About .link domain
.link is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) operated by Uniregistry. It was delegated to the root zone in January 2014 as part of ICANN's New gTLD Program. The registry positions it as a broadly applicable, neutrally-operated namespace with a flat pricing structure and fixed renewal costs for the first five years. Its stated purpose is to provide a memorable and competitive registration alternative to existing TLDs.
Who can register .link domain
Registration for .link domains is open to everyone globally, with no eligibility restrictions based on geography, organization type, or trademark ownership. Any individual, business, or entity can register a .link domain name through an accredited registrar. No special verification or documentation is required to complete a registration.
How to register .link domain
- Search for your desired .link domain name using a domain registrar's search tool to check its availability. Consider searching for variations if your first choice is already registered.
- Compare pricing, registration term lengths, and add-on services like WHOIS privacy protection from different registrars that offer the .link extension.
- Complete the checkout process by providing your contact details and selecting your desired registration period, which typically starts at one year.
- After purchase, verify your contact information in the registrar's control panel and configure your domain's DNS settings, such as nameservers, to point it to your website or service.
Typical uses of .link domain
The .link extension is commonly used by a wide range of registrants seeking a clear, web-oriented descriptor for their online presence. It is popular for websites that act as a portal, directory, or connection point, such as affiliate marketing sites, resource hubs, and personal link-in-bio pages. Businesses and individuals often choose it for its semantic relevance to connecting information and its availability of short, generic second-level names that may be taken in older TLDs like .com.
Tips for registering .link domain
- The registry implemented a flat pricing structure with fixed renewal costs for the first five years after launch to provide pricing stability for registrants.
- Uniregistry offers an extended 180-day redemption grace period for expired domains, allowing former registrants a long window to recover accidentally expired names.
- Expired .link domains are deleted within a randomized one-month window after the redemption period to prevent gaming of the deletion stream and give all potential registrants a fair chance.
- The registry operates on a first-come, first-served basis for registrations and uses rate-limited, randomized queues during land-rush periods to ensure equitable access.
Frequently asked questions about .link domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .link domain?
As of today, .link domains start from $2.27/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $24.98/yr across 32 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .link domains?
NameBeta tracks 32 registrars that support .link domain registration, with the cheapest option at $2.27/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .link domain?
The registry for .link domains is Nova Registry, administered by Nova Registry Ltd..
Who can register a .link domain?
Anyone can register a .link domain without needing to prove affiliation with a specific industry, location, or organization. The registry does not impose content or purpose restrictions, making it suitable for personal projects, commercial businesses, and non-profits alike. You only need to provide valid contact information to your chosen registrar to complete the registration.
Can I transfer a .link domain between registrars?
Transferring a .link domain between registrars follows the standard ICANN transfer policy, which requires the domain to be unlocked and an authorization code to be obtained from the current registrar. The domain must be older than 60 days and not within a 60-day lock period following a previous transfer or registration. Initiating the transfer at the gaining registrar will start the process, which typically completes within five to seven days if the authorization code is correct and the current registrar does not deny the request.
What dispute resolution policies apply to .link domains?
.link domains are subject to ICANN-mandated rights protection mechanisms, including the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP) and the Uniform Rapid Suspension (URS) system. These policies allow trademark holders to challenge registrations made in bad faith. The registry also committed to implementing additional safeguards for intellectual property interests during its application phase.
Are there any special policies for expired .link domains?
Yes, Uniregistry has specific post-expiration policies. After a domain expires, it enters a 180-day suspension period where the former registrant can redeem it, often for a fee. Following this redemption period, the domain is not released immediately but is deleted within a randomized one-month window. This is designed to prevent automated systems from snapping up all desirable expired names.
Can I register premium .link domain names?
Premium .link domains, which are typically short, generic, or high-value names, are available. Their pricing is set by the registry and is usually higher than standard registration fees. The availability and cost of these premium names can be checked through your registrar's search interface, and they are registered on a first-come, first-served basis unless otherwise noted.
