New gTLD Application Pricing
Transparent, comprehensive breakdown of all costs associated with applying for and operating your own top-level domain extension.
Investment Overview
Applying for and operating a new gTLD represents a significant investment. Understanding the full cost structure is essential for proper budgeting and financial planning. The total investment varies based on TLD type, complexity, and your chosen operational model.
ICANN Application Fee
$227,000 USD
Per string applied for. Due at time of submission through TAMS.
The investment breaks down into several categories: ICANN fees, preparation costs, technical infrastructure setup, and ongoing operational expenses.
ICANN Application Fee: $227,000
The primary cost of applying for a new gLD is the ICANN application fee of $227,000. This fee is payable directly to ICANN upon application submission through TAMS and covers the evaluation process.
What the $227,000 Application Fee Covers
- Background screening — Due diligence on applicants and key personnel
- Financial evaluation — Assessment of financial capability and projections
- Technical evaluation — Review of registry operations capability
- Policy evaluation — Assessment of registration policies
- String reviews — DNS stability, confusability, geographic name checks
Additional ICANN Fees (Conditional)
Beyond the base application fee, applicants should budget for potential additional fees:
| Fee Type | Amount | When Applicable |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Eligibility (Spec 13) | $500 | For Brand TLD applications |
| Code of Conduct Exemption (Spec 9) | $400 | If requesting exemption |
| Community Priority Evaluation | $50,000 - $80,000 | For community TLDs in contention |
| Geographic Name Review | $18,000 - $25,000 | For geographic TLDs |
| Name Collision Mitigation | $100,000 - $150,000 | If required for string |
Refund Schedule
If you withdraw your application, the following refund schedule applies based on where your application is in the evaluation process:
| Refund Window | Timing | Refund % | Refund Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Window 1 | From receipt of your gTLD evaluation fee through 10 days after String Confirmation Day | 65% | $147,550 |
| Window 2 | From 11 days after String Confirmation Day until the start of Application and Applicant Evaluation | 35% | $79,450 |
| Window 3 | From start of Application and Applicant Evaluation up to Registry Agreement signing | 20% | $45,400 |
| No Refund | After Registry Agreement signing | 0% | $0 |
Additional Refunds: Conditional evaluation fees that have been paid but not started may also be refunded if the application status is "Withdrawn," "Pending Termination," or "Terminated." As part of your withdrawal request, you can indicate whether you'd like to receive a refund.
Total Estimated Costs by TLD Type
Brand TLD Year 1 Costs
| Cost Category | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| ICANN Application Fee | $227,000 |
| Spec 13 Brand Eligibility Fee | $500 |
| Preparation (consulting, legal) | $80,000 - $120,000 |
| Technical Setup (RSP) | $40,000 - $75,000 |
| Trademark Clearinghouse (TMCH) | $145 - $239/year per mark |
| Total Year 1 | $350,000 - $450,000 |
Brand TLD Annual Ongoing Costs
| Cost Category | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| ICANN Annual Fee | $25,800 |
| RSP Services | $25,000 - $50,000/year |
| Legal/Compliance | $15,000 - $30,000/year |
| TMCH Renewals | $145 - $239/year per mark |
| Total Annual | $70,000 - $110,000 |
Generic TLD Year 1 Costs
| Cost Category | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| ICANN Application Fee | $227,000 |
| Preparation (consulting, legal, business plan) | $100,000 - $150,000 |
| Technical Setup (RSP) | $50,000 - $100,000 |
| Marketing Launch | $100,000 - $500,000 |
| Total Year 1 | $650,000 - $1,200,000 |
Generic TLD Annual Ongoing Costs
| Cost Category | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| ICANN Fees (fixed + variable) | $25,800 - $100,000+ |
| RSP Services | $50,000 - $150,000/year |
| Legal/Compliance | $30,000 - $60,000/year |
| Marketing & Sales | $100,000 - $500,000+/year |
| Total Annual | $300,000 - $650,000+ |
Applicant Support Program (ASP)
The Applicant Support Program (ASP) provides reduced application fees for eligible applicants:
ASP Discount: 75-85% Off Application Fee
| Support Level | Discount | Reduced Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Support | 75% Off | $55,000 - $60,000 |
| Enhanced Support | 85% Off | $35,000 - $40,000 |
Who Qualifies for ASP?
Eligible applicants include:
- Developing countries — Applicants from economies with GNI per capita below threshold
- Non-profit community organizations — Serving local communities
- Social/cultural impact projects — With demonstrated public benefit
- Small businesses from developing regions — Meeting specific criteria
ASP Application Process
ASP applications are submitted separately from gTLD applications and must be approved before the application window opens. The ASP application requires:
- Demonstration of financial need
- Evidence of qualifying status
- Commitment to serve public interest
- Application submitted before gTLD application window
RSP (Registry Service Provider) Costs
Most applicants partner with a pre-evaluated Registry Service Provider (RSP) rather than building their own registry infrastructure.
Pre-Evaluated RSPs
ICANN has pre-evaluated RSPs through two evaluation rounds:
- First RSP Pre-Evaluation: November 2024 - May 2025
- Second RSP Evaluation: April 2026 (concurrent with application window)
Major RSPs include: CentralNic, Identity Digital, Verisign, GoDaddy Registry, AFNIC, and others.
RSP Cost Structure
| Component | Brand TLD | Generic TLD |
|---|---|---|
| Setup Fee | $25,000 - $50,000 | $40,000 - $75,000 |
| Annual Base Fee | $25,000 - $50,000 | $50,000 - $100,000 |
| Per-Domain Fee | $0.25 - $2.00 | $0.25 - $2.00 |
| Transaction Fee | $0.10 - $0.50 | $0.10 - $0.50 |
Note: RSP fees vary based on service level, volume commitments, and contract terms.
TMCH (Trademark Clearinghouse) Costs
The Trademark Clearinghouse (TMCH) is required for Brand TLDs and provides trademark protection services:
| Service | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trademark Registration (per mark) | $145 - $239/year | Depends on number of jurisdictions |
| SMD File Generation | Included | Required for Sunrise periods |
| Trademark Claims Service | Variable | For generic TLD launches |
Brand TLD applicants must have their trademark in the TMCH and obtain a Signed Mark Data (SMD) file before applying.
Payment Schedule
Understanding when costs are incurred helps with cash flow planning:
Application Phase (April-August 2026)
- ICANN Application Fee: Due at submission through TAMS ($227,000)
- Consulting Retainers: Monthly payments throughout preparation
Post-Application (2026-2027)
- Conditional Evaluation Fees: When applicable (varies)
- RSP Setup: Milestone payments during technical setup
- Legal/Professional Services: As services are rendered
Ongoing Operations (Annual)
- ICANN Fixed Fee: $25,800 annually
- RSP Fees: Per contract terms (monthly or quarterly)
- TMCH Renewals: Annual per trademark
Ready to Budget for Your TLD?
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