What is .biz?

The .biz domain — short for "business" — was launched in 2001 as one of the first new generic TLDs designed to relieve demand on the overcrowded .com namespace. It is restricted to bona fide business or commercial use, making it one of the few TLDs with a clear purpose in the world of domains.

A Brief History

ICANN approved .biz in November 2000 as part of the first major expansion of the domain name system since the original TLDs were created in 1985. NeuLevel, Inc. (later acquired by Neustar, now GoDaddy Registry) won the contract to operate the registry. Registrations opened in 2001 with a land rush that generated significant interest from businesses seeking alternatives to .com.

Why Choose .biz?

  • Clear business identity — The name says it all. A .biz domain immediately signals commercial intent.
  • Availability — Short, memorable names that are long gone in .com are often still available in .biz.
  • Global appeal — No geographic restrictions, recognized internationally as a business domain.
  • Affordable — Registration costs are typically lower than .com, making it accessible for startups and small businesses.

Who Uses .biz?

Small to medium businesses, startups, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who want a professional web presence without the premium price of a .com domain. International businesses also favor .biz for its universal business connotation across languages.

Did You Know?

  • As of 2026, there are approximately 1.2 million .biz domains registered worldwide.
  • The .biz TLD has a usage restriction — registrants must use the domain for a bona fide business purpose.
  • The word "biz" is understood as slang for "business" in virtually every English-speaking country.

Registration & Pricing

New .biz domains typically cost between $12-18 per year. DomainWorld offers .biz registration — you can get a domain up and running in minutes.

The Future of .biz

While newer TLDs like .business and .company offer similar positioning, .biz has a 20+ year head start and an established user base. In the world of domains, longevity matters — and .biz has proven its staying power.