When you register a domain, several organizations work together in the background. The terms particularly frequently used in this context are Registry and Register confused – although they have different tasks.
The registry manages the domain name space of a top-level domain like .ch or .com. By contrast, the registrar is the provider through which you register, renew, or transfer your domain.
Knowing the difference makes domain transfers, registrar changes, and domain management much easier to understand.
Briefly explained: The registry manages a domain extension like
.ch. The registrar is your contractual partner for the registration and management of your domain.
Why are there two different roles in the first place? #
The internet does not work through a single central company that manages all the domains in the world. Instead, there is a clear division of labor.
For every top-level domain, there is a responsible registry. Registrars then enable customers to register and manage domains within that extension.
This keeps administration standardized while allowing many different providers to offer domains.
What is a registry? #
A Registry manages the namespace of a specific top-level domain.
She maintains the central registry of all registered domains within this extension and operates the technical infrastructure required for it.
Examples: **Top-level domain** **Managed by a registry** `.ch` Swiss registry for the `.ch` namespace `.com` Responsible registry for the `.com` namespace `.org` Responsible registry for the `.org` namespace `.swiss` Responsible registry with its own allocation rules
The registry usually does not sell domains directly to end customers.
What tasks does a registry perform? #
Among the most important tasks are:
- Management of all registered domains of a TLD
- Operation of the central registration database
- Management of domain delegations
- Definition of technical and organizational registration rules
- Cooperation with accredited registrars
The registry therefore decides, for example, which domain names can exist within a TLD and which registration processes apply.
What is a registrar? #
A Register is the registrar where you register and manage your domain.
He offers you functions such as:
- Domain registration
- Domain extension
- Domain transfer
- WHOIS or domain owner management
- Nameserver management
- DNS management (depending on the plan)
available.
When you register your domain with CURIAWEB, CURIAWEB is your registrar or your contact person for the management of this domain.
Note: As the domain owner, you have direct contact with the registrar – not the registry.
A simple example #
You are registering:
meine-firma.ch
To put it simply, the process looks like this: Customer Registrar CURIAWEB or other provider Registry manages the .ch namespace
You conclude your contract with the registrar. The registrar transmits the registration to the responsible registry. Only there is the domain officially entered into the corresponding namespace.
Can I choose my registry freely? #
No.
The registry is determined by the selected top-level domain.
If you a .ch-Domain is registered, it automatically lands in the corresponding .ch-Namespace. In a .comThe registry of this TLD applies accordingly to the domain.
So you can change the registrar – but not the registry of a specific domain extension.
Can I change my registrar? #
Yes.
That is exactly what the is for Domain transfer.
During the transfer, the domain remains the same. Only the registrar that manages it changes.
Example:
- Before: A Record
- Afterwards: CURIAWEB
The domain meine-firma.ch remains unchanged.
We explain how a transfer works at Domain transfer to CURIAWEB: How the transfer works.
What happens during a domain transfer? #
Many believe that a transfer also automatically moves the website. That is not true.
A domain transfer concerns exclusively the administration of the domain. **Transferred:** Domain administration, registrar, renewal management, domain owner data (depending on the TLD). **Not automatically transferred:** Website files, databases, email mailboxes, website content.
Hosting, website, and email will initially remain unchanged unless they are migrated separately.
Important: A domain transfer is not a hosting change. Both are two different technical processes.
Can the domain remain with the old registrar? #
Yes.
You do not need to transfer a domain to use hosting with CURIAWEB.
Often it is enough to adjust the nameservers or individual DNS records.
This variant is suitable, for example, if:
- you want to keep the domain with the current registrar
- only the hosting is changed
- several domains are to be managed centrally
We explain the setup at Keep domain with another registrar and connect to CURIAWEB Hosting.
Registry, Registrar, and nameserver are three different things #
These three terms are particularly often confused. **Term** **Task** Registry Manages the domain namespace of a TLD Registrar Registers and manages domains for customers Nameservers Provide the DNS information of a domain
A domain can therefore easily:
- be registered with Registrar A,
- run via the nameservers of provider B
- and host their website with provider C.
Technically, that is completely normal.
Who actually owns my domain? #
The registrar does not own your domain.
He manages them on behalf of the domain holder within the rules of the respective registry.
Depending on the top-level domain, the legal and administrative regulations regarding ownership and registered contact data differ.
What happens if my registrar becomes insolvent? #
Since domains are not simply the property of the registrar, procedures exist for many TLDs to transfer domains to another registrar.
However, the exact procedures depend on the respective registry and the domain extension in question.
It is therefore crucial that you retain access to your customer account and the administration data for your domain.
How do I identify my registrar? #
There are several possibilities.
Often you will already find the registrar:
- in the customer area of your domain provider
- on your domain invoice
- or in the domain registration information
If you are unsure, our article will help How do I find out where my domain is currently managed?.
Can I use multiple registrars at the same time? #
Yes.
Many companies deliberately manage different domains with different registrars.
For example, can:
- To have brand domains with a registrar
- international domains with another
- and individual projects are managed in CURIAWEB.
Technically there is nothing against it, as long as the overview is maintained.
What role does CURIAWEB play? #
Depending on the selected product, CURIAWEB can be both a registrar and a hosting provider.
This means:
- You can register and manage domains directly with CURIAWEB.
- Or you simply use the hosting and leave the domain with another registrar.
Both variants are fully supported.
Does the registrar influence SEO? #
No.
Whether a domain is registered with Registrar A or Registrar B has no direct impact on search engine rankings.
Rather, factors such as content, technology, user experience, and correct DNS and hosting configuration are crucial.
A registrar change alone therefore does not improve any rankings.
What is the difference between a registrar and a web host? #
These terms are also frequently equated.
A Register manages domains.
A web host provides server resources for websites, databases, and often also email services.
A company can take on both roles, but it doesn't have to.
Therefore, it is completely normal for a domain to be registered with a different provider than the website.
Can I change my registrar without losing visitors? #
Yes – provided the transfer is properly prepared.
If nameservers and DNS configuration remain unchanged or are correctly transferred, visitors often do not notice a registrar change at all.
For this reason, domain transfer and website migration should always be planned separately.
Practical Tip: First, plan which components actually need to be changed: only the registrar, only the hosting, or both. This will help you avoid unnecessary downtime.
Summary #
Registry and registrar perform different tasks.
The Registry manages the namespace of a top-level domain and operates its registration infrastructure. The Register is your contact person for the registration, renewal, and transfer of your domain.
A domain transfer changes the registrar – not automatically hosting, website, or email. Likewise, registrar, nameserver, and web hosting can easily be with different providers.
Distinguishing between these roles makes it much easier to plan domain transfers, nameserver changes, and the management of multiple domains, while avoiding mistakes during migrations.
