Self-Hosting Tolgee
Self-hosting Tolgee for free
Tolgee is open-source. You can run it on your own infrastructure for free. The free version includes core localization features and machine translation via your own API keys.
What is not included in the free version:
Advanced features. Things like SSO, granular permissions, and other advanced features require a license.
Professional translations. Ordering professional translations via Tolgee is not available on any self-hosted plan. Partner agencies require direct access to your Tolgee instance, which is not possible on self-hosted. This service is only available on Tolgee Cloud.
Support. The free version is provided as-is. For help, check our documentation at docs.tolgee.io or GitHub Discussions.
The free version supports up to 10 seats. If you need more, you will need a licensed plan. You cannot add individual seats to the free version.
This option works well for teams that have the infrastructure expertise to manage it themselves and do not need support. For everything else, Tolgee Cloud or a licensed plan is the better fit.
License
Tolgee is built on an open-core model. The core of the platform is licensed under the Apache License 2.0. Advanced features (located in the ee/ and webapp/src/ee directories) are covered by the Tolgee Enterprise Edition (EE) License.
You can run the official Tolgee binaries for free. Advanced features are included in the build but remain inactive by default. Some of these features are not available in the open-source core but are included in the official binaries. You can unlock them at any time with a license key.
Alternatively, you can remove the ee/ directories entirely to run a fully open-source version of Tolgee under Apache 2.0. Note that if you do this, you will need to build your own binaries from source. This version can be modified and used for commercial purposes under the terms of the Apache 2.0 license.
Frequently asked questions
What are the limits of the free self-hosted version?
The free version includes unlimited translation keys and up to 10 seats. Advanced features and support are not included. If you need more than 10 seats, you will need a licensed plan. You cannot add individual seats to the free version.
Is self-hosting free?
Yes, you can run Tolgee on your own infrastructure for free with core features. No support is provided for the free version.
Is there a trial for self-hosted?
There is no trial for the self-hosted version. To try Tolgee on Cloud, contact us at sales@tolgee.io and we will set up a 14-day trial for you.
Is the free self-hosted version the same as the cloud free tier?
No. There are three different things:
Cloud plans hosted by Tolgee, includes full support and advanced features depending on your plan.
Self-hosted free version you run it yourself, includes core features plus some non-open-source advanced features from the official binaries, no support, up to 10 seats.
Community edition fully open-source, Apache 2.0 only. Requires removing the ee/ directories from source and building your own binaries. No advanced (EE) features.
Is the pricing different for self-hosted vs cloud?
Cloud pricing is published on our pricing page at tolgee.io/pricing. Licensed self-hosted plans are tailored to your needs and based on both keys and seats. Contact us at sales@tolgee.io to discuss.
How does AI and machine translation work on self-hosted?
On the free version, you bring your own API keys for all MT providers (DeepL, Google Translate, OpenAI, etc.). On a licensed plan, the Tolgee AI translator can go through Tolgee Cloud with no setup needed — you just pay per credit. For other MT providers, you still need your own API keys. You can also bring your own API keys for LLMs like ChatGPT, Claude, or others.
Is support for self-hosted the same as cloud?
No. Licensed plans include support via email or Slack, including a dedicated Slack channel for larger teams. However, it is more limited than cloud because we cannot access or manage your servers directly. For the best possible support, we recommend Tolgee Cloud.
Is self-hosting going away?
No. Tolgee is open-source and on-premises deployment is a core part of what we offer, especially for teams with data residency or security requirements. We actively maintain and develop the self-hosted version alongside our cloud product.
Why would I choose cloud over self-hosting?
Zero maintenance, faster support, and automatic updates. Unless you have a specific requirement to keep data on your own servers, Tolgee Cloud is the easier and better-supported option.
Can I upgrade from the free version to a licensed plan without losing data?
Yes. You can start on the free version and upgrade at any time by applying a license key to your existing instance. Your data stays intact.
Are all Tolgee Cloud features available on self-hosted?
Almost. The one exception is professional translations by partner agencies — agencies cannot access your self-hosted instance, so this service is only available on Tolgee Cloud. Everything else is available on licensed self-hosted plans.
How do I get a licensed self-hosted plan?
Contact us at sales@tolgee.io. We will discuss your needs and set up a custom plan for you in Tolgee Cloud. Once you purchase the plan, you can get your license key the same day. To activate it on your self-hosted instance, follow the licensing docs.