When you register a domain name, you also have to choose an extension. The best known are .nl, .com and .eu, but there are many more. Which one suits your website best?

What is a domain extension?

The domain extension is the last part of your domain name, after the dot. Examples:

  • example**.nl**
  • example**.com**
  • example**.eu**

The extension is also called a TLD (Top Level Domain).

.nl: Dutch domain

The .nl extension is by far the most popular in the Netherlands, with more than 6 million registrations.

Advantages:

  • Trusted by Dutch visitors
  • A clear signal that you're a Dutch business
  • Often more available than .com
  • Good for local SEO in the Netherlands

Disadvantages:

  • Less suitable for international audiences
  • No protection of personal data in WHOIS

Ideal for: Dutch businesses with a Dutch target audience.

.com: Commercial domain

The .com extension is the best known worldwide and is recognized by everyone.

Advantages:

  • Recognizable internationally
  • Professional look
  • Suitable for any type of business
  • WHOIS privacy possible

Disadvantages:

  • Many good names are already taken
  • Less local than .nl
  • Higher prices for premium names

Ideal for: International businesses, startups with growth ambitions, tech companies.

.eu: European domain

The .eu extension is available to citizens and organizations in the EU.

Advantages:

  • European image
  • Good names are often still available
  • Suitable for pan-European organizations
  • WHOIS privacy available

Disadvantages:

  • Less familiar to consumers
  • Requires an EU establishment or citizenship
  • No longer available for the UK after Brexit

Ideal for: Businesses operating across Europe, EU projects, organizations.

Other interesting extensions

Country extensions

  • .de: Germany
  • .be: Belgium
  • .fr: France

Useful if you're active in those markets.

New extensions

  • .shop: for online stores
  • .tech: for tech companies
  • .io: popular with startups
  • .online: general use

These are often still widely available but less familiar to the general public.

Which extension should you choose?

Ask yourself these questions:

1. Who is your target audience?

  • Only the Netherlands → .nl
  • Europe → .nl or .eu
  • Worldwide → .com

2. What type of business do you have?

  • Local service provider → .nl
  • Online store → .nl or .com (or .shop)
  • Tech startup → .com or .io
  • European project → .eu

3. What are your growth ambitions?

  • Staying local → .nl
  • International plans → .com

4. What is available? Always check first whether the name you want is available. Sometimes availability determines your choice.

Register multiple extensions?

It can be smart to register multiple extensions:

Do it if:

  • You're building a well-known brand
  • You want to prevent competitors from taking your name
  • You want to expand to other countries later

Not needed if:

  • You're a small local business
  • Your budget is limited
  • Your name is unique enough

Tip: forward extra extensions to your main domain with a redirect.

Extension and SEO

The extension has a limited effect on SEO:

  • .nl helps a little with local search results in the Netherlands
  • .com is neutral and works everywhere
  • Google looks more at content than at the extension
  • Good SEO optimization is much more important

Frequently asked questions

Can I switch extensions later? Yes, but you'll lose visitors who know your old address, as well as the SEO value you've built up. Do redirect your old domain to your new one.

Does the extension count toward the length? Technically yes, but people mainly remember the part before the dot. Focus on that when choosing your domain name.

Is .com more trustworthy than .nl? No, both are equally trustworthy. It depends more on the website itself and how well secured it is.

What if .nl and .com are both taken? Then consider a slightly different name, or look at alternatives such as .eu or newer extensions.

Ready to register your domain? At Theory7 you can choose from all common extensions at competitive rates. See the options or connect your existing domain to your hosting.

Looking to register a domain name? View our plans.