ICANN has [1]opened applications for new generic top-level domains for the first time since 2012. The Register reports:

> ICANN hasn't offered new gTLDs since 2012, but on Thursday opened applications for new domains in 27 scripts. A 439-page [2]Applicant Guidebook explains the process. The Register suggests paying attention to the [3]string evaluation FAQ , which explains which gTLDs are valid, and those ICANN will likely frown upon. An [4]FAQ describes this round of applications as giving "businesses, communities, and others the opportunity to apply for new top-level domains tailored to their community, culture, language, business, and customers."

>

> "A TLD can be a branding opportunity for a business, but the commercial opportunities are endless, allowing businesses in countries, entire sectors, or niche markets to develop a unique label on the Internet." ICANN also sees this round as a chance to "create a more multilingual Internet for the billions of people who speak and write in different languages and scripts and are yet to come online." If you fancy a gTLD, you'll need to pay a $227,000 application fee by August 12th ... and then wait, possibly until 2030 when this process ends.



[1] https://www.theregister.com/2026/05/01/icann_new_gtld_applications/

[2] https://newgtldprogram.icann.org/en/application-rounds/round2/agb

[3] https://newgtldprogram.icann.org/en/application-rounds/round2/2026-round-general/string-evaluation/faqs

[4] https://newgtldprogram.icann.org/en/application-rounds/round2/2026-round-general/faqs