More .nl Domains in the First Half of 2026

Good news from the Dutch internet scene! The latest figures from SIDN (the foundation behind the .nl domain) show that the number of .nl domain names rose sharply in the first half of 2026. After several challenging years, the decline has finally been reversed. By mid-June, the number had already reached no fewer than 6.13 million registered .nl domains.

At MijnHostingPartner.nl, we’re feeling this positive momentum. More and more startups, freelancers, and creative projects are finding their way onto the internet. But what exactly is driving this growth, and what does it mean for your own online plans? We’ve compiled the key insights for you.

The Numbers at a Glance: More Registrations, Fewer Deletions

While we were still grappling with a slight decline in domain registrations nationwide in 2024 and 2025, 2026 shows a significant recovery:

More than 6.129 million .nl domain names: On January 1 of this year, the number stood at 6.059 million; by mid-June, this figure had risen to 6.129 million.
More new registrations: The number of new domain registrations rose from 12% to 14.5% compared to the previous year.
Fewer cancellations: Businesses are retaining their existing domain names more quickly. The percentage of cancellations fell from 16.5% to 13.5%.

These figures show that confidence in the Dutch online market is recovering significantly.

The Precursor to the Chamber of Commerce: Why You Register a Domain Name First

A striking finding from the SIDN study is the correlation with figures from the Chamber of Commerce (KvK). Domain registrations often take place 3 to 6 months before official registration with the KvK.

As soon as people have a good idea for a new business, an online store, or a project, securing the domain name is the very first step. The number of new business founders is growing again, and this is directly reflected in the inquiries received by MijnHostingPartner.nl!

The Role of AI and Digital Opportunities

Technology also plays a major role in accelerating this trend. Thanks to the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI), creating a website or developing a business concept is more accessible than ever. AI helps generate domain name ideas, write content, and build the initial draft of your website. In addition—as we’re seeing more and more often as a hosting provider—AI helps manage all the associated steps. This includes, for example, troubleshooting website issues or error messages.

Whereas it used to take weeks to get a first version online, today you can create a professional landing page in just one afternoon.

3 Tips for Launching a New Idea or Business

In a market where more than 6.1 million .nl domain names are registered, there’s a good chance that popular names will be snapped up quickly. Do you want to make the most of the economic upswing? Then keep the following in mind:

1. Secure your domain name right away

Do you have a company or project name in mind? Don’t wait until you’re registered with the Chamber of Commerce. Secure your .nl domain right away for just a few euros a year. This way, you’ll prevent someone else from snatching your name away.

2. Think about your business email address and your online presence

A free Gmail or Hotmail address won’t give a professional impression. With your own domain name, you can easily set up business email addresses (such as info@jouwdomein.nl), which immediately builds trust with your customers.

3. Choose fast and reliable Dutch hosting

A fast website is essential for both your visitors and your visibility on Google. Choose SSD web hosting with high availability and a knowledgeable help desk.

Ready to get started with MijnHostingPartner.nl?

Whether you’re an experienced entrepreneur, launching a new online store, or simply want to put your portfolio online: At MijnHostingPartner.nl, we’re here to help.

On our website, you can check in just one second whether your desired .nl domain name is still available. Combine this with our lightning-fast and affordable Linux hosting packages, and your idea will be online in no time!