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Self-host GitLab

License
MIT (open core)
GitHub stars
24,552, as of 8 Nov 2026
Latest release
Not stated
Host needs
8 vCPU, 16 GB
Install method
Linux package; Docker Compose
One-click template
None listed
  • License: MIT (outside ee/ and jh/) (Forkshelf licence override, marked open core). The LICENSE file says content outside those directories "is available under the "MIT Expat" license". The GitHub API reports NOASSERTION.
  • Last commit: 23 Oct 2026 17:08 SGT, as of 8 Nov 2026. The repository is not archived.
  • Edition: this guide covers the open source Community Edition (CE). The Docker guide says "To install the Community Edition, replace ee with ce ."
  • Latest release, as of 28 Oct 2026: v19.5.1, committed 21 Oct 2026 07:03 SGT, read from the tags on the GitHub mirror.

Requirements

For a single node, "8 vCPU is the baseline" and "16 GB is the baseline".
A memory constrained setup "can run with at least 8 GB of memory".
Disk depends on the role. Application nodes need 40 GB and the PostgreSQL database 5 to 12 GB. Gitaly needs "At least as much as all repositories combined".

Install methods

The official methods are the Linux package, the Helm chart, the GitLab Operator, Docker and a self compiled install.
The Linux package "has GitLab and dependent components, including PostgreSQL, Redis, and Sidekiq."
For Docker, use the gitlab/gitlab-ce image to get the CE build.

Hosting options

The official cloud provider guide says "You can install GitLab on several cloud providers." It covers AWS, Google Cloud Platform and Azure.

Backups and updates

The official backup and restore guide "applies to GitLab Community and Enterprise Edition."
For updates, see the official upgrade guide.

Alternatives

GitLab is listed with other open source alternatives to GitHub.

Gitea is a lighter Git host that lists "Low RAM/ CPU usage". See Gitea vs GitLab.

Sources (fetched 28 Oct 2026 unless a date is given)