The budget required to create a new generic Top-Level Domain (gTLD) with ICANN involves several fees. It's important to note that the application windows for new gTLDs are not always open, and the next round is expected to have its application window open in April 2026 for 12-15 weeks.
Here's a breakdown of the costs involved based on the latest information:
1. gTLD Evaluation Fee:
- The expected evaluation fee for a new gTLD application is USD $227,000.
- This fee is intended to cover ICANN's costs for the New gTLD Program, including processing applications, delegation, communication, onboarding evaluation panels, software licenses, and contract execution.
- This fee does not include additional costs for conditional evaluations, which are optional assessments for special status (e.g., Community Priority Evaluation or .Brand TLD status). These will be charged separately.
- If an applicant applies for more than four variant strings under one primary gTLD, they must pay the USD $227,000 evaluation fee for each additional variant beyond the fourth.
2. Applicant Support Program (ASP):
- ICANN offers financial and non-financial assistance through the ASP for qualified applicants who might face financial constraints.
- The discounted gTLD evaluation fee for qualified ASP applicants will range between USD $34,500 and USD $56,750. This includes a USD $2,500 deposit. The exact amount depends on the final number of qualified ASP applicants.
3. Potential Additional Fees:
- Registry Service Provider (RSP) Evaluation Program: If you plan to operate the registry yourself, you might need to engage a Registry Service Provider. ICANN has a voluntary evaluation program for RSPs. The evaluation fee for RSPs is set at a maximum of USD $92,000, due at the time of application. This fee may be lowered and refunds issued if more applications are received than projected.
- Conditional Evaluations: As mentioned earlier, these elective evaluations for special status will incur additional fees, which will be determined before the application window opens.
- Dispute Fees: If your application faces objections or if there are competing applications for a similar gTLD, you might incur dispute filing and panel fees.
- Legal and Administrative Costs: Beyond ICANN's fees, you should also budget for your own legal counsel to help with the application process and potential disputes, as well as administrative costs for preparing the application.
- Ongoing Registry Fees: If your application is successful, you will also need to budget for ongoing operational costs, including ICANN's annual registry maintenance fee (currently USD $24,000) and potentially transaction-based fees depending on the number of domain name registrations under your TLD.
Refunds:
ICANN has a refund policy for the gTLD evaluation fee if an applicant withdraws their application at different stages of the process. The refund amounts decrease as the application progresses.
In summary, the primary cost to create a new generic Top-Level Domain with ICANN in the next application round (expected in 2026) is the evaluation fee of USD $227,000. However, the total budget will likely be significantly higher when considering potential additional fees, legal and administrative costs, and ongoing operational expenses. It is crucial to carefully review the New gTLD Program Applicant Guidebook for the most up-to-date and detailed information on all applicable fees.