Turkey's .TR Domain: Easier Registration, More Accessible Online Market Than Ever

Table of Content

Introduction
.TR Domains Now Open to Everyone
Why Turkey is a Key Market for Global Brands
What are the Benefits of a .TR Domain?
Unprecedented Spike in Registrations
How to Register a .TR Domain: No Requirements, Just Opportunities
Success Stories: Brands Using .TR Domain
Conclusion

Introduction

Turkey's digital market is now more accessible than ever, thanks to recent changes in .TR domain registration. Until recently, you could only register third level .tr domain names, such as .com.tr or .net.tr. Now it is also possible to register a .tr domain name.

And with the transition to a first-come, first-served system and the removal of previous documentation requirements, global businesses have a unique opportunity to establish a strong online presence in this vibrant market.

In this blog, we'll explore the significance of these changes, why Turkey is a crucial market for international brands, the benefits of securing a .tr domain, how to register, and the successes of brands thriving with .tr domains.
So, let's take a closer look at how you can leverage these changes to boost your business in Turkey.

.TR Domains Now Open to Everyone

It is now possible to register domains under the structure "a.tr" (e.g. myshop.tr) in addition to .com.tr, .net.tr, and .org.tr.

As of September 2024, the .tr domain has fully completed its transition phases since transferring management of the domain to TRABIS (Turkey’s Informatics and Information Security Research Center). This shift has modernized the Turkey domain registration process, streamlining it under a centralized authority that prioritizes accessibility and efficiency.

This means the removal of previous documentation requirements and the adoption of a first-come, first-served model, making it easier for individuals and businesses, both domestic and international, to secure their desired domains.
 
The final stage of the 'grandfathering' process, which allowed organizations with domain names under .gov.tr, .tsk.tr, .pol.tr, .k12.tr, and institutional players with .org.tr domains to secure their .tr domains without third-party competition, concluded on August 2024.

The General Availability phase for .tr domains began immediately after, meaning registrations are now open to all on a first-come, first-served basis.

Previously, individuals and businesses could only register "com.tr," "org.tr," or "net.tr" domains by providing proof of ownership or documentation showing the domain matched their trademark or company name. Foreign applicants also had to prove ties to Turkey, such as business contracts or invoices. These requirements have now been removed.

Please note that registering institutionalized domains such as gov.tr, edu,tr, bel.tr, k12.tr, av.tr, dr.tr, pol.tr, kep.tr, .tsk will still require documentation, and any domains using the “gen.tr, biz.tr, tv.tr, web.tr, info.tr, bbs.tr, tel.tr or name.tr” structures will not require documentation as before the TRABIS era.

The changes make .tr domains more accessible, boosting their growth and importance in the global market. Businesses can now enter Turkey more quickly, improve local visibility, protect their brand, and reduce administrative costs.

Why Turkey is a Key Market for Global Brands

Turkey's digital economy is rapidly expanding, positioning the country as an attractive market for global brands. The country’s strategic push for digital transformation, supported by initiatives such as the National Technology Initiative has accelerated growth in key sectors like e-commerce, healthcare, and finance.

With an expected 10% compound annual growth rate from 2024 to 2030, Turkey’s digital landscape offers new opportunities for global brands seeking to tap into a dynamic and growing market.

In 2023, Turkey’s e-commerce sector also rebounded strongly, with online spending more than doubling, reaching 1.85 trillion Turkish lira (approximately 53 billion euros). E-commerce now accounts for 20.3% of consumer spending, a significant leap from 10.1% in 2019.

Emerging technologies such as AI, IoT, and blockchain are reshaping business operations, while smartphone penetration and high-speed internet are driving the adoption of digital services.

Additionally, Turkey’s strategic investments in digital infrastructure, including 5G and fiber-optic networks, offer unparalleled opportunities for global brands to enhance their local presence.

What are the Benefits of a .TR Domain?

• A .tr domain offers a significant advantage for businesses entering the Turkish market. As Turkey’s official country code domain, it instantly connects your website with the country, enhancing trust and credibility among local customers. This digital association acts as a strong signal of your focus on Turkey.

• Additionally, a .tr domain is widely recognized and trusted in Turkey, which can boost your website's credibility. With many unique domain names still available, you can secure a memorable and distinctive web address.

• From an SEO standpoint, a .tr domain can improve your visibility in Turkey-specific search results, driving targeted traffic to your site. Search engines often favor local , Turkish domain extensions, making it easier for Turkish consumers to find you online.

Affordable and often available, a .tr domain is an appealing choice for businesses looking to enhance their presence and give them a competitive edge in Turkey’s digital market.

Unprecedented Spike in Registrations

We can also see the direct impact of the recent changes from the graph below showing a major spike in the number of registrations for the .tr domain since 2023.



Figure 1. Graph showing the number of registrations for the .tr domain, including all extensions. Source: Trabis.gov.tr.
 
The .tr structure already makes up 9% of registrations, or 107,294 of a total of 1.192.159.
 

Figure 2. Chart showing the percentage of registrations for each extension. Source: Trabis.gov.tr-



Figure 3. Breakdown of .tr domain registrations by extension including the new .tr structure. Source: Trabis.gov.tr.

How to Register a .TR Domain: No Requirements, Just Opportunities

Registering a .tr domain is now easier than ever. The registration process for .tr domains has transitioned to a fully open, first-come, first-served model. This means that anyone interested in securing a .tr domain can now register it without any special requirements or documentation.

This simplifies the process significantly, allowing businesses and individuals to quickly establish their presence in Turkey’s digital space.

1. Domain Search: Conduct a search for your desired domain to explore available options.

2. Choose an Accredited Registrar: Select a suitable registrar to register your .tr domain. You can register from between 1 and 10 years. There is no specific procedure related to domain name registrations for namespaces such as .tr,  .com.tr or .org.tr,  which are allocated on a "first come, first served" basis.

3. Complete Registration and Payment: Complete the registration process by paying the associated fee. Once approved, your domain will be active and ready for use.

Success Stories: Brands Using .TR Domain

Many brands have opted for Turkey's .tr domain, illustrating how trusted and essential it is across various sectors, although many have yet to fully adopted the top level .tr structure.

Turkiye.gov.tr leads in traffic for government services, while google.com.tr caters to localized searches.

Major news sites such as hurriyet.com.tr, sozcu.com.tr, and milliyet.com.tr dominate mobile traffic, despite recent declines. 

Amazon.com.tr shows strong growth in Turkey's e-commerce market, and specilized platforms like transfermakt.com.tr and ntv.com.tr continue to perform well, hihlighting the .tr domain's importance in delivering localized content. 

 

Figure 4. Table showing the most visited .tr sites in Turkey Source: Semrush 2024.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the relaunch of the .tr domain marks a significant shift in Turkey’s online market, making it more accessible for businesses worldwide. With streamlined registration processes and the removal of documentation requirements, securing a .tr domain is now easier than ever, opening doors to one of the fastest-growing digital markets.

Whether you're a global brand aiming to expand in Turkey or a local business enhancing your online presence, the .tr domain offers a unique opportunity to build credibility, increase visibility, and connect with Turkish consumers in a meaningful way.