.WORLD Domain Extension

The .WORLD domain is a generic top-level domain designed for projects with an international, community-driven, or universal scope. It helps bring together a global audience around a brand, concept, or topic. Flexible and evocative, .WORLD is used by businesses, organizations, creators, and platforms that want to reach beyond traditional geographic boundaries.

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When should you choose a .WORLD domain?

A .WORLD domain is the perfect choice for establishing a global and inclusive presence. It strengthens international brand perception, enhances marketing reach, and gives your website a universal dimension. It’s an excellent option for brands that speak to a borderless audience.

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International projects and communities

Perfect for platforms, organizations, and initiatives targeting a global or multicultural audience.

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Global brands and international businesses

Ideal for companies operating internationally or wanting to project a worldwide brand image.

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Thematic portals and content ecosystems

.WORLD is also well-suited for websites that bring together content around a theme, a passion, or a specific area of expertise.

Technical characteristics of the .WORLD domain

FeatureDetails
TLD name.WORLD
TLD typeGeneric top-level domain (gTLD)
RegistryIdentity Digital
Registration period1 to 10 years
Grace period35 days
Redemption period30 days
Allowed name servers1 to 13
IDN supportYes (Internationalized Domain Names)
Domain transferAuthorization code required; 5-day transfer period
Root server updatesReal-time

Rules and conditions for registering a .WORLD domain

The .WORLD domain is operated by the registry Identity Digital (formerly Donuts). As such, its registration is subject to certain international compliance rules, including enhanced validations related to government sanctions and the management of reserved domain names.

Extended validation based on the OFAC list (U.S. sanctions)

The registry applies enhanced validation based on the OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control) sanctions list issued by the United States government.

How does this validation work? During registration (or contact creation), the system checks:

  • the country
  • the state / province (when this field is provided)

If the country + state/province combination matches a region listed under OFAC sanctions, the operation is automatically rejected.

The registry is not permitted to provide services to individuals or entities located in territories subject to U.S. government sanctions.

Reserved domains and the Allocation Token system

Some .WORLD domain names may be temporarily reserved by the registry (e.g., pioneer programs, direct sales, strategic partnerships).

In these cases:

  • the domain remains in a reserved status
  • the final registrant cannot register it immediately through a standard registrar

Solution: Allocation Token

The registry has implemented a feature called an Allocation Token:

  • Donuts / Identity Digital generates a unique allocation token
  • this token is provided to the future registrant
  • during registration, the token allows the user to:
    • bypass the reserved status
    • complete the domain registration with the registrar of their choice

Without this token, registering a reserved domain is not possible—even if the domain name appears to exist technically.

General eligibility

Subject to the rules outlined above:

  • the .WORLD domain is open to everyone
  • there are no requirements regarding:
  • residency
    • official academic status
    • institutional accreditation

It can be registered by:

  • individuals
  • businesses
  • training centres
  • organizations
  • educational platforms
  • anywhere in the world, excluding sanctioned regions.

Registry refusal or deletion rights

The registry reserves the right to:

  • refuse a registration
  • block the creation of a contact
  • or delete an existing domain

if the information provided:

  • violates OFAC rules
  • circumvents geographic restrictions
  • or breaches registry policies

These actions may be taken without a grace period, in accordance with international legal obligations.

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