The TLD (Top-Level Domain) is the final part of a domain name, following the last full stop; it is also known as the domain extension. In the address pelda.hu, the TLD is .hu, whilst in the address pelda.com, it is .com. You choose the part before the full stop (pelda) when registering; together, these two parts form the address at which the website and email addresses can be accessed.

How is a domain name structured?

The DNS is a hierarchical system that should be read from right to left:

• The root zone is at the top of the hierarchy; it contains all TLDs;
• the TLD, such as .hu, .com or .eu;
• a second-level domain, such as pelda.hu, which is registered by the domain holder;
• subdomains, such as www.pelda.hu or shop.pelda.hu, which the domain holder creates themselves in the DNS zone, without the need for separate registration.

Under certain extensions, second-level public domains (public domains) also operate, such as .co.hu, .org.hu or .co.uk. In such cases, the registered name is at the third level, for example pelda.co.hu.

Types of TLDs

• Country code extensions (ccTLDs): these consist of two letters and correspond to a country or territory, for example .hu, .de, .sk, .at. This category also includes the European Union’s .eu extension.
• Generic extensions (gTLDs): the traditional .com, .net, .org, .info and .biz, which anyone can register, regardless of their country of residence.
• New generic extensions (new gTLDs): launched in 2013 following ICANN’s 2012 program, these are linked to a profession, topic or city, for example .shop, .online, .dev and .london.
• Restricted domain extensions: for example, .gov or .edu, which may only be used by specific organisations.

There are currently over a thousand TLDs in the root zone, the majority of which are new generic extensions.

Who manages the domain extensions?

Every TLD has a registry, which maintains the central database for that extension and sets the rules for registration. The registry for the .hu domain is ISZT, for the .eu extension it is EURid, and for the .com extension it is Verisign. The root zone is managed by IANA, whilst the contractual system for generic top-level domains is overseen by ICANN.

You do not order a domain name directly from the registry, but via a registrar. You can read about the roles of the registry, the registrar and the registrant in a separate article.

Who can register a particular extension?

This varies depending on the extension:

• Most general and new extensions are open to anyone.
• Some country code extensions are also open. For example, anyone can apply for a .hu domain, but applicants from outside the EU, the EEA and neighbouring countries must prove that their activities justify the use of a .hu domain (details: Rules for .hu domain registration).
• Other domain extensions require a local connection. For example, the .eu domain may be registered by an EU citizen, a private individual residing in the EU or the EEA, or an organisation registered there.

You can find the terms and conditions for each extension on its own page, in the ‘Restrictions’ section.

How do you choose an extension?

• For a Hungarian audience, the .hu domain is the most obvious choice; this is what domestic visitors are familiar with and look for.
• .com is the usual choice for an international audience, whilst .eu is the usual choice for a European presence.
• It is worth choosing a new extension if the name you want is already taken with the traditional extensions, or if the extension itself says something about your business. In such cases, do check the renewal fee as well, as this may differ from the first-year fee.
• To protect your brand, it is advisable to register the main name with several different extensions and redirect the others to the main address.

You can view the available domain extensions and their prices on the domain registration page, where you can also check whether your chosen name is available.