How many people are needed to run an ICANN new gTLD Registry?

The number of people needed to run an ICANN new gTLD (generic Top-Level Domain) Registry can vary significantly, but it is typically not a large in-house team if the registry operator utilizes a backend service provider.

The ICANN gTLD program emphasizes the operational, technical, and financial capability to run a registry, which is a piece of visible Internet infrastructure.

Here's a breakdown of the typical approaches and staffing implications:

1. Using a Registry Backend Service Provider (Common Approach)

Many new gTLD applicants opt to use a specialized Registry Service Provider (RSP) (or "backend provider") to handle the technical and operational heavy lifting. This greatly reduces the need for extensive in-house technical and development staff.

• Staffing Focus: The in-house team can be smaller and concentrate on business operations, marketing, policy compliance, and registrar relations.
• Core Team Roles: You'd still need people for:
  • Management/Strategy
  • Legal/Compliance (ensuring adherence to the Registry Agreement and ICANN policies)
  • Sales/Marketing
  • Customer Support (for registrars, not usually for end-users)
• Estimated Size: A streamlined registry relying on a backend provider could potentially be run by a relatively small team, possibly under 10 full-time employees for the core management and business functions, though this is a simplification and depends entirely on the scale and complexity of the TLD.

2. Operating the Registry In-House (Less Common for New Entrants)

Operating an entire registry platform requires a significant investment in technology and human resources to meet ICANN's strict Service Level Agreements (SLAs), particularly concerning security, stability, and availability (DNS, RDDS/WHOIS, EPP).

• Staffing Focus: This requires substantial technical and operational staff in addition to the business and compliance teams.
• Technical Team Roles:
  • DNS/DNSSEC Engineers
  • Database Administrators
  • System Architects and Network Engineers
  • Security Personnel
  • Software Developers
  • 24/7 Support Staff
• Estimated Size: Running an entire registry system in-house would require a much larger, highly-skilled team—easily tens of people—to manage the infrastructure, development, maintenance, and 24/7 operations and support.

In short, while there is no official minimum staffing number specified by ICANN, the choice between using a backend provider and running it in-house is the biggest determinant of the necessary team size. Most new gTLD operators leverage backend service providers to keep their in-house operational team lean.

I want to fund a new generic Top-Level Domain at the ICANN but which one?

That's an exciting, multi-million dollar decision! Since the next round of ICANN's New gTLD Program is a major investment, you should align your choice with strong market trends and a solid business plan.

Based on current internet and domain trends, here are a few categories and specific concepts to consider for a new generic TLD (gTLD) application:

1. The Technology/Industry Focus

This category is built on rapidly growing, high-value global industries.

TLD Idea	Rationale	Target Market & Value
.WEB3 or .BLOCKCHAIN	These terms are the future of decentralized internet infrastructure. They offer a clear namespace for crypto, NFT, and metaverse projects that currently rely on less-specific TLDs.	Cryptocurrency exchanges, NFT marketplaces, decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), and developers seeking a dedicated, trustworthy space.
.DATA or .CLOUD	While some similar TLDs exist, a strong, simple term like .data or a highly-marketed .cloud could capture the massive business-to-business (B2B) market focused on big data, storage, and cloud computing services.	Enterprise software companies, data analytics firms, hosting providers, and any business offering data-as-a-service.
.SHOPPING	Although .shop and .store are popular, a more explicit term could appeal to high-end or large e-commerce platforms that want a distinctive identity separate from smaller stores.	Major international e-commerce sites, retail giants, and digital logistics firms.

2. The Lifestyle/Passion Focus

These TLDs tap into large, engaged consumer communities and subcultures.

TLD Idea	Rationale	Target Market & Value
.LIVE	Captures the enormous trend of live streaming, real-time content, and interactive media, which is a key part of the social internet today.	Gamers, influencers, content creators, media companies, and event organizers.
.SPORT or .FIT	The global sports and fitness industries are massive and highly fragmented. A universal TLD could unify professional teams, fitness apps, and gear retailers.	Professional sports leagues, gyms, personal trainers, wearable tech companies, and health bloggers.
.CRAFT	Targets the growing maker, DIY, and artisan economy (e.g., Etsy-style businesses). It provides an authoritative namespace for this creative community.	Artisans, small business owners, hobbyist groups, and craft supply retailers.

3. The International/IDN Focus

Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs) in non-Latin scripts offer huge untapped potential.

TLD Idea	Rationale	Target Market & Value
A Common Generic in a Major IDN Script	The next round is expected to include more support for IDN scripts (like Chinese, Arabic, or Cyrillic). A simple, high-value generic word (e.g., the local word for .NEWS, .MARKET, or .APP) in a major non-Latin script.	Businesses targeting large, non-English-speaking markets who prefer using their native script for online identity. This dramatically increases competition but offers a huge potential market.

Key Considerations for Your Investment

1. Market Potential & Contention:
   • High-Value Generic (e.g., .DATA): Offers the highest potential registration volume but faces the highest risk of contention (multiple applicants). If there are multiple credible applicants, the string will likely go to a costly private auction to determine the winner.
   • Niche Generic (e.g., .CRAFT): Lower contention risk, but you must be prepared to invest heavily in marketing to make it a recognizable and trusted brand.
2. Financial Depth:
   • The ICANN application fee is only the start (expected to be around $227,000 for the next round). You must also budget for registry software/infrastructure, legal/consulting fees, and, crucially, a multi-year operational reserve to show ICANN you can run the registry reliably for years, even before you turn a profit.
3. The "Community" Application:
   • If you choose a geographic (e.g., a non-applied-for major city) or a strong community term (e.g., .DEVOPS), you could apply as a Community TLD. While this is more expensive to apply for (due to extra evaluation fees), it offers Community Priority Evaluation, which gives you a high chance of winning the string over a purely commercial competitor.

Your choice should ultimately come down to which domain has the strongest business plan and the clearest path to market acceptance.

Why are community and geographic new gTLD applications more expensive?

Community and geographic new gTLD (generic Top-Level Domain) applications are generally more expensive than standard applications due to mandatory additional evaluation and review processes required by ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers).

Here's a breakdown of the reasons:

1. Mandatory Additional Evaluations:
   • Geographic Names Review: Applications for strings that are geographic names (e.g., .PARIS, .BERLIN) automatically trigger a mandatory review to ensure appropriate support or non-objection from the relevant government(s) or public authorities. This review adds a specific, non-trivial extra cost on top of the base application fee.
   • Community Priority Evaluation (for Community gTLDs): Applicants seeking the status of a "Community TLD" must undergo a specific Community Priority Evaluation. This rigorous process requires the applicant to demonstrate a strong, ongoing relationship with a clearly defined community and prove community support, which involves a separate, detailed evaluation and associated fees.
2. Increased Complexity and Documentation:
   • Both geographic and community applications require extensive, specialized documentation to justify the claim (e.g., letters of support from community institutions, government non-objection documentation). Preparing this material often necessitates significant extra legal, administrative, and consulting costs.
3. Risk of Contention and Objection:
   • These types of applications can be more prone to objections or contention from other parties (governments, competing community groups, etc.). If an application is objected to or is in contention with another applicant for the same string, the applicant must pay further fees for dispute resolution, independent reviews, or auctions, which can quickly drive up the total cost.

While the base application fee (e.g., around $227,000 in the expected next round) is the same for all types of gTLDs, the additional mandatory evaluation fees and the increased risk of other dispute-related costs make community and geographic applications more expensive overall.

What is ICANN 84?

ICANN 84 is the 84th Public Meeting and Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).

ICANN holds three Public Meetings each year as a key part of its multistakeholder model, bringing together participants from governments, civil society, business, and the technical community to advance policy work and discuss issues related to the stability and security of the global Internet.

Key Details for ICANN 84

• Type of Meeting: Annual General Meeting (AGM), which typically includes the seating of new ICANN Board members and other community leaders.
• Location: Dublin, Ireland, at the Convention Centre Dublin.
• Dates: 25–30 October 2025.
• Format: A hybrid event, allowing for both in-person and virtual participation.
• Host: The Internet Neutral Exchange Association (INEX).

Main Topics

As the AGM is a significant meeting, it focuses on both ongoing policy work and crucial future plans. Major discussion topics for ICANN 84 include:

• New gTLD Program: Next Round: Advancing the plans for the next round of applications for Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs), like .com or .org. The ICANN Board is expected to vote on adopting the Applicant Guidebook.
• Universal Acceptance (UA): Efforts to ensure that all domain names and email addresses are correctly accepted, validated, and processed by all Internet applications and systems.
• DNS Abuse Mitigation: Discussions on combating misuse of the Domain Name System (DNS), such as malware or phishing.
• Internet Governance: Broader discussions, including participation in the upcoming WSIS+20 (World Summit on the Information Society review) and the future of the Global Internet Governance Forum (IGF).
• Capacity Building: The meeting is focused on showcasing ICANN's work to a broader global audience, dedicating more time to capacity development and leadership training.

Are new gTLDs monopolies?

The question of whether new gTLDs (generic Top-Level Domains) are monopolies is complex.

In the domain name system, a TLD registry (the entity that operates a TLD like .app or .shop) is often described as having a monopoly over its own extension, but this is offset by intense competition between TLDs in the broader domain market.

Here is a breakdown of the two competing perspectives:

1. The Monopoly View (Monopoly within the TLD)

In a strict sense, the registry operator for a specific TLD has a functional monopoly over that domain extension because they are the sole supplier of all domain names ending with that string.

• Sole Supplier: If a company wants the domain name example.finance, they have no choice but to register it through the single, designated registry operator for the .finance TLD (and its authorized registrars).
• Renewal Power: This monopoly power is most significant post-sale, specifically regarding renewals. Once a user has built a website, email, and brand identity around a domain (e.g., mybrand.app), the cost of switching to a different TLD (the "switching cost") is very high. This gives the registry operator considerable power to raise renewal prices for existing customers, a practice that has raised competition concerns, especially with legacy TLDs like .com.

2. The Competition View (Competition between TLDs)

The entire purpose of ICANN's New gTLD Program was to promote competition and consumer choice in the domain name market, which was previously dominated by a handful of legacy extensions like .com and .net.

• Substitutability: While a registry monopolizes its own TLD, it competes fiercely with hundreds of other TLDs. If the price for a .shop domain becomes too high, a potential registrant can choose a domain on .store, .boutique, or another relevant extension.
• Market Fragmentation: The introduction of over a thousand new gTLDs has greatly fragmented the market, increasing choice for consumers and businesses. This prevents any single new gTLD from gaining the kind of dominance that the legacy TLDs have.
• ICANN Oversight: ICANN, the internet's governing body, has mechanisms in place to mitigate anti-competitive behavior by registry operators:
  • Registry Services Evaluation Process (RSEP): ICANN reviews any proposed new service by a registry to determine if it "could raise significant competition issues" before approval.
  • Equivalent Access: Registry agreements obligate operators to provide equivalent and non-discriminatory access to all registrars.

A Key Distinction in the 2026 Round

A controversial element in previous rounds was the potential for "Closed Generic TLDs"—where a single company operates a generic term (like .book or .cloud) for its own exclusive use, preventing the public from registering domains within it.

For the upcoming 2026 New gTLD round, ICANN has prohibited applications for Closed Generic TLDs, aiming to eliminate one of the most significant potential avenues for creating a private monopoly over a common word on the internet.

In summary, while every TLD registry is a monopoly for its specific string, the New gTLD Program increases overall competition in the domain name marketplace by offering thousands of substitution options, thus limiting the practical monopolistic power of any single new extension.

Why should investment funds invest in new gTLDs in 2026?

Investment funds should consider investing in new generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs) in 2026 primarily because this year marks the second application window for these extensions, creating a fresh cycle of investment opportunities.

This new round, expected to open around April 2026, represents a key opportunity for investors seeking new digital assets and high-growth potential in the domain name space.

Here are the main reasons for investment funds to look at new gTLDs in 2026:

• New Investment Wave (ICANN Application Round): The opening of the second application round by ICANN (the governing body) is the central driver. This allows organizations to apply for and launch their own TLD registries (e.g., .finance, .shop, .ai, or a corporate .brand). Investment funds can participate by:
  • Funding TLD Applications and Operations: Providing the capital needed for the application process (which is expected to be costly) and the subsequent operation of a new registry, targeting high-potential, specific markets (e.g., industry-specific or geographic TLDs).
  • Early-Stage Domain Acquisition: Investing early in promising new extensions before they gain mainstream attention, allowing them to secure valuable domain names within those new TLDs (e.g., premium short names or key-word domains).
• Market Diversification and .COM Saturation: The most valuable traditional .com domains were claimed years ago, making premium digital real estate scarce and expensive. New gTLDs offer:
  • Brand Relevance: They allow companies to secure names that are shorter, more memorable, and instantly brand-relevant by utilizing extensions like .tech, .dev, or .cloud.
  • Alternative Digital Identity: Startups and smaller enterprises are increasingly adopting new gTLDs to establish a clear, professional identity and secure exact brand matches that are unavailable under legacy extensions.
• High-Growth Sector Alignment: Specific new gTLDs align with major global trends, potentially offering high returns:
  • .AI Domains: The global artificial intelligence boom has created massive demand for domains that signal innovation and instant credibility, driving significant premium sales.
  • Industry/Sector-Specific TLDs: Extensions like .finance, .shop, .health, or .dev allow for targeted investment in growing, specialized markets, providing a clear signal to customers about the business's focus.
• Registry Business Model: Investing in the registry itself offers a scalable business model based on recurring revenue from domain name registrations and renewals, similar to a digital utility. The best returns can come not just from domain sales but from security, trust, conversion, and distribution value a TLD brings to its community.

In essence, the 2026 application window represents a time-sensitive chance to own or gain early access to the next generation of digital assets, moving beyond the crowded landscape of traditional domains.

How to Start A Top Level Domain Registry Business? Apply for New gTLD -2026

This video discusses the process, costs, and ROI for starting a Top-Level Domain Registry business, which is directly relevant to investment funds considering applying for or investing in new gTLDs in the 2026 round.

Can I sell domain names ending in my ".brand" through the network of ICANN accredited Registrars?

The core purpose and rules of a .brand Top-Level Domain (TLD) generally prohibit you from selling domain names to the general public through the network of ICANN accredited Registrars.

Here's a breakdown of the ICANN rules (specifically Specification 13 of the Registry Agreement) that govern a .brand TLD:

• Exclusive Use: A .brand TLD is designed for the exclusive use of the brand owner (the Registry Operator). It creates a closed, trusted, and controlled digital space for your brand.
• Restricted Registrants: The domain names under your .brand TLD can generally only be registered to and maintained by:
  • The Registry Operator (the brand owner itself).
  • Its Affiliates.
  • Its Trademark Licensees.
• No Commercial Distribution to Third Parties: The rules explicitly state that the Registry Operator does not sell, distribute, or transfer control or use of any registrations in the TLD to any third party that is not an affiliate of the Registry Operator. Selling domains to the public would violate this key principle and the spirit of the .brand designation.

In short, if your TLD is officially designated as a .brand TLD, its fundamental value is in providing a secure and exclusively controlled namespace, which means it is not a TLD intended for open retail sale to external customers or the public through registrars.

You would, however, still need to register and manage the domains you use (e.g., www.yourbrand, support.yourbrand) through an ICANN-accredited registrar, but those registrations would be to yourself (the brand/Registry Operator) or an approved affiliate/licensee, not to outside parties.

What is a generic new gTLD application?

A generic new gTLD application is a submission to ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) to create and operate a Top-Level Domain (TLD) that is typically an "open" registry, intended for use by the general public or a wide, defined industry/interest group.

The term "generic" in this context refers to the nature of the TLD string and its intended openness, in contrast to the restricted-use dotBrand gTLDs.

Key Characteristics of a Generic New gTLD:

Feature	Description	Examples
The String	The TLD string is usually a general or common word (a dictionary word) that describes a product, service, industry, or concept.	.shop, .tech, .club, .app, .fashion
Registration Policy	These TLDs are generally "open" for registration by any person or entity that complies with the registry's terms. The business model is based on selling domain names to the public through registrars.	The entity that wins the application runs the registry, selling example.shop to anyone who wants one.
Business Model	The applicant intends to be a Registry Operator that sells the second-level domains (what comes before the dot) to the global market, essentially creating a new, dedicated namespace for a market segment.	A company operating the .shop TLD is in the business of selling domains like myonline.shop to e-commerce merchants.
Applicant Intent	To foster competition, innovation, and choice in the Domain Name System (DNS) by creating new, relevant internet addresses.	Domain registry companies, consortia of industry players, or large corporations seeking to operate a new extension.

Types of Generic Applications

Generic gTLD applications are generally grouped into several categories by ICANN, all of which contrast with the dotBrand:

Type	Restriction/Scope	Examples
Standard/Unrestricted Generic	Open to the general public with no content restrictions (like .com or .net).	.club, .xyz, .online
Community gTLD	Restricted to a specific, highly-defined community with strong social awareness or common interest. Applicants must demonstrate community support.	.catholic, .aarp
Geographical gTLD	Represents a specific city or region. Requires support from the relevant local government or public authority.	.nyc, .berlin, .tokyo

Generic vs. dotBrand

The core difference lies in the purpose and control of the TLD:

• Generic TLD: Open to the public, the applicant's goal is to be a service provider (a registry) selling domains to the market.
• dotBrand TLD: Closed for exclusive use by the brand owner, whose goal is to control the space for their own security and marketing needs.

The process for a generic gTLD is also more likely to involve a contention set, where multiple parties apply for the same or similar string (e.g., several companies applying for .auto), which can lead to auctions or other dispute resolution procedures.

What is a dotBrand or a .BRAND new gTLD application?

A dotBrand (or .BRAND) new generic Top-Level Domain (gTLD) application is the formal process by which a company applies to the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) to create and operate a gTLD that uses its own trademarked brand name as the domain extension.

In simple terms, instead of a company's web address ending in common extensions like .com or .org, a dotBrand allows the address to end in the company's brand name.

What a dotBrand gTLD is:

• A Branded Domain Extension: It is a Top-Level Domain (TLD) that uses a company's trademark as the string to the right of the dot.
  • Example: Instead of www.iphone.com, the company can use www.iphone.apple.
• Exclusive Ownership and Control: If an application is approved, the brand holder becomes the Registry Operator for that TLD. This gives the company complete, exclusive control over the entire namespace. Only the brand and its affiliates/licensees can register second-level domains within that space.
• A "Closed" Registry: Unlike "open" gTLDs (like .shop or .club) where anyone can register a domain, a dotBrand gTLD is typically "closed," meaning registrations are strictly limited to the brand owner.

The Application Process

The application is a complex, resource-intensive process overseen by ICANN, which is responsible for coordinating the global Internet's naming system. The process is not just about registering a domain name; it is an application to run a registry and manage a new part of the Internet's domain name system.

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Financial Capability: The resources to sustain a registry operation.
• Technical Capability: The infrastructure and expertise to securely and reliably operate the TLD.
• Operational Capability: The plans and personnel to manage the ongoing administrative and compliance requirements.
• Trademark Requirements: The domain string applied for (the "dotBrand") must be an actively trademarked term, and the trademark should be recorded in the Trademark Clearinghouse (TMCH).

ICANN opens application windows for new gTLDs in rounds, with the previous round having been in 2012. The next round is a rare opportunity for brands to secure their own namespace.

Key Benefits for a Brand

Companies pursue dotBrand gTLDs for significant strategic advantages:

1. Enhanced Security and Trust:
   • It virtually eliminates the risk of domain hijacking and cybersquatting within that unique namespace.
   • Customers have greater confidence, as any domain ending in the brand's name is guaranteed to be authentic.
2. Stronger Branding and Marketing:
   • It reinforces the brand identity and allows for a consistent, coherent structure for all digital assets (e.g., careers.apple, support.apple).
   • It provides flexibility for innovative marketing campaigns, product launches, and creating memorable, shorter URLs.
3. Digital Autonomy and Control:
   • The brand can set its own policies, rules, and security measures for the entire domain space, giving it strategic digital independence.
   • It streamlines the management of subdomains and can lead to operational cost reductions by cutting out intermediaries.

What is a geographic new gTLD application?

A Geographic New gTLD Application (often shortened to GeoTLD) is an application to ICANN for a new Top-Level Domain that represents a name or term associated with a specific place, such as a city, region, continent, or a distinct sub-national area.

This category is unique because it engages governmental and public policy interests to a much greater degree than other gTLD types.

What Constitutes a Geographic Name?

ICANN's guidelines broadly define a geographic name as one that represents:

• Capital City Names: The capital city of any country or territory listed in the ISO 3166-1 standard.
• City Names: Other major city names, where the applicant explicitly declares intent to use the TLD for purposes associated with that city. (Examples include .nyc, .berlin, .paris).
• Sub-national Regions: Place names listed in the ISO 3166-2 standard (for administrative subdivisions like states or provinces).
• Continents or UN Regions: Names of continents or specific UN macro-geographical regions (e.g., .asia).

The Essential Requirement: Government Support

The core and most critical requirement for a geographic gTLD application is the need for formal support or non-objection from the relevant government or public authority.

• City/Sub-National Names: For a city or region, the applicant must obtain a letter of support or non-objection from the local or national government of that area.
• Contested/Sensitive Names: ICANN will generally avoid the use of country, territory, or place names unless there is explicit agreement from the relevant governments or public authorities.

Without this required documentation of support, the Geographic Names Panel (GNP)—a specialized ICANN body that reviews these applications—will typically deny the application.

Examples of GeoTLDs

Successfully delegated GeoTLDs include:

• .tokyo
• .london
• .barcelona
• .cymru (for Wales)

In some cases, a TLD may qualify as both a Community and a Geographic TLD if it represents a place but is also strongly tied to a distinct, active community (e.g., the Catalan-speaking community and .cat).

What is a community new gTLD application?

A Community New gTLD Application is a specific type of application submitted to ICANN for a new Top-Level Domain that is intended to be operated primarily for the benefit of a clearly delineated community.

Unlike a generic, open-ended gTLD (like .blog or .shop) or a Brand gTLD (like .google), the community-based application is intrinsically tied to a specific group, and the applicant must make firm, enforceable commitments to operate the TLD in service of that community.

Key Characteristics and Requirements

The essential nature of a community-based application is defined by its commitment to a specific community and its eligibility for Community Priority Evaluation (CPE), which gives it a major advantage if the gTLD string is contested.

1. Operated for the Benefit of the Community: The primary purpose of the gTLD registry must be to serve the community named in the application.
2. Broad Definition of "Community": ICANN interprets "community" broadly. It can include:
   • Geographic: A city or region, such as .nyc or .paris (often also considered a Geographic TLD).
   • Cultural or Linguistic: Such as .thai or .bzh (for the Breton language).
   • Economic/Professional Sector: Such as .aarp (for a specific association) or .cpa (for certified public accountants).
3. Demonstrable Nexus to the String: The gTLD string itself must strongly and specifically relate to the community named in the application (e.g., an application for .cat must demonstrate a nexus to the Catalan linguistic community).
4. Community Endorsement and Support: The applicant must provide written evidence of support from established institutions that represent the community. Strong, multiple letters of support are critical for scoring well in the evaluation.
5. Dedicated Policies: The application must propose dedicated registration and use policies that restrict the registration of second-level domains to members of the named community, commensurate with its purpose. These commitments become binding terms in the Registry Agreement with ICANN (known as Specification 12).

Advantage in Contention

The most significant benefit of a community-based application is the concept of Priority in Contention Resolution.

If two or more applicants apply for the exact same gTLD string (a "contention set"), and one of those applicants successfully passes the rigorous Community Priority Evaluation (CPE) with a high enough score, that applicant is automatically given precedence over all others (Standard, Brand, or Geographic applications) and avoids the costly and time-consuming auction process.

How long will it take for a new gTLD application to be validated by the ICANN?

The time it takes for a new gTLD application to be fully validated and delegated is a multi-stage process that can take a considerable amount of time. Based on the previous round and the projections for the upcoming "Next Round," the total time from the close of the application window to the successful launch of the new gTLD is estimated to be around 16 to 24 months (up to two years) or even longer, depending on its complexity.

The process is broken down into several major phases:

1. Initial Evaluation Phase

This is the core review period where ICANN assesses the application against the criteria set forth in the Applicant Guidebook (AGB).

• Duration: The Initial Evaluation is expected to take around 5 months or more.
• What happens: Independent expert panels conduct various reviews on the applicant (e.g., financial and technical capability) and the proposed gTLD string (e.g., string similarity, DNS stability, geographic names).
• Batching: If a very large number of applications are received (as in the 2012 round), ICANN may process them in batches, which will extend the timeline significantly for later batches.

2. Public Comment and Objection Period

This happens in parallel with the Initial Evaluation and can lead to major delays.

• Objection Period: A formal objection period, where interested parties can file objections based on legal rights, community concerns, string confusion, or limited public interest, typically lasts for about 7 months following the publication of the applied-for strings.
• GAC Early Warning: The Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC) also has a period to review the strings and issue warnings if a gTLD is deemed sensitive in their countries.

3. Contention Resolution and Extended Evaluation

If an application encounters issues, the process length will increase:

• Contention Resolution: If multiple parties apply for the same or confusingly similar gTLD, the application enters a resolution process (e.g., private negotiation, Community Priority Evaluation, or auction), which adds significant time. ICANN is re-ordering the evaluation timeline for the next round to deal with contention resolutions earlier.
• Extended Evaluation: If an application fails the Initial Evaluation, it may enter Extended Evaluation, adding more time to the review.

4. Transition to Delegation

Once an application successfully passes all evaluations and contention resolution:

• Pre-Delegation Testing: The applicant must successfully pass a final battery of technical tests to ensure the proposed registry can operate safely and securely.
• Registry Agreement: The successful applicant must enter into a Registry Agreement with ICANN.
• Delegation: The new gTLD is officially added to the Internet's Root Zone, allowing the registry to launch.

In the 2012 round, the most straightforward applications were ready to launch about 18 months after the close of the application window, while complex or contested applications could take two years or more. The timeline for the "Next Round" in 2026 is projected to follow a similar, multi-year path.

When can one submit a new gTLD application to the ICANN?

The application submission period for the next round of new generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs) to the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is expected to open in April 2026.

This application window is projected to last for 12 to 15 weeks.

Important Milestones for Prospective Applicants:

• Applicant Guidebook (AGB): The final version of the AGB, which contains the official rules and requirements for the next round, is expected to be published by ICANN around the beginning of 2026 (specifically, December 2025/beginning of 2026).
• Applicant Support Program (ASP): The submission period for the ASP, which provides financial and non-financial support to eligible applicants, is already open and accepting applications. For the current cycle, it is open through November 19, 2025.
• Registry Service Provider (RSP) Evaluation: The second phase of the RSP Evaluation Program will open concurrently with the main gTLD application window in April 2026. This program allows technical providers to be pre-evaluated.

ICANN does not accept reservations or pre-registrations for new gTLDs in advance of the official application period.