What Are Geographic TLDs?
Geographic TLDs represent specific cities, regions, or communities with location-based verification requirements. These TLDs build regional identity, support local businesses, promote tourism, and foster community pride. Unlike generic TLDs, geographic TLDs require government or regional authority endorsement, ensuring authenticity and trust. Successful examples include .nyc (New York City), .london (London), .tokyo (Tokyo), .paris (Paris), and .berlin (Berlin).
Geographic Verification
Location-based restrictions ensure authenticity - only verified local businesses, residents, and organizations can register, creating trust and credibility.
Local Economic Development
Drive economic growth by keeping local businesses discoverable and supporting regional commerce with a trusted geographic identifier.
Tourism & Destination Marketing
Powerful tool for tourism boards and destination marketing, making it easy for visitors to find authentic local businesses, attractions, and services.
Community Identity & Pride
Build regional brand identity and foster community pride through a shared digital namespace that represents your area's unique culture.
Government Partnership Opportunities
Public-private partnership opportunities with official government backing, providing stability and long-term support for your geographic TLD initiative.
Multilingual & Script Support
Support for local languages and non-Latin scripts, ensuring accessibility and cultural relevance for diverse communities worldwide.
Geographic TLDs in Action
See how cities and regions worldwide use their TLDs to build community and support local economies.
New York City's digital home
Over 100,000 domains registered by NYC businesses, residents, and organizations. Boosts local SEO and signals NYC authenticity.
London's business identity
Used by 70,000+ London businesses for enhanced local visibility and connection to Europe's financial capital.
Tokyo's digital presence
Supports Japanese businesses with local language support and kanji script compatibility for authentic Tokyo identity.
Parisian commerce & tourism
Used by Paris hotels, restaurants, and businesses to attract tourists and signal authentic Parisian connection.
Berlin's startup ecosystem
Germany's capital city TLD powering Berlin's vibrant tech scene and creative industries with strong local community.
Sydney's business hub
Australian city TLD supporting local businesses and tourism with strong adoption across New South Wales.
Dubai's global business hub
Used by Dubai businesses to connect to the Middle East's premier business and tourism destination.
Dutch capital identity
Supports Amsterdam's businesses, cultural institutions, and tourism with strong European recognition.
The 2026 Application Window
ICANN opens applications for new Geographic TLDs from April 30 to August 12, 2026. This is a once-in-a-decade opportunity to secure your city or region's digital identity.
Investment
$389,000
Application/Delegation Costs. Includes $227,500 ICANN application fee; paid as per payment schedule.
$95,800/year
Ongoing Annual Costs. Includes $25,800 ICANN registry fee plus variable fees.
Timeline
18-36 months
From application submission to TLD delegation, including evaluation, technical and financial reviews, government or regional endorsement process, potential contention resolution, and final contract execution.
Support Required
Government or Regional Authority
Geographic TLDs require endorsement from the relevant government or regional authority. This ensures authenticity and provides stability through public-private partnerships.
Revenue
Community-Driven Income
Ongoing revenue from domain registrations by local businesses, residents, and organizations. Premium domains for high-value addresses. Value-added services like DNS management and local directory listings.
Model Your Geographic TLD
Use our Geographic TLD Calculator to analyze costs, ROI, and break-even analysis for your city or region's domain extension. Model potential revenue from local business registrations and premium domain sales.
Launch Geographic TLD CalculatorReady for Your Geographic TLD?
The 2026 application window is your opportunity to secure your city or region's digital identity. Establish your geographic TLD before other cities in your region do.