.biz

.biz is a restricted generic top-level domain created for business and commercial use. The name is a shortened form of “business,” and IANA continues to classify .biz as a restricted generic TLD.

The restriction matters. ICANN's .biz registration rules require a domain to be used, or genuinely intended to be used, primarily for a bona fide business or commercial purpose. Purely personal, noncommercial use does not meet that requirement. The rules also state that registering a .biz name solely to sell, trade or lease the domain for compensation is not considered bona fide business or commercial use.

For an operating company, merchant, consultant or commercial project, .biz can therefore provide a clear business signal. It may be particularly useful when the business name is concise and the commercial purpose is obvious. A registrant whose intended use is personal publishing, activism or passive domain speculation should choose a different extension rather than assume .biz is unrestricted.

Applicants must make the required representations through their registrar and remain responsible for compliance with the .biz restrictions, dispute policies, trademarks and applicable law. Availability of a name by itself does not establish that the intended use qualifies.