The Dutch domain name market contracted significantly during the first half of 2025. Key extensions, .nl and .com, saw declines, reflecting broader economic pressures and changing business priorities. While new registrations among first-time users rose, the overall trend remains subdued.
A clear contraction for .nl and .com
According to a press release by SIDN, Stichting Internet Domeinregistratie Nederland, .nl registrations fell by 1.55 %, accelerating from declines of 1.12 % in late 2024 and 0.8 % a year prior. The .com extension, after years of growth, saw a sharp 5.2 % drop in Q1 2025 in the Netherlands—despite being part of a global market that continues to expand. Together, these two TLDs account for 84 % of Dutch-registered domains, making their decline highly significant. While new gTLDs grew by 21 %, their smaller base limits their impact on the overall market decline. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Why are businesses pulling back?
Several underlying economic pressures are driving the contraction. Net growth in active companies was just 1.4 %—the weakest in 25 years—as business closures surged by 23 % and startups fell by 17 %. Rising costs for hosting, ICT, energy, and domain registration (affecting both SIDN and Verisign) have prompted companies to reassess digital asset portfolios. Many opt for smaller, more secure domain holdings. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
New registrations offer a glimmer of hope
NielsenIQ data commissioned by SIDN shows a nuanced shift: the percentage of existing registrants planning to add domains has dropped—from 27 % in 2023 to 20 %—but among people without domains, intent to register rose from 4.5 % to 6.6 %. This suggests potential for growth among new entrants, even as established holders retrench. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
How the Dutch trend compares globally
Globally, the domain name market remains robust. According to Hostinger summarising the Domain Name Industry Brief, total registered domains reached 368.4 million by early 2025—a year-over-year growth of 1.7 %. Meanwhile, new generic TLDs rose 13.5 %, and ccTLDs, including .nl, continued to grow modestly. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3} This contrast reveals a Netherlands-specific slowdown amid broader global momentum.
Sustainability and innovation in domain strategy
Beyond registrations, new trends are shaping how domains are managed. Openprovider highlights the rise of green hosting—providers using renewable energy and offsetting emissions—a response to growing demand for sustainability in digital operations. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Practical recommendations for Dutch businesses
- Audit your portfolio. In a tight economic climate, regularly assess which domains are actively used or add strategic value.
- Focus on essentials. Prioritise domains that deliver brand protection, localisation, or business expansion, rather than maintaining a broad inventory.
- Watch new registrations. Target inexperienced but motivated first-time registrants with accessible, trust-building domain offerings.
- Embrace sustainability. Stand out by offering or opting for green hosting alongside domain services.
- Monitor economic indicators. A rebound in business formation or confidence could reverse downward trends—stay agile to capture early opportunity.
Strategic clarity in a contracting market
The Dutch domain market is shrinking—not from lack of global interest, but due to local economic caution. The rise in intent among new registrants offers a counterbalance to declining expansion from existing players. In this environment, strategic stewardship—focusing on efficiency, sustainability, and emerging demand—is essential to navigate through 2025 and beyond.
