Top Level Domains (TLDs) are the highest hierarchy level in the international domain name system. They are placed after the last dot of a domain name, e.g. domainworx.consulting

There are three types of TLDs:
•    ccTLD (Country Code Top-Level-Domains): e.g. .de, .at, .uk
•    gTLD (Generic Top-Level-Domains): e.g. .org, .net, .info
•    sTLD (Sponsored Top-Level-Domains): e.g. .jobs, .gov, .mil
In the next ICANN application round, you can apply for all TLDs except ccTLDs - these can be brands as well as city or region names. The latter requires the support of the city or region concerned.

The full list of currently available TLDs can be found at https://www.iana.org/domains/root/db

A restricted TLD is a top-level domain (TLD) whose registration is restricted to individuals or organisations that meet certain criteria. Both generic TLDs (gTLDs) and country code TLDs (ccTLDs) can have restrictions. It is up to the registry to introduce restrictions and define the criteria for these restrictions. An example of this is .nyc - residency in New York is required for registration.

Open TLDs are not restricted. Anyone can register domains with this extension without having to fulfil any further requirements.

ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) is the central global Internet administration organization. It is a private non-profit organization under US law based in Los Angeles, California.
As a network management organisation, it coordinates the technical aspects of the Internet. Representatives of governments and a wide range of stakeholders (businesses, Internet users, technologists, etc.) ensure ICANN's independence and neutrality (multi-stakeholder model) and jointly develop policies for the global management of the Domain Name System.

Any established company can apply to establish and operate a new gTLD registry.

For a brandTLD, you will need to have the appropriate trademark rights; for a geoTLD, you will need the support of the relevant city or region. There are no special requirements for most generic terms.

The application period for new gTLDs is expected to open in the second quarter of 2026 and must be submitted directly to ICANN. More information is available at https://newgtldprogram.icann.org/en.

We are here to help - contact us for a personalised consultation.

The one-off application and evaluation fees are USD 227,000 For ongoing costs, we would be happy to provide you with a personalised, non-binding quotation.