Domain transfer time depends on factors like the TLD, the registry rules, whether contact info is up to date, if an authorization (EPP) code is needed, and more.
If you’re performing a domain transfer with Openprovider, here’s a breakdown of timeline expectations, influencing factors, and how to make the process smooth.
What do you need for a successful domain transfer?
To transfer a domain, a few prerequisites need to be in place. First, most domains require an authorization code, also called an EPP code or auth code. This is a unique password generated by the current registrar that proves you are the legitimate domain holder. You’ll need to request this code from your existing registrar before the transfer can begin.
In a typical transfer process, you unlock the domain at your current registrar, request the auth code, and initiate the transfer at your new registrar (such as Openprovider). You then provide the auth code during the process.
Depending on the TLD, the registrant or admin contact will receive a verification email. Once approved, the current registrar has a set amount of time – often up to five days for gTLDs – to release the domain.
After that, the registry updates its records, and the domain appears under your new registrar’s management.
Having the domain unlocked, the auth code ready, and your contact details up to date before you start ensures the transfer runs as smoothly and quickly as possible.
Standard domain transfer time by TLD
Below, you can find the standard transfer duration at Openprovider for 15 common gTLDs and ccTLDs:
| TLD | Typical / maximum transfer time via Openprovider | Notes / special conditions |
| .com | Maximum 6 days | Needs an auth code; follows standard gTLD rules. |
| .net | Maximum 6 days | Needs an auth code; follows standard gTLD rules. |
| .org | Maximum 6 days | Needs an auth code; follows standard gTLD rules. |
| .info | Maximum 6 days | Needs an auth code; follows standard gTLD rules. |
| .nl | Real-time | Needs an auth code and a valid phone number. |
| .be | Real-time | Needs an auth code. |
| .es | Maximum 10 days | Needs an auth code; state / province and passport or ID number (for individuals) or company registration number (for companies) must be filled in. To confirm the transfer, the registry will send a confirmation email to the administrative contact, which should be confirmed within 10 days. This email cannot be resent and expires after 10 days. |
| .eu | Real-time | Needs an auth code, which expires after 40 days. .eu domains can’t be transferred to domain owners located outside of the EU or EEA. |
| .fr | Maximum 22 days | A successful transfer requires the domain owner to add their full first name (no initials or abbreviations) and to be located within the EU or EEA. The transfer period is subject to the cooperation of the current registrar:If the current registrar approves the transfer, it completes immediately. If the current registrar does not approve/rejects the transfer, it completes after 8 days. If the current registrar rejects the transfer within the first 8 days, it completes after 22 days. |
| .de | Real-time | Needs an auth code, which can be valid from 24 hours to 30 days, depending on your current registrar. |
| .ru | Maximum 5 days | Needs an auth code, which is valid for 20 days. The confirmation email sent by the registry to the current domain owner should be approved within 5 days; otherwise, the transfer attempt will expire. Transfers are not possible on Mon – Fri between 14:00 – 15:00 UTC. |
| .co.uk | Maximum 45 days | No auth code is needed; you should request a transfer through the control panel of your new provider. Once the request is done, contact your current provider and request to change the so-called IPS tag from the domain to the tag for your new registrar, after which the transfer will be finalized in an instant. If this is not done within 45 days, the transfer will expire. |
| .ch | Real-time | Needs an auth code. |
| .it | Maximum 1 day | Needs an auth code. The current registrar will have one day to object to the transfer. If no objection is given, the transfer will complete automatically. |
| .in | Maximum 6 days | Needs an auth code. |
The ICANN five-day rule for gTLDs
For most generic top-level domains (gTLDs) such as .com, .net, .org, and .info, once all prerequisites are met (domain unlocked, contact email valid, auth code provided), the current registrar has up to five calendar days to allow the transfer to complete under ICANN policy. If the registrar does not respond, the transfer proceeds automatically after this period. In practice, most gTLD transfers take 5-7 calendar days in total with Openprovider.
Factors that affect transfer time
Even if the TLD supports real-time transfers, delays can still occur. The main reasons are:
- Domain lock and EPP code delays: if the domain is locked at the current registrar, it must be unlocked. You’ll also need an auth code, which will delay the transfer.
- Whois or admin contact updates: if the registrant or admin contact email is outdated, verification may not be delivered until the details are corrected.
- Email verification requirements: some registries require a manual transfer confirmation via email. If ignored or delayed, the transfer stalls.
- Registrar responsiveness: the current registrar must act on the transfer request to approve it. Slow responses or manual checks can add days.
- Registry-specific policies: some ccTLDs require extra documentation or local presence checks. These can make transfers take longer.
- Registry or registrar business days and holidays: weekends or holidays may extend processing times, especially for registries with manual steps.
- Account or domain status: transferring expired or quarantined domains may require extra steps before transfer.
How Openprovider streamlines the transfer process
Openprovider helps make transfers faster and easier by:
- Publishing detailed transfer documentation per TLD in the Knowledge Base, so you know the exact requirements and timeframes before starting.
- Supporting real-time transfers for extensions like .nl and .be.
- Sending proactive notifications when verification is required, so you don’t miss any steps.
- Providing clear tools in the control panel to track your transfer status.
- Offering flexible bulk transfer options for larger portfolios, reducing manual work and delays.
Conclusion
Domain transfer time depends heavily on the TLD:
- Most gTLDs (.com, .net, .org, .info) take around 5-7 days.
- Some ccTLDs (.nl, .be) transfer in real time.
- Others, like .fr, can take longer (up to 8-22 days) depending on registry rules.
To avoid delays, unlock your domain in advance, obtain the auth code, make sure the contact email is correct, and check for registry-specific requirements.
With preparation and Openprovider’s streamlined process, your domain registrar transfer time can be smooth and predictable.
Looking to transfer multiple domains to Openprovider? Check our possibilities for bulk transfers!
