Published: 17.10.2026
The .tm extension is the country-code domain of Turkmenistan, a Central Asian country that borders the Caspian Sea, with its capital in Ashgabat. Companies and organisations that work with partners in the country can use it to show a local link. Because the two letters match the trademark sign TM, the choice deserves a little extra thought. Use the availability form under this paragraph to see whether your name in .tm is still available.
Check if a .tm domain is available .tm Check
A short history
Turkmenistan has its own national code, and the zone has been used by government offices, universities and a growing number of commercial users. Much of the country is covered by the Karakum desert. The letters TM also appear on packaging and product names as a trademark mark, so some people may read the ending differently from a country code. That is worth knowing when you choose a name.
Who runs it
A national registry runs the .tm zone. It keeps the database of names and publishes the conditions for holders, while accredited registrars take orders from customers and pass them on. Conditions can change, so the registry's current terms are the reference for eligibility, contact details and renewal. Read them directly rather than relying on older guides.
Rules in practice
- Holder conditions: the registry may set rules on who can register a name and on how contact data is handled, so read them first.
- Contact details: holder information must be accurate, and it may be checked when the registrar asks for it.
- Characters: names use letters, digits and hyphens, within the length limits that apply to the zone.
- Renewal: keep the expiry date under control, because a lapsed name can be released to others.
Who uses .tm
- Trading and logistics firms whose work connects them with partners in Central Asia.
- Hotels, travel agents and cultural organisations that serve visitors to the country.
- Local shops, media outlets and service providers that address a Turkmen audience.
- Foreign companies that need a clear regional presence for a project in the country.
Strengths
- The short ending links a website clearly to Turkmenistan, which helps visitors who look for local businesses.
- Two letters are easy to type and easy to print on a van, a card or a sign.
- A country-code name can serve as one geographic signal for search engines, alongside the content of the site.
Things to keep in mind
- The letters match the trademark sign TM, so some visitors may read the name as a brand claim.
- A domain name does not give trademark protection. Trademark rights come from a registration in the relevant trademark register, so check those separately.
- The zone points to one country, so a business with customers across the world may also need a generic address.
- Conditions for holders can differ from those of common generic zones, so read them carefully.
Tips before you register
- Check whether the same name is available in .com and in the trade directories you use.
- Use the official company name and address exactly as they appear in your registration papers.
- Publish the site in Turkmen and Russian if your audience reads both, and add English for international partners.
- Add SPF, DKIM and DMARC records before the domain sends invoices or newsletters.
- Choose a registrar that offers two-factor login, and keep the recovery details current.
Frequently asked questions
Does a .tm name give me trademark rights? No. A domain name does not create trademark protection, which comes from a registration in the relevant register.
Do I have to be based in Turkmenistan to register .tm? Conditions may apply to holders, so check the current terms at the time of the order before you commit.
Does .tm help a site appear in local search? It may act as one geographic hint. Clear content in the right language and a trustworthy site matter more.
