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Migrate a code repository out of RenkuLab GitLab

This guide will walk you through migrating a code repository from the RenkuLab GitLab to a provider such as GitHub.com or GitLab.com.

danger

DATA REMOVAL DEADLINE - JANUARY 2026

The RenkuLab GitLab (gitlab.renkulab.io) will soon be shut down. All code repositories remaining there will be removed. Follow the migration instructions below before January 2026 to save your work.

Bring your RenkuLab GitLab project to the public GitLab instance with the import feature.

1. Move a code repository to an external provider​

  1. Clone your repository from the RenkuLab GitLab to your local machine

    git clone <renku-repo>

  2. Create a new empty repository in your chosen provider (for example GitLab.com or GitHub.com)

  3. Copy the clone URL for the new repository. We'll call this URL <new-remote>.

  4. Run the following commands from inside the repository to push the repository to the new git repository provider. You may want to name your new git origin (<new-origin>) to match the provider, for example github.

    cd <renku-repo>
    git remote add <new-origin> <new-remote>
    git push --all <new-origin>

  5. Important - The next time you push: Set your git push to push to the new origin (git provider):

    git push -u <new-origin> <current-branch>

Here's a full, real-ish example (with identifiers removed 😉):

# STEP 1
git clone https://gitlab.renkulab.io/my.username/example-repo.git

# STEP 2
# Create new GitHub repo at
# https://github.com/my.username/example-repo

# STEP 4
cd example-repo
git remote add github git@github.com:my.username/example-repo.git
git push --all github

# STEP 5
# make some code changes...
git push -u github master

tip

Does your new git provider not support git LFS data? For a short term workaround, run the following command to push your code while ignoring the git LFS data: git push --no-verify.

In the long term, we recommend that you move your git LFS data to a cloud storage that you can connect to your Renku 2.0 project. Feel free to get in touch with us if you need help.

2. Update your Renku project code connection​

Don't forget to update your Renku 2.0 project with the new git repository URL!

  1. Copy the clone URL of your new repository.
  2. On the code repository in your Renku project, click 'Edit' and replace the old URL with the new one.

3. Register a redirect (optional)​

Would you like links to your original gitlab.renkulab.io code repository to automatically redirect to your new repository? Register the new home of your code repository and we'll make it happen!