SIDN and Dotlocal continue .amsterdam partnership
Domain has grown to 20,000 domain names in 10 years
Earlier this month, the City of Amsterdam extended its partnership with SIDN and Dotlocal for the .amsterdam top-level domain (TLD). We’ll therefore continue to provide registry services and the technical infrastructure for .amsterdam, while Dotlocal remains the primary contact point for registrars and handles the domain’s marketing. 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 SIDN and Dotlocal was again found to be the best option.
SIDN's expertise decisive
Amsterdam's decision-makers were happy to continue using SIDN as their RSP, mainly because we offer both a stable technical infrastructure and support in the form of advice on developments within ICANN and on settling occasional disputes about .amsterdam domain names. We also provide second-line support to .amsterdam registrars and dotAmsterdam b.v., the domain's registry.
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.
Domain name extensions for cities and regions
Amsterdam, Berlin, Catalonia and Friesland all have their own domain name extensions, .amsterdam, .berlin, .cat and .frl. Extensions linked to particular cities or regions are known as geoTLDs. 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
GeoTLDs are assigned by an independent global organisation called the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). You can't apply for a geoTLD any time you like. ICANN defines '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 SIDN can help you realise your ambitions? Read more about our registry services
