About .business domain
.business is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) operated by the registry Donuts (Spring Cross, LLC). It was delegated to the DNS root zone in August 2014 as part of ICANN's New gTLD Program. The extension was applied for as an open TLD without pre-registration verification policies, intended to provide greater expression on the Internet. It operates under a standard Registry Agreement with ICANN, which includes required rights protection mechanisms.
Who can register .business domain
Registration for .business domains is open to anyone globally, with no eligibility restrictions. There are no geographic, organizational, or trademark-based requirements to register a name. The registry does not employ pre-registration verification, aiming to avoid denying access to legitimate registrants. Control of abuse is managed through extensive user and rights protection policies mandated by ICANN.
How to register .business domain
- Search for your desired .business domain name using any ICANN-accredited registrar's availability checker to confirm it is not already registered.
- Compare prices, registration term lengths, and add-on services like WHOIS privacy or email hosting from different registrars before selecting one.
- Complete the checkout process, providing accurate registrant contact information and selecting your desired registration period, which typically starts at one year.
- After purchase, verify your contact details via email as required by ICANN and configure your domain's DNS settings, such as nameservers, to point to your hosting provider.
Typical uses of .business domain
The .business extension is commonly used by companies, entrepreneurs, freelancers, and commercial projects to establish a professional online presence. It is a direct and memorable alternative to more crowded extensions like .com, clearly signaling a commercial or professional intent. Businesses across various sectors, from consulting and finance to retail and technology, choose .business to create relevant and concise web addresses for their corporate sites, services, or promotional campaigns.
Tips for registering .business domain
- Domains can typically be registered for a minimum of one year, with multi-year registration options available through most registrars.
- WHOIS privacy protection services are generally available for this gTLD, allowing registrants to shield their personal contact details from public view.
- The registry implemented a Sunrise Period for trademark holders prior to general availability, and standard ICANN rights protection mechanisms like the UDRP apply.
- Standard grace periods for renewal and redemption likely apply, but specific timelines are set by individual registrars in accordance with ICANN policy.
Frequently asked questions about .business domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .business domain?
As of today, .business domains start from $1.99/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $76.32/yr across 32 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .business domains?
NameBeta tracks 32 registrars that support .business domain registration, with the cheapest option at $1.99/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .business domain?
The registry for .business domains is Identity Digital, administered by Binky Moon, LLC.
Who can register a .business domain?
There are no restrictions on who can register a .business domain; it is an open gTLD available to individuals and organizations worldwide. No proof of operating a business or any specific documentation is required during the registration process. This open policy is designed to encourage broad adoption and provide easy access to a relevant namespace for any commercial or professional endeavor.
Can I transfer a .business domain between registrars?
.business domains can be transferred between ICANN-accredited registrars following the standard inter-registrar transfer policy. To initiate a transfer, you must obtain an authorization code (EPP code) from your current registrar and ensure the domain is unlocked and not within 60 days of initial registration or a previous transfer. The gaining registrar will handle the process, which typically takes 5-7 days to complete.
What rights protection mechanisms are in place for .business?
The registry adheres to all ICANN-mandated rights protection mechanisms. These include a Sunrise Period that was offered for trademark holders prior to general availability and the ongoing Trademark Claims service, which alerts both trademark owners and potential registrants of possible conflicts. Standard dispute resolution policies, such as the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP), apply for addressing cases of trademark infringement.
Are there any content restrictions for .business websites?
There are no specific content policies unique to the .business TLD beyond universal compliance with applicable laws. Registrants must adhere to the registry's acceptable use policy, which generally prohibits illegal activity, malware distribution, and phishing. The registry reserves the right to address abuse through its internal procedures and in cooperation with law enforcement or pursuant to court orders.
Can I register premium .business domain names?
Yes, the registry likely holds back certain premium or high-value .business domain names. These names are often sold at a higher price point through registrars, with pricing and availability varying. Premium names may include short, generic, or highly sought-after keywords. The registration and renewal fees for these domains are set by the registry and are typically non-standard.
