, demonstrating its remarkable growth and adoption.
Domain Structure and Availability
.ME Domain Levels
The .ME domain operates on two levels:
- Second-Level Zone: Available worldwide (example.me)
- Third-Level Zone: Restricted to Montenegro-based entities
| Third-Level Domain | Purpose |
|---|---|
| net.me | Network services |
| org.me | Organizations |
| co.me | Commercial entities |
| its.me | Personal use |
| priv.me | Private entities |
Registration Requirements
Your .ME domain must adhere to specific technical requirements:
- Length: 3-63 characters for second-level domains
- Character types: Latin alphabet (a-z), digits, and hyphens
- No hyphens at the start or end
- No hyphens in third and fourth positions
- No purely numerical names under 5 characters
Usage and Applications
.ME for Personal Branding
Your .ME domain creates an instant personal connection, making it ideal for:
- Personal portfolios
- Professional resumes
- Individual blogs
- Creative showcases
.ME for Business
Major companies have embraced .ME domains for various services. Notable examples include:
- PayPal.me
- About.me
- Join.me
Premium Domains
Some of the most valuable .ME domain sales include:
- meet.me ($450,000)
- buy.me ($148,350)
- interest.me ($80,000)
- date.me ($70,000)
Restrictions and Policies
When registering a .ME domain, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Provide accurate contact information
- Submit to Montenegro’s internal laws
- Maintain current registration information
- Comply with dispute resolution policies
Reserved Names
Certain domains are reserved for:
- Government use
- Registry operations
- Premium domain auctions
Global Appeal
The .ME extension resonates across multiple languages, enhancing its international appeal:
- Spanish: means “I”
- Dutch: same as English
- Italian: same as English
- Czech: same as English
Looking Ahead: The Future of .ME
The .ME domain has established itself as more than just a country code extension. With its personal touch and versatile applications, it continues to attract individuals and businesses seeking to create meaningful online identities. Its growth from a small country’s domain to a global branding tool showcases the power of creative domain usage in modern web presence.
The domain’s success is reflected in its adoption rate, with approximately 0.2% of all websites using .ME domains. This growth trajectory, combined with its unique positioning in the domain market, suggests a promising future for this distinctive domain extension.