Everything you need to know about applying for your own gTLD in ICANN's 2026 application round
A gTLD (generic Top-Level Domain) is a domain name extension like .com, .org, or .net. The 2026 application round gives you the opportunity to apply for your own custom gTLD—essentially your own piece of the internet.
Think of it this way: instead of registering someoneelse.com, you could own and operate .yourbrand. Every domain registered under your TLD reinforces your brand identity.
Any established entity located anywhere in the world can apply for a new gTLD. This opens the door to a diverse range of applicants:
If your company is legally established and financially healthy, you're eligible. The key is demonstrating organizational capability and commitment to long-term operation.
Financial thresholds include demonstrating ability to cover the $227,000 application fee plus at least 2-3 years of operational costs. Financial statements and bank references will be required.
Explore specific application types with comprehensive guides:
The application submission period is expected to open in Q2 2026. However, successful applicants begin preparation well in advance.
Strategic timing matters. Early preparation (2025) ensures you're ready when applications open. Consider market conditions, competitive landscape, and organizational readiness.
Plan budget allocation across multiple years. 2025: preparation costs ($50K-$100K). Q2 2026: application fee ($227K). 2026-2028: evaluation period costs. 2028+: operational expenses begin.
Owning a gTLD creates transformative opportunities across branding, revenue, and strategic positioning:
Yes! ICANN supports 26 scripts for gTLD applications, enabling truly global representation. This is known as Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs).
For scripts not yet integrated into the Root Zone LGR (Label Generation Ruleset), an additional process involves:
Multilingual TLDs allow you to serve global markets in their native scripts, dramatically increasing trust and engagement among non-English speakers.
IDN TLDs represent massive growth opportunities. Chinese (.中文), Arabic (.العربية), and Cyrillic (.рф) markets are underserved and represent billions of potential users.
Complete Guide to Internationalized Domain Names →
Learn about all 26 supported scripts, variant strings, RZ-LGR process, and technical requirements.
The ICANN evaluation fee is USD $227,000 for the 2026 round. However, this is just the beginning. Let's break down the complete cost structure:
| Scenario | Year 1-3 | Year 4-7 | Year 8-10 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand-only use | Net investment phase | Break-even approach | Positive ROI (savings) |
| Limited third-party sales | Net investment | Break-even | Positive ROI (revenue) |
| Active commercial registry | Net investment | Positive ROI early | Strong revenue growth |
Investment vs. Expense: Treat this as a capital investment with a 5-10 year horizon, not an annual expense. The asset value appreciates, and break-even typically occurs in years 5-7 for commercial registries, sooner for high-volume brand TLDs.
Financing Options: ICANN offers payment plans. Consider staging costs—preparation in 2025, application fee in Q2 2026, operational costs ramp up from 2027-2028.
Strategic Investment Perspective: Compare to other strategic acquisitions. A gTLD is a permanent digital asset that strengthens brand equity, creates competitive differentiation, and can generate revenue. Many companies spend more annually on domain registrations alone.
Financing Considerations: Payment plans are available. Many applicants use a combination of cash reserves, financing, and phased investment. Start with feasibility assessment ($5K-$15K) before committing to full application.
Need help with costs? Learn about the Applicant Support Program for financial aid →
Qualified applicants may receive up to 80% fee reduction ($46,000 instead of $227,000).
A registry is the authoritative database of all domain names registered under a specific TLD. Think of it as the master phonebook for your TLD.
Simple analogy: Running a registry is like running a mini-ICANN, but just for your TLD. You control the rules, pricing, and operations.
Day-to-Day Operations: Most organizations don't build their own registry backend. Instead, they partner with established Registry Service Providers (RSPs) like Identity Digital, GoDaddy Registry, or Nic.ru. These providers handle technical operations while you maintain policy control.
Technical Architecture: Registry operations require global anycast networks, redundant infrastructure, and 24/7 monitoring. The EPP (Extensible Provisioning Protocol) is used for registrar communication. DNS security is critical—any outage affects all domains under your TLD.
Cost Structure: Registry service providers charge annual fees plus per-domain transaction fees. Budget $25K-$100K annually for managed services, plus variable fees based on registration volume.
Strategic Partnership: The RSP relationship is critical. Choose a partner aligned with your vision, culture, and growth plans. This is a long-term partnership—5-10+ years.
Being a registry operator is a significant commitment. Here's what you need to know across technical, financial, and organizational dimensions:
Registry Service Provider Selection: Most organizations partner with an RSP. Key selection criteria: technical reliability, EPP system features, registrar relationships, pricing structure, support quality, and cultural fit. Request references from similar-sized registries.
Architecture & Security: Registry security is paramount. Implement defense-in-depth: network security, application security, physical security, and operational security. Regular penetration testing and security audits are essential. Have incident response plans ready.
Ongoing Costs & Reporting: Beyond the RSP fees, budget for annual audits, compliance reporting tools, insurance premiums, and staff training. ICANN requires quarterly financial reports—implement robust accounting systems from day one.
Organizational Structure: Registry operations need executive sponsorship. Establish a steering committee with representation from legal, finance, technical, and business units. Plan for organizational growth as the registry matures. Consider whether registry operations should be a profit center or cost center.
Staffing & Workflows: Start lean with external RSP support, then build internal expertise over time. Establish clear workflows for registration approvals, abuse handling, and customer inquiries. Document everything—SOPs are critical for handoffs and scaling.
Our team is here to help you navigate the 2026 gTLD application process.