On 20 June 2011, ICANN, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, approved a plan to change the Internet’s domain name system and allow new generic top-level domains (gTLD). Today, 22 different generic names like .com, .org, .net are used, but after the change companies and organisations will be able to apply for their own top-level domain. Applications are accepted from 12 January 2012.

The application, available only through ICANN’s application system, has to be filed before 29 March, after which new applications can no longer be submitted. Applications filed before this date can be revised until 12 April. For more information on the gTDL application procedure, please visit the guide on the ICANN website.

gTLD Applicant Guidebook