We decided to move from the platform on masterhost to their server in Hetzner where everything was configured and the sites were transferred, but they need to figure out how to manage the domains. They have 11 .fr, 1 .com, and 6 .de domains at their disposal and need to acquire a few more.
We want to do it cheaper since the extension for mx is quite costly. There are some places that offer .ru domains for only 100r/year. We are looking for a better option where creating subdomains won't be too difficult.

I host my domains on started, where their ns servers are used and the configuration is conveniently managed through the panel.
The website has been stable so far, and the prices are reasonable.

Do you know the steps involved in moving a domain from one registrar to another? It's quite a hassle. I had to go through this process three years ago and it cost me approximately $10. Additionally, I had to stand in line for two hours as I went to several places but often faced refusal as the notaries were unfamiliar with what a "domain" is and how its rights can be transferred.

It is impossible to transfer a domain to another registrar in certain cases.

If the domain name's registration has expired or if the administrator has received administration rights from someone else within 30 days, or if the domain's registrar has been changed within 30 days (unless it was part of a mass transfer procedure), then the transfer cannot occur. If a transfer procedure has already started, it will be terminated if any of these events occur.

Moving from Masterhost to Hetzner's servers is a great step; Hetzner offers excellent performance and flexibility, but domain management can be a bit tricky if you don't plan it properly.

Firstly, you've got 11 .fr, 1 .com, and 6 .de domains. That's a pretty diverse set, and it gives you good coverage in different markets, but you should aim to streamline the management. Since managing each domain extension can be cumbersome and often pricey, especially for .mx, which is notoriously expensive, you need to look for a registrar that offers competitive pricing and good tools for handling multiple domains. Some registrars offer .ru domains for about 100 rubles per year, which is dirt cheap in comparison to others. However, there are some important things to consider:

Registrar Selection: Choosing a registrar who gives you a solid, unified management interface is key. You don't want to be jumping between different platforms or dealing with complicated DNS setups. Services like Namecheap or GoDaddy, despite being a bit more expensive, offer user-friendly interfaces and bulk management options which can be invaluable. Some smaller registrars might have cheaper prices for .ru or other extensions, but they can lack in support or interface ease-of-use.

Subdomain Management: You mentioned you want creating subdomains to be straightforward. For that, you'll need a registrar that offers a robust DNS management panel. Hetzner does have their own DNS console, but integrating this with your registrar can either be a breeze or a nightmare depending on the provider. Ensure that the registrar allows you to add and manage unlimited subdomains without extra fees. Look for registrars that provide free DNS services or consider moving to a dedicated DNS provider like Cloudflare which integrates well with Hetzner and is free for most use cases.

Cost Efficiency: Since you're looking to acquire more domains and manage costs, consider if all of these domains are necessary or if consolidating some makes sense. For instance, using a primary domain with multiple subdomains can cut down renewal fees significantly. If .mx is too expensive, maybe look into a .com.mx or other alternatives if you still need to cover the Mexican market but want a more cost-efficient extension.

Automatic Renewal and Support: Make sure the registrar offers good automatic renewal options. Nothing is worse than losing a domain because of a lapse in renewal. Similarly, their support responsiveness is crucial. You don't want to end up in a situation where DNS isn't resolving correctly, and you're stuck waiting days for a response.

Security Considerations: Don't overlook security! When it comes to managing many domains, you'll want to ensure the registrar supports two-factor authentication (2FA), DNSSEC, and offers decent protection against unauthorized transfers.

So, if you are moving to Hetzner and managing several domains, take the time to evaluate your registrar options carefully. Going with the cheapest option isn't always the best in the long run when you factor in ease-of-use, support quality, and hidden costs.

I'd caution against sacrificing quality for cost. While.ru domains may seem like a steal, you need to consider the potential long-term implications of using a less reputable TLD. Moreover, creating subdomains can be a nightmare with some registrars, so it's essential to choose a provider that offers seamless integration and management tools.
I'd recommend sticking with established TLDs like.com,.de, or.fr, even if they come with a higher price tag.