Earlier this month, the City of Amsterdam extended its partnership with Dotlocal for the .amsterdam top-level domain (TLD). Dotlocal, in turn, continues the partnership with SIDN for the registry services. This causes uninterrupted services to our registrars: we remain the primary contact point for registrars and handle the domain’s marketing. SIDN continues to provide registry services and the technical infrastructure for .amsterdam. The renewed agreement covers the next 4 years, with the option of extension to 10 years. Amsterdam’s city authorities are legally obliged to periodically put the contract up for tender. In the latest review, continuation of the partnership with Dotlocal and SIDN was again found to be the best option.
Nearly 20,000 .amsterdam domain names
The .amsterdam domain was launched more than 10 years ago following the success of other global cities such as London, New York and Berlin in facilitating internet-mediated economic growth. The domain is now popular with businesses and individuals whose focus is strongly local, and has almost 20,000 registered domain names. That makes .amsterdam the fifth biggest city TLD, after Tokyo, New York, Berlin and London.
New impetus
We believe .amsterdam can continue to grow, as does the City of Amsterdam. That is why, in the coming months, a new impetus will be given to visibility, in collaboration with the city, registrars and resellers. In addition, campaigns will be launched to activate high-quality domain names – the so-called ‘premium domains’.
Domain name extensions for cities and regions
.amsterdam, .frl (Friesland), .berlin, .catalonia – those are all examples of so-called geoTLDs: domain name extensions linked to particular cities or regions. When a geoTLD relates to a city, it’s sometimes called a city TLD. Most began in or just after 2012, the last time that there was an opportunity to apply for new internet domains. The City of Amsterdam took advantage of that opportunity, securing the right to establish .amsterdam.
New application window expected in 2026
Domain extensions are assigned by an independent global organisation called the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). You can’t apply for an extension any time you like. ICANN defines ‘application windows’: periods of a few months, during which applications can be made. ICANN is currently preparing for the first new application window in 14 years, which is scheduled to open at the end of April 2026. When it does, a considerable number of cities and regions are expected to seek permission for their own internet domains. Interested in hearing how Dotlocal can help you realise your ambitions? Read more about our services.
