About

GitLab exists today in large part thanks to the work of hundreds of thousands of open source contributors around the world. To give back to this community, the GitLab for Open Source program was created to help open source teams be more efficient, secure, and productive by allowing them to use GitLab's top tier capabilities.

All public projects on GitLab.com automatically receive top tier functionality at the project level. Apply to this program if you need top tier functionality at the group level or if your open source project will need the additional CI minutes that come with this program.

A few things to keep in mind as you apply:

  • Free top tier accounts do not include support. However, you can purchase support for 95% off, at $4.95 per user per month.
  • Your program membership needs to be renewed annually. If you do not renew, your account will be downgraded.

    GitLab for Open Source Agreement

    Program Benefits

    • Unlimited seats per license of our top-tier functionality (SaaS or self-managed). The number of seats is the number of different users that will use this license during the next year. For more information, see the FAQ below.
    • The number of seats and type of license (Saas or self-managed) can be changed at the time of renewal or upon request.
    • 50k CI runner minutes are included with the subscription. (Additional minutes must be purchased).

      If you have any additional questions regarding this program, feel free to reach us at opensource@gitlab.com.

      Requirements

      In order to be accepted into the GitLab for Open Source Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

      If you believe your project meets all program requirements, we welcome your application!

      Note: Unfortunately, we are not able to accept all open source projects that are affiliated with the US Federal government. If you are affiliated, please let us know and we will work with you to see if your project qualifies.

      Application

      We are working on automating the application process in order to provide our community with the best experience possible. If you experience any trouble submitting a new application, or want to submit feedback, please email opensource@gitlab.com.

      Application process

        Before you begin:

      • Set up a GitLab account. You'll need to have a GitLab group already set up for your open source project or organization via a Free account or Free Trial. For help setting up a GitLab group, please see the relevant FAQ below. If you are considering a migration, you do not need to have finished the migration before applying to our program. You will need at least one project (repo) set up under your GitLab group to comply with our requirements.
      • Take screenshots. During the application process, you'll need to provide 3 screenshots of your project. We suggest taking them in advance, since you'll need to submit them on page two of the application form.

        • Once you're ready to apply:

      • Fill out the form. Submit the application form on the right side of this page to help us verify that you meet all program requirements.
      • Wait time. Gitlab uses SheerID, a trusted partner, to verify that you meet the GitLab for Open Source requirements. In most cases, you can expect a decision about your application within 10 business days. You may be asked to provide additional information.

      What to expect

      After you complete the application form, if you are verifed, we'll work with you to grant your license. Here's how:

      • Coupon code. You will recieve an email with instructions and a one time unique coupon code.
      • Terms and Conditions. Once you fill out the licensing form, you will then recieve a zero dollar quote with our terms and conditions for signature.
      • Customer Portal. Directions for accessing your GitLab for Open Source license will be sent after the signed quote is accepted. The license key (self-managed) or group authentication (SaaS) will require you to log in to the GitLab Customer Portal.

      Renewal

      We are currently automating the application process in order to provide our community with the best experience possible. As we roll out the automation project in phases, a few extra steps are required and you may experience delays. We appreciate your patience during this transition. To help us prioritize, please let us know if your request is urgent by including "Urgent: [your request]" in the subject line of any email to opensource@gitlab.com.

      Email a renewal request

      You will need to email us annually to renew your membership.

      Please begin the renewal process at least one month in advance to ensure sufficient processing time. You will receive email reminders to do so and can renew as early as three months in advance of your membership's expiration.

      To renew, please send an email to opensource@gitlab.com with the following information (copy and paste):

      Subject: Renewal Request | Date of Expiration (MM/YYYY)

      
To help us find your account:

    • Name of your organization or project
      • 

    • Email associated with this account
      • 
To help us make sure you still qualify:

    • Link to your publicly visible GitLab instance
      • 

    • Link to one of your OSI-compliant licenses
      • 

    • Written acceptance of this statement (Include this sentence in your request): `I confirm that my organization does not seek to make a profit from this OSS project`
      • 
To help us plan for next year:

    • Number of seats you are renewing.
      • 

    • Any change of ownership to the account.
      • 

    • If the ownership needs to change, please send the new account holder's name, email address, and contact's mailing address.

      • Our program requirements may change from time to time, and we'll need to make sure that you continue to meet them year after year. If you do not qualify upon renewal, we'll work with you to make any needed transition as smooth as possible.

      If you do not renew your membership for any reason, your account will be downgraded.

      What to expect

      If your renewal request is accepted, you'll be asked to sign a zero dollar renewal quote. After that, here's what to expect for each type of renewal:

      • Saas renewals: No further action is necessary after your renewal is fully processed. Your account will automatically renew.
      • Self-managed renewals: You'll need to download your license from the GitLab Customer Portal and upload it to your instance.

      Frequently Asked Questions