Import project from repository by URL

You can import your existing repositories by providing the Git URL. You can’t import GitLab issues and merge requests this way. Other methods provide more complete import methods.

If the repository is too large, the import might time out.

You can import your Git repository by:

• Using the UI
• Using the API

Prerequisites

• Repository by URL import source must be enabled. If not enabled, ask your GitLab administrator to enable it. The Repository by URL import source is enabled by default on GitLab.com.
• At least the Maintainer role on the destination group to import to.
• If importing a private repository, an access token for authenticated access to the source repository might be required instead of a password.

Import a project by using the UI

1. On the left sidebar, at the top, select Create new ( ) and New project/repository.
2. Select Import project.
3. Select Repository by URL.
4. Enter a Git repository URL.
5. Complete the remaining fields. A username and password (or access token) is required for imports from private repositories.
6. Select Create project.

Your newly created project is displayed.

Import a timed-out project

Imports of large repositories might time out after three hours. To import a timed-out project:

1. Clone the repository.

   git clone --mirror https://example.com/group/project.git

   The --mirror option ensures all branches, tags, and refs are copied.

2. Add the new remote repository.

   cd repository.git
   git remote add new-origin https://gitlab.com/group/project.git

3. Push everything to the new remote repository.

   git push --mirror new-origin

Import a project by using the API

You can use the Projects API to import a Git repository:

curl --location "https://gitlab.example.com/api/v4/projects/" \
--header 'Content-Type: application/json' \
--header 'Authorization: Bearer <your-token>' \
--data-raw '{
    "description": "New project description",
    "path": "new_project_path",
    "import_url": "https://username:password@example.com/group/project.git"
}'

Some providers do not allow a password and instead require an access token.