Self-host Zulip

License: Apache-2.0
GitHub stars: 26,189, as of 8 Nov 2026
Latest release: 12.4, as of 8 Nov 2026
Host needs: 1 CPU, 2 GB RAM plus 2 GB swap; 2 CPUs, 4 GB RAM for 100+ users; 10 GB disk
Install method: Ubuntu or Debian installer; Docker
One-click template: None listed

Zulip is open source team chat organised into topics, and you can host it yourself.

Last commit: 6 Nov 2026 23:45 SGT, as of 8 Nov 2026. The repository is not archived.

Requirements

"For installations with 100+ users you'll need a minimum of 2 CPUs and 4 GB RAM. For installations with fewer users, 1 CPU and 2 GB RAM with 2 GB of swap is sufficient."
"You'll need at least 10 GB of dedicated free disk space for a server with dozens of users."
Supported systems are Ubuntu 22.04, 24.04 and 26.04, and Debian 12 and 13, on x86-64 or aarch64.

Install methods

The Zulip installer on a supported Ubuntu or Debian server.
The official Docker image, which its README calls "the official Docker container image for running a Zulip server in production."

Hosting options

Zulip's install page lists its Docker image, a preconfigured DigitalOcean droplet, and Zulip Cloud hosting.

Backups and updates

Zulip publishes a backup tool "designed for exact restoration of a Zulip server's state".
Upgrades run with the upgrade-zulip script described in the official upgrade guide.

Alternatives

See self-host Mattermost and Mattermost vs Zulip.