How to Apply for ICANN’s New gTLD Next Round in 2026

ICANN’s New gTLD Program is coming back in 2026. If you’ve ever considered applying for your own domain extension—like a dotBrand, a generic term, or even a city or regional name—this is the window to prepare for.

Unlike a typical domain name registration, applying for a new gTLD is a long, regulated process that involves technical, legal, and strategic planning. The next application round is expected to be more structured, more scrutinized, and more competitive than ever before.

At newgtldprogram.com, we’ve helped global brands, startups, governments, and digital platforms navigate this process successfully. If you’re serious about owning a top-level domain, here’s what you need to know.

What is a New gTLD?

A new gTLD (generic top-level domain) is a custom domain extension like .brand, .shop, .city, or .tech. The program allows businesses and organizations to operate their own slice of the internet, independent of traditional endings like .com or .net.

The last round of applications happened in 2012. Over 1,200 new domain extensions were introduced. Companies like Google (.app), Amazon (.prime), and brands like BMW (.bmw) and Nike (.nike) all secured their own names. In 2026, ICANN will open the doors again.

Is It Right for You?

If you’re a brand owner looking to centralize your digital identity, build customer trust, and own a secure and controllable namespace—yes, it’s worth considering. A dotBrand domain gives you full control over the domain space, lets you create short branded URLs (like product.brand or login.brand), and strengthens brand protection.

It’s also a huge opportunity for entrepreneurs, tech communities, city governments, and industry consortiums to create purpose-driven domain extensions.

How Do You Apply?

Applications must be submitted to ICANN when the application window opens—currently targeted for Q2/Q3 of 2026. The process is formal and governed by the ICANN Applicant Guidebook, which outlines strict evaluation rules across technical, operational, financial, and legal parameters.

But here’s the truth: this process can’t be done casually. You'll need to:

• Identify your business case and feasibility

• Engage with a registry backend provider (technical operator)

• Prepare detailed responses to ICANN’s evaluation criteria

• Budget for application fees and operational costs

• Plan for potential objections or contentions from others

• Draft registry policies and agreements

• Align with DNS security and stability requirements

• 
  

Trying to DIY this without prior experience is risky. Many applicants in the 2012 round faced delays, objections, and even rejections because they didn’t fully understand the ICANN ecosystem.

Let Experts Guide You

That’s where we come in. DotupTech.com runs NewGTLDProgram.com, a global consulting initiative dedicated to helping applicants like you plan and apply successfully.

We support clients at every stage—from strategic planning and partner selection to application drafting, legal guidance, and post-launch operations. We’ve done this before, and we’re already gearing up for 2026.

So if you're serious about applying, now’s the time to act. The application window will come and go—and if you’re not prepared, you’ll have to wait another decade for the next chance.

Want to explore your options or understand if a new gTLD is the right move for your brand?

Reach out to us at newgtldprogram.com and let’s start the conversation.

Venkatesh Venkatasubramanian, Principal Consultant, Dotup's NewgTLDprogram.com