New gTLD Registration: 2026 ICANN Application Guide
A new generic Top-Level Domain (gTLD) gives an organization its own namespace on the internet — like .brand, .city, or .community. The ICANN 2026 New gTLD Round opens April 30 and closes August 12, 2026. This guide covers everything applicants need to know: eligibility, costs, the application process, and how to select a Registry Service Provider (RSP).
Who can apply for a new gTLD?
ICANN accepts applications from any established organization with the technical, financial, and operational capacity to operate a TLD. There are four main applicant profiles:
Brand TLDs (.BRAND)
Companies with registered trademarks can apply for a dedicated TLD. Examples: .google, .apple, .amazon. For Specification 13 (single-registrant) .brand TLDs, you must have a registered trademark in ICANN's Trademark Clearinghouse (TMCH). Brand TLDs give companies complete control over their digital namespace.
Geographic TLDs (.CITY, .REGION)
Cities, provinces, states, and geographic regions can apply for location-based TLDs (.BERLIN, .TOKYO, .SYDNEY). Applications require demonstrated support from the relevant government authority (usually a letter of non-objection from the local government).
Community TLDs
Organizations representing a clearly defined community (professional, ethnic, cultural, or ideological) can apply for a community TLD. Community applicants can request Community Priority Evaluation, which allows winning a string without going to auction if their application meets community criteria.
Generic TLDs
Any qualified organization can apply for a generic open-registration TLD (.shop, .app, .blog). These are open for anyone to register second-level domains — no community restriction required.
How much does a new gTLD cost?
The primary costs are:
ICANN application fee: USD 227,000
Due within 7 days of the application window closing (no extensions). This fee covers ICANN's evaluation of your application.
Additional ICANN fees (situational):
RSP fees (ongoing):
Once delegated, TLD operators pay their RSP for backend registry services. Costs vary by RSP and service level, but typically range from USD 25,000–75,000 per year depending on zone size and SLA requirements.
Consulting and legal fees:
Application preparation, trademark clearance, string similarity analysis, and ongoing legal compliance typically add USD 30,000–100,000 depending on complexity.
Total first-year investment: USD 280,000–450,000 is a reasonable planning estimate for most applicants. ADG can help model your specific cost scenario.
The 2026 application process step by step
Step 1: String selection and evaluation (before April 30)
Choose your desired TLD string. Check for existing identical or visually similar strings. ICANN will conduct similarity evaluations; strings that are too similar to existing TLDs or applied-for strings may be rejected or require resolution.
Step 2: Application submission (April 30 – August 12, 2026)
Complete ICANN's online application including technical, financial, and operational information. The application requires:
Step 3: Initial evaluation (months 1–5)
ICANN evaluates applications for completeness, string similarity, financial stability, and technical/operational capability. You'll be notified of any deficiencies.
Step 4: Extended evaluation and objections (months 5–12)
Third parties can file objections (trademark, morality, geographic). String contention (multiple applicants for the same string) is resolved through auction.
Step 5: Delegation (months 14–19)
Successful applicants sign the Registry Agreement with ICANN and work with their RSP to complete technical setup. IANA delegates the TLD and it becomes active in the DNS root zone.
Total timeline: 14–19 months from application window close to delegation.
Selecting an RSP: why it matters
ICANN requires all new gTLD registries to use an RSP that has passed ICANN's technical evaluation. Only 28 RSPs worldwide have this status (as of 2025). Selecting an unqualified backend provider is not permitted and will delay or block delegation.
Key factors when evaluating RSPs:
ADG is one of 28 ICANN-evaluated RSPs globally. Our team has guided applicants through the gTLD process and operates live TLD infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for multiple strings in the 2026 round?
Yes. ICANN allows applicants to submit multiple applications simultaneously, each requiring a separate USD 227,000 fee. There is no per-organization limit on the number of strings applied for.
What if another organization applies for the same string?
String contention occurs when multiple applicants apply for identical or similar strings. ICANN first attempts private resolution (a negotiated agreement between applicants). If unsuccessful, the string goes to auction, with the highest bidder winning the rights to operate the TLD.
What is the application window and when does it close?
The ICANN 2026 New gTLD Round application window opens April 30, 2026 and closes August 12, 2026 — a 105-day window. Applications must be complete and the USD 227,000 fee paid within 7 days of the window close.
Do I need to have my RSP selected before I apply?
Yes. ICANN's application requires you to identify your RSP. You need a signed or at least agreed-upon RSP arrangement before submission. ADG can provide a letter of intent for application purposes, which you can convert to a full agreement at delegation.