ICANN's New gTLD Next Round 2026: Application Process, Timelines & Cost Involved

After more than a decade, ICANN is opening the gates again. The next round of applications for new gTLDs—those custom domain extensions like .brand or .cityname—is scheduled for 2026.

If you're a brand, a community, or an organization exploring digital independence, this is your moment. But applying for a gTLD isn't something you pull together overnight. The process is technical, detailed, and long. This post breaks down what you need to know: how to apply, when to prepare, and how much it will cost.

When is the next gTLD round happening?

The application window is expected to open in April 2026 and stay open for about 12–15 weeks. While that’s a ways off, preparation starts much earlier—especially if you're building partnerships, evaluating backend providers, or applying for financial support.

A few milestones are already in motion:

• RSP Pre-Evaluation opened in November 2024 and runs until May 2025.

• Applicant Support Program (ASP) is already accepting applications for fee subsidies and non-financial support until November 2025.

• The final Applicant Guidebook, which outlines the rules, is expected to be published in late 2025.

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If you're aiming to launch your own .brand, now is the right time to get your internal stakeholders aligned and your strategy in place.

What does the New gTLD application process look like?

It's not like registering a domain name. You're applying to run your own registry, which comes with obligations, costs, and technical responsibilities.

Here’s how the application process roughly plays out:

• Pre-Planning: Understand the technical and legal requirements. You’ll need to choose a Registry Service Provider (RSP) unless you're building one yourself. Most brands and entrepreneurs partner with existing RSPs.

• Application Writing: This includes multiple sections: your business and mission, your chosen string, your operational and financial capability, and your technical setup (often handled by your RSP). If you're applying for a brand TLD, you’ll also need a signed letter from your legal trademark holder.

• Submission: The application will be filed via ICANN’s portal. Once submitted, ICANN will run evaluations and background checks.

• Evaluation & Objection Phase: If your string is similar to someone else’s, or if there’s a legal objection (like a competing trademark), it may go into a resolution process. Community groups or other rights holders can also object.

• Contracting & Delegation: If you clear all evaluations and no objections stand in the way, you sign a Registry Agreement with ICANN and proceed to delegation—when your TLD actually goes live.

  
  

How much does it cost?

Here’s the breakdown as of now:

• Application Fee: USD 227,000 (standard ICANN evaluation fee). This may go up depending on your application complexity.

• Backend (RSP) Costs: This varies. Expect anywhere between USD 25,000–75,000 annually, depending on traffic and services.

• Legal & Consulting: If you’re working with a consultant like Dotup, budget accordingly. They help with application writing, strategy, and handling objections.

• Objections & Contention: If your string ends up in a legal fight or auction, costs can increase significantly. It’s wise to have a strategy in place from day one.

• Discounted Fees: ICANN is offering subsidies under the Applicant Support Program for eligible applicants—up to 85% off on application fees.

  
  

How to prepare?

Don’t wait for ICANN to publish the final rulebook. Most of the structure will remain similar to the 2012 round. Get internal buy-in. Decide what your TLD will stand for. Start scouting for a backend partner and figure out your budget.

You can also explore newgtldprogram.com to get expert help from people who’ve done this before—for brands, governments, and entrepreneurs alike.

You don’t need to be a tech company or a giant brand to apply. But you do need a plan, and you need to start early.

Have questions or want to explore if this makes sense for your brand? Reach out to Dotup or Newgtldprogram.com. They’re already working with clients for the 2026 round.

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