diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
index 0941c0169..5224edaf1 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -5,6 +5,12 @@ All notable changes to this project will be documented in this file.
 The format is based on [Keep a Changelog](https://keepachangelog.com/en/1.1.0/)
 and this project adheres to [Semantic Versioning](https://semver.org/spec/v2.0.0.html).
 
+## [Unreleased]
+
+### Fixed
+
+- Public signup controls now reflect `ALLOW_REGISTRATION`: closed registration shows a localized invite-only message and Login action, while invitation links retain access to the registration form. The existing flag is exposed through `/api/config`.
+
 ## [1.9.15] - 2026-09-22
 
 ### Changed
diff --git a/backend/app/routers/config.py b/backend/app/routers/config.py
index d95661d50..0f6c4c86a 100644
--- a/backend/app/routers/config.py
+++ b/backend/app/routers/config.py
@@ -43,6 +43,7 @@ async def get_config(
         }
 
     return {
+        "allow_registration": settings.ALLOW_REGISTRATION,
         "stripe_enabled": settings.STRIPE_ENABLED,
         "stripe_trial_days": settings.STRIPE_TRIAL_DAYS,
         "freemium_trial_enabled": settings.FREEMIUM_TRIAL_ENABLED,
diff --git a/backend/tests/test_auth.py b/backend/tests/test_auth.py
index 89035dd80..911541ad7 100644
--- a/backend/tests/test_auth.py
+++ b/backend/tests/test_auth.py
@@ -691,3 +691,64 @@ async def test_register_sets_freemium_trial(client):
     body = me.json()
     assert body["freemium_trial_used"] is True
     assert body["freemium_trial_ends_at"] is not None
+
+
+@pytest.mark.asyncio
+@pytest.mark.parametrize("allow_registration", [True, False])
+async def test_config_exposes_registration_setting(client, allow_registration):
+    from app.core.config import settings
+
+    with patch.object(settings, "ALLOW_REGISTRATION", allow_registration):
+        response = await client.get("/api/config")
+
+    assert response.status_code == 200
+    assert response.json()["allow_registration"] is allow_registration
+
+
+@pytest.mark.asyncio
+async def test_register_when_closed_with_single_use_invite(client, admin_user):
+    from app.core.config import settings
+
+    _, headers = admin_user
+    invite_response = await client.post("/api/admin/invite", headers=headers)
+    assert invite_response.status_code == 200
+    token = invite_response.json()["invite_url"].split("invite=")[1]
+    account = {
+        "username": "invited",
+        "email": "invited@test.com",
+        "password": "Test1234!@",
+        "native_language": "en",
+        "invite_token": token,
+    }
+    with patch.object(settings, "ALLOW_REGISTRATION", False):
+        response = await client.post("/api/auth/register", json=account)
+        assert response.status_code == 200
+        assert "access_token" in response.json()
+        assert "refresh_token" in response.cookies
+
+        # A second account cannot reuse the consumed invitation.
+        response = await client.post(
+            "/api/auth/register",
+            json={**account, "username": "another", "email": "another@test.com"},
+        )
+        assert response.status_code == 403
+        assert response.json()["detail"] == "Invalid or expired invite"
+
+
+@pytest.mark.asyncio
+async def test_register_when_closed_with_invalid_invite(client):
+    from app.core.config import settings
+
+    with patch.object(settings, "ALLOW_REGISTRATION", False):
+        response = await client.post(
+            "/api/auth/register",
+            json={
+                "username": "uninvited",
+                "email": "uninvited@test.com",
+                "password": "Test1234!@",
+                "native_language": "en",
+                "invite_token": "unknown-token",
+            },
+        )
+    assert response.status_code == 403
+    assert response.json()["detail"] == "Invalid or expired invite"
diff --git a/frontend/src/app/(auth)/login/page.tsx b/frontend/src/app/(auth)/login/page.tsx
index d4c23a869..b092a14c2 100644
--- a/frontend/src/app/(auth)/login/page.tsx
+++ b/frontend/src/app/(auth)/login/page.tsx
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 'use client'
 
-import { Suspense, useCallback, useState } from 'react'
+import { Suspense, useCallback, useEffect, useState } from 'react'
 import { useRouter, useSearchParams } from 'next/navigation'
 import Link from 'next/link'
 import Image from 'next/image'
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ import { Loader2 } from 'lucide-react'
 import { apiFetch } from '@/lib/api'
 import { mapUser } from '@/lib/mappers'
 import { useAuthStore } from '@/store/auth'
+import { useConfigStore } from '@/store/config'
 
 function LoginForm() {
   const t = useTranslations('auth.login')
@@ -16,6 +17,13 @@ function LoginForm() {
   const router = useRouter()
   const searchParams = useSearchParams()
   const registered = searchParams.get('registered') === 'true'
+  const allowRegistration = useConfigStore((s) => s.allowRegistration)
+  const loadConfig = useConfigStore((s) => s.load)
+
+  useEffect(() => {
+    void loadConfig()
+  }, [loadConfig])
+
   const setTokens = useAuthStore((s) => s.setTokens)
   const setUser = useAuthStore((s) => s.setUser)
   const [email, setEmail] = useState('')
@@ -201,15 +209,17 @@ function LoginForm() {
             </button>
           </form>
 
-          <p className="text-fl-label text-fl-muted-2 mt-6 text-center font-mono tracking-wide">
-            {t('noAccount')}{' '}
-            <Link
-              href="/register"
-              className="text-fl-muted-1 hover:text-fl-fg transition-colors"
-            >
-              {t('register')}
-            </Link>
-          </p>
+          {allowRegistration && (
+            <p className="text-fl-label text-fl-muted-2 mt-6 text-center font-mono tracking-wide">
+              {t('noAccount')}{' '}
+              <Link
+                href="/register"
+                className="text-fl-muted-1 hover:text-fl-fg transition-colors"
+              >
+                {t('register')}
+              </Link>
+            </p>
+          )}
           <p className="text-fl-label text-fl-muted-4 mt-3 text-center font-mono tracking-wide">
             <Link
               href="/forgot-password"
diff --git a/frontend/src/app/(auth)/register/page.tsx b/frontend/src/app/(auth)/register/page.tsx
index 522d30636..82c9a178f 100644
--- a/frontend/src/app/(auth)/register/page.tsx
+++ b/frontend/src/app/(auth)/register/page.tsx
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 'use client'
 
-import { Suspense, useCallback, useState } from 'react'
+import { Suspense, useCallback, useEffect, useState } from 'react'
 import { useRouter, useSearchParams } from 'next/navigation'
 import Link from 'next/link'
 import Image from 'next/image'
@@ -8,6 +8,8 @@ import { useTranslations } from 'next-intl'
 import { Loader2 } from 'lucide-react'
 import { apiFetch } from '@/lib/api'
 import { useAuthStore } from '@/store/auth'
+import { useConfigStore } from '@/store/config'
+import { PageLoading } from '@/components/ui/page-loading'
 
 const LANGUAGES = [
   'en',
@@ -358,14 +360,22 @@ function RegisterForm() {
               >
                 {t('termsAccept')}{' '}
                 <a
-                  href="/terms?from=register"
+                  href={
+                    invite
+                      ? `/terms?from=register&invite=${encodeURIComponent(invite)}`
+                      : '/terms?from=register'
+                  }
                   className="text-fl-muted-1 hover:text-fl-fg underline underline-offset-2 transition-colors"
                 >
                   {t('termsLink')}
                 </a>{' '}
                 {t('andWord')}{' '}
                 <a
-                  href="/privacy?from=register"
+                  href={
+                    invite
+                      ? `/privacy?from=register&invite=${encodeURIComponent(invite)}`
+                      : '/privacy?from=register'
+                  }
                   className="text-fl-muted-1 hover:text-fl-fg underline underline-offset-2 transition-colors"
                 >
                   {t('privacyLink')}
@@ -423,10 +433,66 @@ function RegisterForm() {
   )
 }
 
+function RegistrationGate() {
+  const t = useTranslations('auth.register')
+  const tCommon = useTranslations('common')
+  const invite = useSearchParams().get('invite')
+  const allowRegistration = useConfigStore((s) => s.allowRegistration)
+  const loadConfig = useConfigStore((s) => s.load)
+  const [configLoading, setConfigLoading] = useState(true)
+
+  useEffect(() => {
+    void loadConfig().finally(() => setConfigLoading(false))
+  }, [loadConfig])
+
+  // Token validity is checked only by the backend when the form is submitted.
+  if (invite || allowRegistration) return <RegisterForm />
+  if (configLoading) return <PageLoading minHeight="min-h-screen" />
+
+  return (
+    <div className="bg-fl-bg flex min-h-screen items-center justify-center px-4">
+      <div className="w-full max-w-sm">
+        <div className="mb-10 flex flex-col items-center">
+          <Image
+            src="/logo.png"
+            alt="FreeLingo"
+            width={100}
+            height={100}
+            className="mb-4"
+          />
+          <h1 className="text-fl-fg font-code text-xl font-bold tracking-widest uppercase">
+            FreeLingo
+          </h1>
+          <p className="text-fl-caption text-fl-muted-2 mt-1 font-mono tracking-widest uppercase">
+            {tCommon('tagline')}
+          </p>
+        </div>
+        <div className="border-fl-border bg-fl-surface border p-8">
+          <div className="border-fl-border mb-6 flex items-center gap-2 border-b pb-4">
+            <span className="text-fl-label text-fl-muted-2">●</span>
+            <span className="text-fl-muted-2 font-mono text-xs tracking-widest uppercase">
+              {t('title')}
+            </span>
+          </div>
+          <p className="border-fl-border bg-fl-bg text-fl-muted-1 mb-5 border px-4 py-4 text-center font-mono text-xs leading-relaxed">
+            {t('registrationClosed')}
+          </p>
+          <Link
+            href="/login"
+            className="bg-fl-accent text-fl-accent-fg hover:bg-fl-accent/90 block py-3 text-center font-mono text-sm font-bold tracking-widest uppercase transition-colors"
+          >
+            {t('login')}
+          </Link>
+        </div>
+      </div>
+    </div>
+  )
+}
+
 export default function RegisterPage() {
   return (
     <Suspense>
-      <RegisterForm />
+      <RegistrationGate />
     </Suspense>
   )
 }
diff --git a/frontend/src/app/(legal)/privacy/page.tsx b/frontend/src/app/(legal)/privacy/page.tsx
index f7ee4a91b..b050a32b7 100644
--- a/frontend/src/app/(legal)/privacy/page.tsx
+++ b/frontend/src/app/(legal)/privacy/page.tsx
@@ -1,34 +1,51 @@
 'use client'
 
+import { useEffect } from 'react'
 import Link from 'next/link'
 import Image from 'next/image'
 import { useTranslations } from 'next-intl'
 import { useSearchParams } from 'next/navigation'
+import { useConfigStore } from '@/store/config'
 
 export default function PrivacyPage() {
   const t = useTranslations('legal.privacy')
   const tCommon = useTranslations('common')
   const searchParams = useSearchParams()
+  const allowRegistration = useConfigStore((s) => s.allowRegistration)
+  const loadConfig = useConfigStore((s) => s.load)
+  const tRegister = useTranslations('auth.register')
+  const invite = searchParams.get('invite')
+  const inviteQuery = invite ? `&invite=${encodeURIComponent(invite)}` : ''
   const from = searchParams.get('from')
   const isFromSettings = from === 'settings'
   const isFromRegister = from === 'register'
   const isFromLanding = from === 'landing'
+
+  useEffect(() => {
+    if (isFromRegister) void loadConfig()
+  }, [isFromRegister, loadConfig])
   const backHref = isFromSettings
     ? '/settings'
     : isFromRegister
-      ? '/register'
+      ? invite
+        ? `/register?invite=${encodeURIComponent(invite)}`
+        : allowRegistration
+          ? '/register'
+          : '/login'
       : isFromLanding
         ? '/'
         : '/'
   const backLabel = isFromSettings
     ? t('linkBackSettings')
     : isFromRegister
-      ? t('linkBack')
+      ? allowRegistration || invite
+        ? t('linkBack')
+        : tRegister('login')
       : tCommon('back')
   const termsHref = isFromSettings
     ? '/terms?from=settings'
     : isFromRegister
-      ? '/terms?from=register'
+      ? `/terms?from=register${inviteQuery}`
       : isFromLanding
         ? '/terms?from=landing'
         : '/terms'
diff --git a/frontend/src/app/(legal)/terms/page.tsx b/frontend/src/app/(legal)/terms/page.tsx
index 22a391237..10e4fd647 100644
--- a/frontend/src/app/(legal)/terms/page.tsx
+++ b/frontend/src/app/(legal)/terms/page.tsx
@@ -1,34 +1,51 @@
 'use client'
 
+import { useEffect } from 'react'
 import Link from 'next/link'
 import Image from 'next/image'
 import { useTranslations } from 'next-intl'
 import { useSearchParams } from 'next/navigation'
+import { useConfigStore } from '@/store/config'
 
 export default function TermsPage() {
   const t = useTranslations('legal.terms')
   const tCommon = useTranslations('common')
   const searchParams = useSearchParams()
+  const allowRegistration = useConfigStore((s) => s.allowRegistration)
+  const loadConfig = useConfigStore((s) => s.load)
+  const tRegister = useTranslations('auth.register')
+  const invite = searchParams.get('invite')
+  const inviteQuery = invite ? `&invite=${encodeURIComponent(invite)}` : ''
   const from = searchParams.get('from')
   const isFromSettings = from === 'settings'
   const isFromRegister = from === 'register'
   const isFromLanding = from === 'landing'
+
+  useEffect(() => {
+    if (isFromRegister) void loadConfig()
+  }, [isFromRegister, loadConfig])
   const backHref = isFromSettings
     ? '/settings'
     : isFromRegister
-      ? '/register'
+      ? invite
+        ? `/register?invite=${encodeURIComponent(invite)}`
+        : allowRegistration
+          ? '/register'
+          : '/login'
       : isFromLanding
         ? '/'
         : '/'
   const backLabel = isFromSettings
     ? t('linkBackSettings')
     : isFromRegister
-      ? t('linkBack')
+      ? allowRegistration || invite
+        ? t('linkBack')
+        : tRegister('login')
       : tCommon('back')
   const privacyHref = isFromSettings
     ? '/privacy?from=settings'
     : isFromRegister
-      ? '/privacy?from=register'
+      ? `/privacy?from=register${inviteQuery}`
       : isFromLanding
         ? '/privacy?from=landing'
         : '/privacy'
diff --git a/frontend/src/app/page.tsx b/frontend/src/app/page.tsx
index f7fafb8d3..2d6c69153 100644
--- a/frontend/src/app/page.tsx
+++ b/frontend/src/app/page.tsx
@@ -77,6 +77,7 @@ export default async function Home() {
   const tCommon = await getTranslations('common')
   const tBilling = await getTranslations('billing')
 
+  let allowRegistration = false
   let stripeEnabled = false
   let trialDays = 7
   let priceMonthly = 0.0
@@ -87,13 +88,16 @@ export default async function Home() {
   try {
     const backendUrl = process.env.BACKEND_URL || 'http://backend:8000'
     const [configRes, reviewsRes] = await Promise.all([
+      // Landing CTAs can lag registration changes by the existing one-hour cache.
+      // The backend still enforces ALLOW_REGISTRATION on every signup request.
       fetch(`${backendUrl}/api/config`, { next: { revalidate: 3600 } }),
       fetch(`${backendUrl}/api/reviews/public?limit=100`, {
         next: { revalidate: 300 },
-      }),
+      }).catch(() => null),
     ])
     if (configRes.ok) {
       const cfg = await configRes.json()
+      allowRegistration = cfg.allow_registration === true
       stripeEnabled = cfg.stripe_enabled ?? false
       trialDays = cfg.stripe_trial_days ?? 7
       priceMonthly = cfg.price_monthly ?? 0.0
@@ -101,7 +105,7 @@ export default async function Home() {
       totalPriceMonthly = cfg.total_price_monthly ?? 0.0
       totalPriceYearly = cfg.total_price_yearly ?? 0.0
     }
-    if (reviewsRes.ok) {
+    if (reviewsRes?.ok) {
       reviews = await reviewsRes.json()
     }
   } catch {
@@ -146,10 +150,20 @@ export default async function Home() {
         </div>
         <div className="flex flex-col items-center gap-3 sm:flex-row">
           <Link
-            href={hasSession ? '/dashboard' : '/register'}
+            href={
+              hasSession
+                ? '/dashboard'
+                : allowRegistration
+                  ? '/register'
+                  : '/login'
+            }
             className="bg-fl-accent text-fl-accent-fg hover:bg-fl-accent/90 px-8 py-3 font-mono text-sm font-bold tracking-widest uppercase transition-colors"
           >
-            {hasSession ? t('dashboard') : tCommon('start')}
+            {hasSession
+              ? t('dashboard')
+              : allowRegistration
+                ? tCommon('start')
+                : t('signIn')}
           </Link>
           <a
             href="#features"
@@ -284,6 +298,7 @@ export default async function Home() {
       <ScrollReveal>
         <div id="pricing" className="scroll-mt-16">
           <PricingSection
+            allowRegistration={allowRegistration}
             stripeEnabled={stripeEnabled}
             trialDays={trialDays}
             hasSession={hasSession}
diff --git a/frontend/src/components/billing/PricingSection.tsx b/frontend/src/components/billing/PricingSection.tsx
index c74e4c4e2..8f4c7a7da 100644
--- a/frontend/src/components/billing/PricingSection.tsx
+++ b/frontend/src/components/billing/PricingSection.tsx
@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ import { useAuthStore } from '@/store/auth'
 type BillingInterval = 'monthly' | 'yearly'
 
 interface PricingSectionProps {
+  allowRegistration: boolean
   stripeEnabled: boolean
   trialDays: number
   hasSession: boolean
@@ -22,6 +23,7 @@ interface PricingSectionProps {
 }
 
 export default function PricingSection({
+  allowRegistration,
   stripeEnabled,
   trialDays,
   hasSession,
@@ -31,6 +33,7 @@ export default function PricingSection({
   totalPriceYearly,
 }: PricingSectionProps) {
   const tBilling = useTranslations('billing')
+  const tLanding = useTranslations('landing')
   const [subscribed, setSubscribed] = useState<boolean | null>(
     hasSession ? null : false
   )
@@ -259,14 +262,18 @@ export default function PricingSection({
                 </button>
               ) : (
                 <Link
-                  href={plan.href}
+                  href={
+                    !hasSession && !allowRegistration ? '/login' : plan.href
+                  }
                   className={`inline-block px-6 py-2.5 text-center font-mono text-sm font-bold tracking-widest uppercase transition-colors ${
                     plan.isFree
                       ? 'border-fl-border-2 text-fl-muted-1 hover:text-fl-fg hover:border-fl-border border'
                       : 'bg-fl-accent text-fl-accent-fg hover:bg-fl-accent/90'
                   }`}
                 >
-                  {plan.cta}
+                  {!hasSession && !allowRegistration
+                    ? tLanding('signIn')
+                    : plan.cta}
                 </Link>
               )}
             </div>
@@ -349,10 +356,12 @@ export default function PricingSection({
           </button>
         ) : (
           <Link
-            href="/register?plan=yearly"
+            href={allowRegistration ? '/register?plan=yearly' : '/login'}
             className="bg-fl-accent text-fl-accent-fg hover:bg-fl-accent/90 inline-block px-10 py-3 font-mono text-sm font-bold tracking-widest uppercase transition-colors"
           >
-            {tBilling(trialUsed ? 'ctaRegisterTrialUsed' : 'ctaRegister')}
+            {allowRegistration
+              ? tBilling(trialUsed ? 'ctaRegisterTrialUsed' : 'ctaRegister')
+              : tLanding('signIn')}
           </Link>
         )}
         {checkoutError && (
diff --git a/frontend/src/store/config.ts b/frontend/src/store/config.ts
index 6f9c05de9..bdd733781 100644
--- a/frontend/src/store/config.ts
+++ b/frontend/src/store/config.ts
@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ export interface DashboardBanner {
 }
 
 interface ConfigStore {
+  allowRegistration: boolean
   stripeEnabled: boolean
   stripeTrialDays: number
   freemiumTrialEnabled: boolean
@@ -28,6 +29,7 @@ interface ConfigStore {
 }
 
 export const useConfigStore = create<ConfigStore>((set, get) => ({
+  allowRegistration: false,
   stripeEnabled: false,
   stripeTrialDays: 7,
   freemiumTrialEnabled: true,
@@ -47,6 +49,7 @@ export const useConfigStore = create<ConfigStore>((set, get) => ({
       if (!res.ok) return
       const data = await res.json()
       set({
+        allowRegistration: data.allow_registration === true,
         stripeEnabled: data.stripe_enabled ?? false,
         stripeTrialDays: data.stripe_trial_days ?? 7,
         freemiumTrialEnabled: data.freemium_trial_enabled ?? true,
@@ -61,7 +64,7 @@ export const useConfigStore = create<ConfigStore>((set, get) => ({
         loaded: true,
       })
     } catch {
-      // Non-fatal: keep defaults (stripe disabled)
+      // Non-fatal: keep conservative presentation defaults
       set({ loaded: true })
     }
   },
diff --git a/frontend/tests/app/landing.test.tsx b/frontend/tests/app/landing.test.tsx
index f9938ff26..bb4426712 100644
--- a/frontend/tests/app/landing.test.tsx
+++ b/frontend/tests/app/landing.test.tsx
@@ -23,8 +23,15 @@ vi.mock('next/link', () => ({
     React.createElement('a', { href, ...props }, children),
 }))
 
-vi.mock('@/components/billing/PricingSection', () => ({
-  default: () => null,
+vi.mock('next-intl', () => ({
+  useTranslations: () => (key: string) => key,
+}))
+
+vi.mock('@/lib/landing-subscription', () => ({
+  getLandingSubscriptionState: async () => ({
+    subscribed: true,
+    trialUsed: false,
+  }),
 }))
 
 vi.mock('@/components/ui/landing-faq', () => ({
@@ -36,7 +43,9 @@ vi.mock('@/components/ui/landing-nav', () => ({
 }))
 
 vi.mock('@/components/ui/scroll-reveal', () => ({
-  ScrollReveal: ({ children }: { children: React.ReactNode }) => <>{children}</>,
+  ScrollReveal: ({ children }: { children: React.ReactNode }) => (
+    <>{children}</>
+  ),
 }))
 
 vi.mock('@/components/ui/contact-button', () => ({
@@ -53,14 +62,19 @@ vi.mock('@/components/reviews/LandingReviewsCarousel', () => ({
 
 import Home from '@/app/page'
 
+let config: Record<string, unknown>
+let configStatus: number
+
 beforeEach(() => {
+  config = { allow_registration: true, stripe_enabled: false }
+  configStatus = 200
   mockHas.mockReset().mockReturnValue(false)
   vi.stubGlobal(
     'fetch',
     vi.fn(async (url: string) => {
       const { pathname } = new URL(url)
       if (pathname === '/api/config') {
-        return new Response(JSON.stringify({ stripe_enabled: false }))
+        return new Response(JSON.stringify(config), { status: configStatus })
       }
       if (pathname === '/api/reviews/public') {
         return new Response(JSON.stringify([]))
@@ -76,6 +90,69 @@ afterEach(() => {
 })
 
 describe('Landing Home', () => {
+  it('keeps signup available when optional reviews cannot be fetched', async () => {
+    vi.mocked(fetch).mockImplementation(async (url) => {
+      if (String(url).endsWith('/api/config')) {
+        return new Response(JSON.stringify(config))
+      }
+      throw new Error('reviews unavailable')
+    })
+    render(await Home())
+    expect(screen.getByRole('link', { name: 'start' })).toHaveAttribute(
+      'href',
+      '/register'
+    )
+  })
+
+  it('preserves all public pricing signup links and plan selection when enabled', async () => {
+    config.stripe_enabled = true
+    render(await Home())
+    expect(screen.getByRole('link', { name: 'start' })).toHaveAttribute(
+      'href',
+      '/register'
+    )
+    expect(screen.getByRole('link', { name: 'planFreeCta' })).toHaveAttribute(
+      'href',
+      '/register'
+    )
+    expect(
+      screen
+        .getAllByRole('link', { name: 'ctaRegister' })
+        .map((link) => link.getAttribute('href'))
+    ).toEqual([
+      '/register?plan=monthly',
+      '/register?plan=yearly',
+      '/register?plan=yearly',
+    ])
+  })
+
+  it('replaces the hero and every pricing signup CTA with Sign in when closed', async () => {
+    config = { allow_registration: false, stripe_enabled: true }
+    const { container } = render(await Home())
+    expect(container.querySelector('a[href^="/register"]')).toBeNull()
+    const links = screen.getAllByRole('link', { name: 'signIn' })
+    expect(links).toHaveLength(5)
+    links.forEach((link) => expect(link).toHaveAttribute('href', '/login'))
+    expect(screen.queryByText('start')).not.toBeInTheDocument()
+    expect(screen.queryByText('ctaRegister')).not.toBeInTheDocument()
+  })
+
+  it.each(['missing flag', 'HTTP error', 'network error'])(
+    'does not advertise signup on %s',
+    async (failure) => {
+      config = {}
+      if (failure === 'HTTP error') configStatus = 503
+      if (failure === 'network error')
+        vi.mocked(fetch).mockRejectedValue(new Error('offline'))
+      const { container } = render(await Home())
+      expect(container.querySelector('a[href^="/register"]')).toBeNull()
+      expect(screen.getByRole('link', { name: 'signIn' })).toHaveAttribute(
+        'href',
+        '/login'
+      )
+    }
+  )
+
   it('shows the static microdemo and preserves anonymous CTAs', async () => {
     render(await Home())
 
@@ -111,20 +188,26 @@ describe('Landing Home', () => {
     )
   })
 
-  it('preserves the dashboard CTA for authenticated visitors', async () => {
-    mockHas.mockImplementation((name: string) => name === 'refresh_token')
+  it.each([true, false])(
+    'preserves the dashboard CTA with registration=%s',
+    async (allowRegistration) => {
+      config.allow_registration = allowRegistration
+      mockHas.mockImplementation((name: string) => name === 'refresh_token')
 
-    render(await Home())
+      render(await Home())
 
-    expect(mockHas).toHaveBeenCalledWith('refresh_token')
-    expect(screen.getByRole('link', { name: 'dashboard' })).toHaveAttribute(
-      'href',
-      '/dashboard'
-    )
-    expect(screen.queryByRole('link', { name: 'start' })).not.toBeInTheDocument()
-    expect(screen.getByRole('link', { name: /howItWorks/ })).toHaveAttribute(
-      'href',
-      '#features'
-    )
-  })
+      expect(mockHas).toHaveBeenCalledWith('refresh_token')
+      expect(screen.getByRole('link', { name: 'dashboard' })).toHaveAttribute(
+        'href',
+        '/dashboard'
+      )
+      expect(
+        screen.queryByRole('link', { name: 'start' })
+      ).not.toBeInTheDocument()
+      expect(screen.getByRole('link', { name: /howItWorks/ })).toHaveAttribute(
+        'href',
+        '#features'
+      )
+    }
+  )
 })
diff --git a/frontend/tests/app/registration.test.tsx b/frontend/tests/app/registration.test.tsx
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..965e72b00
--- /dev/null
+++ b/frontend/tests/app/registration.test.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,308 @@
+import React from 'react'
+import { afterEach, beforeEach, describe, expect, it, vi } from 'vitest'
+import {
+  act,
+  cleanup,
+  fireEvent,
+  render,
+  screen,
+  waitFor,
+} from '@testing-library/react'
+import { useConfigStore } from '@/store/config'
+import { useAuthStore } from '@/store/auth'
+
+const { searchParams, push, apiFetch } = vi.hoisted(() => ({
+  searchParams: new URLSearchParams(),
+  push: vi.fn(),
+  apiFetch: vi.fn(),
+}))
+
+vi.mock('next/navigation', () => ({
+  useRouter: () => ({ push }),
+  useSearchParams: () => searchParams,
+}))
+
+vi.mock('next-intl', () => ({
+  useTranslations: (namespace: string) => (key: string) =>
+    `${namespace}.${key}`,
+}))
+
+vi.mock('next/link', () => ({
+  default: ({
+    href,
+    children,
+    ...props
+  }: React.AnchorHTMLAttributes<HTMLAnchorElement>) =>
+    React.createElement('a', { href, ...props }, children),
+}))
+
+vi.mock('@/lib/api', () => ({ apiFetch }))
+
+import RegisterPage from '@/app/(auth)/register/page'
+import LoginPage from '@/app/(auth)/login/page'
+import PrivacyPage from '@/app/(legal)/privacy/page'
+import TermsPage from '@/app/(legal)/terms/page'
+
+function configResponse(allowRegistration: boolean) {
+  return new Response(JSON.stringify({ allow_registration: allowRegistration }))
+}
+
+beforeEach(() => {
+  for (const key of Array.from(searchParams.keys())) searchParams.delete(key)
+  push.mockReset()
+  apiFetch.mockReset()
+  useConfigStore.setState({ ...useConfigStore.getInitialState() }, true)
+  useAuthStore.setState({ accessToken: null, user: null })
+  vi.stubGlobal('fetch', vi.fn().mockResolvedValue(configResponse(false)))
+})
+
+afterEach(() => {
+  cleanup()
+  vi.unstubAllGlobals()
+})
+
+async function fillAndSubmit(container: HTMLElement) {
+  const form = container.querySelector('form')!
+  const inputs = form.querySelectorAll('input')
+  // Existing form order: username, display name, email, passwords, legal acceptance.
+  const values = [
+    'learner',
+    'Learner',
+    'learner@example.com',
+    'Test1234!@',
+    'Test1234!@',
+  ]
+  values.forEach((value, index) =>
+    fireEvent.change(inputs[index], { target: { value } })
+  )
+  fireEvent.click(screen.getByRole('checkbox'))
+  await act(async () => fireEvent.submit(form))
+}
+
+describe('registration availability', () => {
+  it('shows loading without flashing a form or closed message, then opens public signup', async () => {
+    let resolveConfig!: (response: Response) => void
+    vi.mocked(fetch).mockReturnValueOnce(
+      new Promise((resolve) => {
+        resolveConfig = resolve
+      })
+    )
+    const { container } = render(<RegisterPage />)
+    expect(
+      screen.getByRole('status', { name: 'common.loading' })
+    ).toBeInTheDocument()
+    expect(container.querySelector('form')).toBeNull()
+    expect(
+      screen.queryByText('auth.register.registrationClosed')
+    ).not.toBeInTheDocument()
+
+    await act(async () => resolveConfig(configResponse(true)))
+    expect(
+      screen.getByRole('button', { name: 'auth.register.submit' })
+    ).toBeInTheDocument()
+    expect(screen.queryByRole('status')).not.toBeInTheDocument()
+    expect(fetch).toHaveBeenCalledWith('/api/config')
+  })
+
+  it.each(['', 'invite='])(
+    'shows the closed state without a supplied invite (%s)',
+    async (query) => {
+      if (query) searchParams.set('invite', '')
+      const { container } = render(<RegisterPage />)
+      expect(
+        await screen.findByText('auth.register.registrationClosed')
+      ).toBeInTheDocument()
+      expect(
+        screen.getByRole('link', { name: 'auth.register.login' })
+      ).toHaveAttribute('href', '/login')
+      expect(container.querySelector('form')).toBeNull()
+      expect(apiFetch).not.toHaveBeenCalled()
+    }
+  )
+
+  it.each(['network', 'HTTP', 'missing flag'])(
+    'keeps ordinary signup closed after a %s failure',
+    async (failure) => {
+      if (failure === 'network')
+        vi.mocked(fetch).mockRejectedValueOnce(new Error('offline'))
+      if (failure === 'HTTP')
+        vi.mocked(fetch).mockResolvedValueOnce(
+          new Response('', { status: 503 })
+        )
+      if (failure === 'missing flag')
+        vi.mocked(fetch).mockResolvedValueOnce(new Response('{}'))
+      const { container } = render(<RegisterPage />)
+      expect(
+        await screen.findByText('auth.register.registrationClosed')
+      ).toBeInTheDocument()
+      expect(container.querySelector('form')).toBeNull()
+      expect(screen.queryByRole('status')).not.toBeInTheDocument()
+    }
+  )
+
+  it('opens an unvalidated invite immediately even while config is unavailable', async () => {
+    searchParams.set('invite', 'supplied-token')
+    vi.mocked(fetch).mockReturnValueOnce(new Promise(() => {}))
+    render(<RegisterPage />)
+    expect(
+      screen.getByRole('button', { name: 'auth.register.submit' })
+    ).toBeInTheDocument()
+    expect(
+      screen.queryByText('auth.register.registrationClosed')
+    ).not.toBeInTheDocument()
+    expect(apiFetch).not.toHaveBeenCalled()
+  })
+
+  it.each([null, 'monthly', 'yearly'])(
+    'preserves public registration and onboarding plan=%s',
+    async (plan) => {
+      vi.mocked(fetch).mockResolvedValueOnce(configResponse(true))
+      if (plan) searchParams.set('plan', plan)
+      apiFetch.mockResolvedValueOnce(
+        new Response(JSON.stringify({ access_token: 'new-token' }))
+      )
+      const { container } = render(<RegisterPage />)
+      await screen.findByRole('button', { name: 'auth.register.submit' })
+      await fillAndSubmit(container)
+      expect(apiFetch).toHaveBeenCalledWith(
+        '/api/auth/register',
+        expect.objectContaining({ method: 'POST' })
+      )
+      expect(JSON.parse(apiFetch.mock.calls[0][1].body)).not.toHaveProperty(
+        'invite_token'
+      )
+      expect(useAuthStore.getState().accessToken).toBe('new-token')
+      expect(push).toHaveBeenCalledWith(
+        plan ? `/onboarding?plan=${plan}` : '/onboarding'
+      )
+    }
+  )
+
+  it.each([true, false])(
+    'passes an invite to the backend and respects its decision (accepted=%s)',
+    async (accepted) => {
+      searchParams.set('invite', 'unvalidated-token')
+      apiFetch.mockResolvedValueOnce(
+        new Response(
+          JSON.stringify(
+            accepted
+              ? { access_token: 'invited-token' }
+              : { detail: 'Invalid or expired invite' }
+          ),
+          { status: accepted ? 200 : 403 }
+        )
+      )
+      const { container } = render(<RegisterPage />)
+      await waitFor(() => expect(useConfigStore.getState().loaded).toBe(true))
+      expect(
+        screen.queryByText('auth.register.registrationClosed')
+      ).not.toBeInTheDocument()
+      await fillAndSubmit(container)
+      expect(JSON.parse(apiFetch.mock.calls[0][1].body).invite_token).toBe(
+        'unvalidated-token'
+      )
+      if (accepted) {
+        expect(push).toHaveBeenCalledWith('/onboarding')
+      } else {
+        expect(
+          await screen.findByText(/auth.register.invalidInvite/)
+        ).toBeInTheDocument()
+        expect(push).not.toHaveBeenCalled()
+        expect(useAuthStore.getState().accessToken).toBeNull()
+      }
+    }
+  )
+
+  it.each([true, false])(
+    'shows the login signup link only for registration=%s',
+    async (allowRegistration) => {
+      vi.mocked(fetch).mockResolvedValueOnce(configResponse(allowRegistration))
+      render(<LoginPage />)
+      await waitFor(() => expect(useConfigStore.getState().loaded).toBe(true))
+      if (allowRegistration) {
+        expect(
+          screen.getByRole('link', { name: 'auth.login.register' })
+        ).toHaveAttribute('href', '/register')
+      } else {
+        expect(
+          screen.queryByRole('link', { name: 'auth.login.register' })
+        ).not.toBeInTheDocument()
+        expect(
+          screen.queryByText('auth.login.noAccount')
+        ).not.toBeInTheDocument()
+      }
+      expect(
+        screen.getByRole('button', { name: 'auth.login.submit' })
+      ).toBeInTheDocument()
+      expect(
+        screen.getByRole('link', { name: 'auth.login.forgotPassword' })
+      ).toHaveAttribute('href', '/forgot-password')
+    }
+  )
+
+  it('preserves the supplied invite in registration legal links', async () => {
+    searchParams.set('invite', 'token+with/symbols')
+    render(<RegisterPage />)
+    await waitFor(() => expect(useConfigStore.getState().loaded).toBe(true))
+    for (const page of ['terms', 'privacy']) {
+      expect(
+        screen.getByRole('link', { name: `auth.register.${page}Link` })
+      ).toHaveAttribute(
+        'href',
+        `/${page}?from=register&invite=token%2Bwith%2Fsymbols`
+      )
+    }
+  })
+})
+
+describe.each([
+  ['privacy', PrivacyPage, 'terms'],
+  ['terms', TermsPage, 'privacy'],
+] as const)('%s return navigation', (page, Page, other) => {
+  it.each([true, false])(
+    'returns ordinary visitors appropriately for registration=%s',
+    async (allowRegistration) => {
+      searchParams.set('from', 'register')
+      vi.mocked(fetch).mockResolvedValueOnce(configResponse(allowRegistration))
+      const { container } = render(<Page />)
+      await waitFor(() => expect(useConfigStore.getState().loaded).toBe(true))
+      if (allowRegistration) {
+        expect(
+          screen.getByRole('link', { name: `legal.${page}.linkBack` })
+        ).toHaveAttribute('href', '/register')
+      } else {
+        expect(container.querySelector('a[href^="/register"]')).toBeNull()
+        expect(
+          screen.getByRole('link', { name: 'auth.register.login' })
+        ).toHaveAttribute('href', '/login')
+      }
+    }
+  )
+
+  it('preserves invites between legal pages and back to the form when closed', async () => {
+    searchParams.set('from', 'register')
+    searchParams.set('invite', 'token+with/symbols')
+    render(<Page />)
+    await waitFor(() => expect(useConfigStore.getState().loaded).toBe(true))
+    expect(
+      screen.getByRole('link', { name: `legal.${page}.linkBack` })
+    ).toHaveAttribute('href', '/register?invite=token%2Bwith%2Fsymbols')
+    expect(
+      screen.getByRole('link', {
+        name: `legal.${page}.link${other === 'terms' ? 'Terms' : 'Privacy'}`,
+      })
+    ).toHaveAttribute(
+      'href',
+      `/${other}?from=register&invite=token%2Bwith%2Fsymbols`
+    )
+  })
+
+  it('preserves the authenticated Settings return link', () => {
+    searchParams.set('from', 'settings')
+    render(<Page />)
+    expect(
+      screen.getByRole('link', { name: `legal.${page}.linkBackSettings` })
+    ).toHaveAttribute('href', '/settings')
+    expect(fetch).not.toHaveBeenCalled()
+  })
+})
diff --git a/frontend/tests/components/BillingPaywall.test.tsx b/frontend/tests/components/BillingPaywall.test.tsx
index 2789dbb12..11959da84 100644
--- a/frontend/tests/components/BillingPaywall.test.tsx
+++ b/frontend/tests/components/BillingPaywall.test.tsx
@@ -389,41 +389,45 @@ describe('billing paywall UI', () => {
     )
   })
 
-  it('starts Checkout directly from landing pricing when the user has a session', async () => {
-    mockLandingSubscriptionState.mockResolvedValueOnce({
-      subscribed: false,
-      trialUsed: false,
-    })
-    mockApiFetch.mockResolvedValueOnce(
-      jsonResponse({ url: 'https://checkout.stripe.com/pay/monthly' })
-    )
+  it.each([true, false])(
+    'starts Checkout directly with a session and registration=%s',
+    async (allowRegistration) => {
+      mockLandingSubscriptionState.mockResolvedValueOnce({
+        subscribed: false,
+        trialUsed: false,
+      })
+      mockApiFetch.mockResolvedValueOnce(
+        jsonResponse({ url: 'https://checkout.stripe.com/pay/monthly' })
+      )
 
-    render(
-      <PricingSection
-        stripeEnabled={true}
-        trialDays={7}
-        hasSession={true}
-        priceMonthly={9.99}
-        priceYearly={99.99}
-        totalPriceMonthly={119.88}
-        totalPriceYearly={99.99}
-      />
-    )
+      render(
+        <PricingSection
+          allowRegistration={allowRegistration}
+          stripeEnabled={true}
+          trialDays={7}
+          hasSession={true}
+          priceMonthly={9.99}
+          priceYearly={99.99}
+          totalPriceMonthly={119.88}
+          totalPriceYearly={99.99}
+        />
+      )
 
-    await waitFor(() =>
-      expect(screen.getAllByText('ctaRegister')).toHaveLength(3)
-    )
-    fireEvent.click(screen.getAllByText('ctaRegister')[0])
+      await waitFor(() =>
+        expect(screen.getAllByText('ctaRegister')).toHaveLength(3)
+      )
+      fireEvent.click(screen.getAllByText('ctaRegister')[0])
 
-    await waitFor(() =>
-      expect(mockApiFetch).toHaveBeenCalledWith('/api/billing/checkout', {
-        method: 'POST',
-        headers: { 'Content-Type': 'application/json' },
-        body: JSON.stringify({ plan: 'monthly' }),
-      })
-    )
-    expect(window.location.assign).toHaveBeenCalledWith(
-      'https://checkout.stripe.com/pay/monthly'
-    )
-  })
+      await waitFor(() =>
+        expect(mockApiFetch).toHaveBeenCalledWith('/api/billing/checkout', {
+          method: 'POST',
+          headers: { 'Content-Type': 'application/json' },
+          body: JSON.stringify({ plan: 'monthly' }),
+        })
+      )
+      expect(window.location.assign).toHaveBeenCalledWith(
+        'https://checkout.stripe.com/pay/monthly'
+      )
+    }
+  )
 })
diff --git a/frontend/tests/store/config.test.ts b/frontend/tests/store/config.test.ts
index 021c80b88..9a70f0d5a 100644
--- a/frontend/tests/store/config.test.ts
+++ b/frontend/tests/store/config.test.ts
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ describe('useConfigStore', () => {
 
   beforeEach(() => {
     useConfigStore.setState({
+      allowRegistration: false,
       stripeEnabled: false,
       stripeTrialDays: 7,
       freemiumTrialEnabled: true,
@@ -27,6 +28,7 @@ describe('useConfigStore', () => {
     vi.mocked(fetch).mockResolvedValueOnce(
       new Response(
         JSON.stringify({
+          allow_registration: true,
           stripe_enabled: true,
           stripe_trial_days: 14,
           tts_provider: 'openai',
@@ -46,6 +48,7 @@ describe('useConfigStore', () => {
 
     await useConfigStore.getState().load()
 
+    expect(useConfigStore.getState().allowRegistration).toBe(true)
     expect(useConfigStore.getState().stripeEnabled).toBe(true)
     expect(useConfigStore.getState().stripeTrialDays).toBe(14)
     expect(useConfigStore.getState().ttsProvider).toBe('openai')
@@ -56,6 +59,29 @@ describe('useConfigStore', () => {
     expect(useConfigStore.getState().loaded).toBe(true)
   })
 
+  it('keeps signup closed until configuration arrives', async () => {
+    let resolveConfig!: (response: Response) => void
+    vi.mocked(fetch).mockReturnValueOnce(
+      new Promise((resolve) => {
+        resolveConfig = resolve
+      })
+    )
+    const loading = useConfigStore.getState().load()
+    expect(useConfigStore.getState().allowRegistration).toBe(false)
+    resolveConfig(new Response(JSON.stringify({ allow_registration: true })))
+    await loading
+    expect(useConfigStore.getState().allowRegistration).toBe(true)
+  })
+
+  it('loads closed registration even if the previous state allowed it', async () => {
+    useConfigStore.setState({ allowRegistration: true })
+    vi.mocked(fetch).mockResolvedValueOnce(
+      new Response(JSON.stringify({ allow_registration: false }))
+    )
+    await useConfigStore.getState().load()
+    expect(useConfigStore.getState().allowRegistration).toBe(false)
+  })
+
   it('does not fetch twice (idempotency)', async () => {
     vi.mocked(fetch).mockResolvedValue(
       new Response(JSON.stringify({ stripe_enabled: true }), {
@@ -75,6 +101,7 @@ describe('useConfigStore', () => {
 
     await useConfigStore.getState().load()
 
+    expect(useConfigStore.getState().allowRegistration).toBe(false)
     expect(useConfigStore.getState().stripeEnabled).toBe(false)
     expect(useConfigStore.getState().ttsProvider).toBe('local')
     expect(useConfigStore.getState().loaded).toBe(true)
@@ -87,6 +114,7 @@ describe('useConfigStore', () => {
 
     await useConfigStore.getState().load()
 
+    expect(useConfigStore.getState().allowRegistration).toBe(false)
     expect(useConfigStore.getState().stripeEnabled).toBe(false)
     expect(useConfigStore.getState().loaded).toBe(false)
   })
@@ -101,6 +129,7 @@ describe('useConfigStore', () => {
 
     await useConfigStore.getState().load()
 
+    expect(useConfigStore.getState().allowRegistration).toBe(false)
     expect(useConfigStore.getState().stripeEnabled).toBe(false)
     expect(useConfigStore.getState().stripeTrialDays).toBe(7)
     expect(useConfigStore.getState().ttsProvider).toBe('local')
diff --git a/specs/api-endpoints.instructions.md b/specs/api-endpoints.instructions.md
index f52306936..66a1b6e7f 100644
--- a/specs/api-endpoints.instructions.md
+++ b/specs/api-endpoints.instructions.md
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ Most REST endpoints are prefixed under `/api`. The public health check is at `/h
 
 ## Config — `/api/config`
 
-- **GET `/api/config`** — Rate limit: 60/min. Public runtime configuration flags for the frontend. Returns non-sensitive values including Stripe enablement/prices, TTS provider/voice, `maintenance_mode`, `freemium_trial_enabled`, and `dashboard_banner`. The banner field is `null` when no active singleton exists; otherwise it is `{revision, translations}` and omits admin-only source locale, active state, and timestamps.
+- **GET `/api/config`** — Rate limit: 60/min. Public runtime configuration flags for the frontend. Returns non-sensitive values including `allow_registration` (boolean, from `settings.ALLOW_REGISTRATION`), Stripe enablement/prices, TTS provider/voice, `maintenance_mode`, `freemium_trial_enabled`, and `dashboard_banner`. The banner field is `null` when no active singleton exists; otherwise it is `{revision, translations}` and omits admin-only source locale, active state, and timestamps.
 
 ---
 
diff --git a/specs/architecture-frontend.instructions.md b/specs/architecture-frontend.instructions.md
index f421bbfd7..33195b804 100644
--- a/specs/architecture-frontend.instructions.md
+++ b/specs/architecture-frontend.instructions.md
@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@ direction, and optional reading behavior remain centralized.
 Zustand stores shared cross-route state:
 
 - `auth`: access token and current mapped user.
-- `config`: public runtime presentation flags and dashboard announcement.
+- `config`: public runtime presentation flags, including `allowRegistration` (default false), and dashboard announcement.
 - `freemium`: cached quota and trial status.
 - `language`: active language, user languages, available codes, and language mutations.
 - `loading`: request counter and loading-bar completion state.
@@ -80,6 +80,15 @@ Zustand stores shared cross-route state:
 Screen-specific forms, async state, playback, selections, and modal state remain local React state.
 Do not promote local state into a global store without a cross-route requirement.
 
+## Public registration surfaces
+
+The server-rendered landing page retains its one-hour `/api/config` revalidation and passes
+`allowRegistration` to pricing. Login, registration, and registration-origin legal pages load the
+config store. Public signup links use the flag, while dashboard and authenticated checkout actions retain their session
+behavior. The registration page gates the form for ordinary visitors and accepts any nonempty
+`invite` query parameter without frontend validation. Legal links carry that invite through the
+terms/privacy pages and back to registration. All closed-state copy reuses existing locale keys.
+
 ## Authenticated shell
 
 The app layout resolves the session, loads the current profile, enforces onboarding completion,
diff --git a/specs/platform.instructions.md b/specs/platform.instructions.md
index 29ada355a..749e7be01 100644
--- a/specs/platform.instructions.md
+++ b/specs/platform.instructions.md
@@ -31,7 +31,15 @@ offer assessment rather than inventing a plan or silently selecting another lang
 ## Authentication and session
 
 Public registration is controlled by `ALLOW_REGISTRATION`. A valid single-use invitation bypasses a
-closed public-registration gate. Email-domain blocking runs before user creation. When enabled,
+closed public-registration gate. The public config flag `allow_registration` reflects this setting.
+When false, public signup actions lead to Login or are hidden, and `/register` without a nonempty
+`invite` query parameter shows the localized closed-registration message and a Login action. Any
+supplied invite opens the existing form; only the backend validates and consumes the token. Legal
+page links preserve the supplied invite so reading the terms or privacy policy does not lose it.
+When true, the existing public signup journey and pricing plan selection remain available.
+Authenticated dashboard and checkout actions do not depend on this flag.
+
+Email-domain blocking runs before user creation. When enabled,
 `FIRST_USER_IS_ADMIN` assigns the first registered account the administrator role.
 
 Registration accepts account data and optional target language, creates the user, returns an access
@@ -185,12 +193,16 @@ Target-language metadata and typography are specified separately from UI localiz
 ## Runtime configuration
 
 Backend `Settings` and environment variables are private configuration. `/api/config` exposes only
-presentation-safe runtime data such as billing flags/prices, freemium trial state, TTS presentation,
-maintenance state, and active announcement. Available target-language codes come from
-`/api/languages`, not public config.
-
-The frontend config store loads runtime state with conservative presentation defaults. Client flags
-can be stale and never authorize an operation; backend dependencies remain authoritative.
+presentation-safe runtime data such as public-registration availability, billing flags/prices,
+freemium trial state, TTS presentation, maintenance state, and active announcement. Available
+target-language codes come from `/api/languages`, not public config.
+
+The frontend config store loads runtime state with conservative presentation defaults, including
+`allowRegistration=false` until the backend explicitly enables it. Registration without an invite
+shows loading while its config request is pending; failed requests or missing flags keep the form
+closed. Login remains available, and supplied invites do not wait for config. The landing page retains
+its one-hour config revalidation, so its signup CTAs can lag a setting change. Client flags can be
+stale and never authorize an operation; backend dependencies remain authoritative.
 
 Redis supports session rotation, invitations, rate limiting, quotas, and runtime operational state.