How many .nl domain names are there, actually? For a long time, the .nl zone grew steadily, but 2025 painted a different picture. For the first time in years, there was a slight decline. In this article, we’ll break down the numbers, explain the reasons behind the decline, and discuss what this means if you’re thinking of registering a .nl domain name yourself.
How many .nl domain names are there?
At the end of 2025, nearly 6.06 million .nl domain names were registered. This means that .nl remains one of the most popular domain extensions and is still the natural choice for Dutch businesses and individuals.
Nevertheless, 2025 was not a year of growth. While previous years had shown stability, the number of .nl domain names declined by 1.92 percent.
A Look at the .nl Statistics for 2025
| Grade | 2025 |
|---|---|
| Total number of .nl domain names | nearly 6.06 million |
| Change from last year | −1,92% |
| New registrations | approximately 758,000 |
| Discontinuations | over 812,000 |
Why did the number of .nl domain names decrease?
The decline can be explained primarily by the fact that more domain names were canceled in 2025 than were newly registered. Approximately 758,000 new .nl domain names were registered, while more than 812,000 were canceled.
There are many reasons why domain names are canceled. These include companies that go out of business or merge, projects and campaigns that come to an end, and entrepreneurs who take a critical look at their portfolio and cancel domain names they no longer use. Market shifts also play a role: some organizations choose a different extension—such as .com or a new extension that better suits their brand—in addition to or instead of .nl.
What does this mean for you?
.nl remains the trusted choice for the Netherlands
A slight decline does not affect the position of .nl. With over 6 million registrations, it remains the go-to domain extension for the Netherlands. Dutch visitors recognize and trust a .nl address, making it a strong choice for your business, online store, or project.
Available domain names offer opportunities
Any expired domain name may become available again over time. This means that a name that was previously taken may now be available. Did you search in vain for that one short, catchy name in the past? It’s worth checking again.
Register your name on time
The reverse is also true: if you cancel a domain name, someone else can register it. If you’re unsure whether you still need a domain name, think carefully before canceling it—especially if the name is linked to your brand, your email addresses, or old links to your website.
Tips for Choosing a .nl Domain Name
- Keep it short and clear. A short name is easier to remember and type.
- Avoid using dashes and numbers to prevent confusion.
- Protect your brand by registering the .com or .eu version of your name in addition to the .nl version.
- Look beyond your first choice. If your .nl domain name is taken, try a variation or a different domain extension.
Register your .nl domain name with Minty Hosting
Are you wondering if your desired .nl domain name is still available? Check it right away using our domain search tool. You can register a .nl domain name with Minty Hosting for €12.00 per year, excluding VAT, which includes free DNS management via MintyDNS with DNSSEC. Do you already have your domain name with another provider? If so, we’ll transfer it to Minty Hosting for free.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many .nl domain names will there be in 2025?
At the end of 2025, there were nearly 6.06 million .nl domain names registered.
Has the number of .nl domain names decreased?
Yes. In 2025, the number of .nl domain names decreased by 1.92 percent because more domain names were canceled than were newly registered.
How many new .nl domain names were registered in 2025?
In 2025, approximately 758,000 new .nl domain names were registered. This was offset by more than 812,000 cancellations.
Is a .nl domain name still a good choice?
Yes. With over 6 million registrations, .nl is still the go-to domain extension for the Netherlands. Dutch visitors recognize and trust a .nl address.
How much does a .nl domain name cost at Minty Hosting?
A .nl domain name costs €12.00 per year (excluding VAT) at Minty Hosting, including free DNS management via MintyDNS.
