History of the TLD

.limited is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) introduced through ICANN's New gTLD Program and delegated into the DNS root zone in 2014. The extension was created to provide businesses with a domain that conveys exclusivity and corporate identity. It became available for general registration following delegation in April 2014.

Main Use and Industry Position

.limited is primarily used by businesses, corporations, and organisations that include "limited" in their legal name or wish to signal exclusivity online. It is positioned as a business-focused TLD offering brands a way to align their web presence with their corporate identity.

Comparison to Other TLDs

Compared with legacy TLDs such as .com or .net, .limited provides a more specific meaning that can reinforce branding for limited companies. Unlike country code TLDs, which signal geographic affiliation, .limited is a generic TLD without regional ties. Compared to niche TLDs such as .art or .tech, .limited explicitly serves business identity and exclusivity.

Pros and Cons of the TLD

Pros

• Offers clear business identity and branding for limited companies
  

• Open registration with no special eligibility restrictions
  

• Supports modern domain features such as DNSSEC
  

Cons

• Less recognised by general audiences compared with .com or .net
  

• May be perceived as niche with limited marketing impact
  

• Potentially higher registration cost relative to more common TLDs
  
  

Registration Criteria

Most registrars allow registration by any individual or organisation without residency or local presence requirements. There are no special eligibility rules restricting use to businesses with "limited" in their legal name.

Summary

.limited is a generic top-level domain introduced in 2014 to offer businesses, particularly limited companies, a targeted and meaningful domain extension. It serves as an alternative branding tool to traditional TLDs and is widely available through accredited registrars.