The official application window for ICANN’s New gTLD Program: Next Round is scheduled to open on April 30, 2026.
Because this is the very first day of a 12–15 week submission period, the exact number of applications that will be submitted specifically within the month of April 2026 is unknown, but it is likely to be a small fraction of the total. Most organizations will use the full window to finalize their technical and financial documentation.
Projected Range: Between 500 and 3,500 applications.
Specific Industry Plans: Some players have already announced major moves; for example, Nova Registry has publicly stated intentions to apply for at least 200 new gTLDs.
Historical Context: In the previous round (2012), ICANN received 1,930 applications. Experts anticipate this round could be similar or slightly larger due to the rise of ".brand" domains and Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs) in non-Latin scripts.
Process Complexity: The 2026 round features an expanded Applicant Guidebook (AGB) with over 200 questions, requiring extensive technical, financial, and legal preparation.
Brand Strategy: Many global brands that sat out in 2012 are expected to participate this time to secure their own digital namespaces (e.g., .brand).
Note: ICANN has mandated that the final Applicant Guidebook be available at least four months before the window opens. It was officially adopted in late 2025 to ensure the April 30, 2026, launch date remains on track.
Because this is the very first day of a 12–15 week submission period, the exact number of applications that will be submitted specifically within the month of April 2026 is unknown, but it is likely to be a small fraction of the total. Most organizations will use the full window to finalize their technical and financial documentation.
Estimated Total Applications
While ICANN does not have a "fixed" number of applications, industry experts and ICANN's own planning documents suggest the following projections for the entire round:Projected Range: Between 500 and 3,500 applications.
Specific Industry Plans: Some players have already announced major moves; for example, Nova Registry has publicly stated intentions to apply for at least 200 new gTLDs.
Historical Context: In the previous round (2012), ICANN received 1,930 applications. Experts anticipate this round could be similar or slightly larger due to the rise of ".brand" domains and Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs) in non-Latin scripts.
Key Factors Influencing the Number
High Entry Cost: The application fee is set at $227,000 per gTLD. This significant investment naturally limits the pool to established corporations, well-funded startups, and government entities.Process Complexity: The 2026 round features an expanded Applicant Guidebook (AGB) with over 200 questions, requiring extensive technical, financial, and legal preparation.
Brand Strategy: Many global brands that sat out in 2012 are expected to participate this time to secure their own digital namespaces (e.g., .brand).
Important Dates for 2026:
- Application Window: Opens April 30, 2026
- Submission Period: Duration 12 to 15 weeks
- Projected Window Close: July – August 2026
- Initial Evaluation Results Expected 2027
Note: ICANN has mandated that the final Applicant Guidebook be available at least four months before the window opens. It was officially adopted in late 2025 to ensure the April 30, 2026, launch date remains on track.
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