A GitLab alternative
without the complexity.
The Git workflow you need. None of the platform bloat. Hosted in the EU.
GitLab grew from a Git host into an all-in-one DevOps suite — with the resource requirements and price tag to match. gitbuild.dev is a GitLab alternative for teams who just want fast, private, EU-hosted Git with issues and pull requests, powered by open-source Forgejo.
Side by side
The differences that matter when you choose a home for your code.
| gitbuild.dev | GitLab | |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting jurisdiction | European Union only | United States (GitLab Inc.) |
| AI training on your code | Never — contractual and technical prohibition | GitLab Duo AI features process your code |
| GDPR & data protection | Native — EU law applies directly, DPA included | Via US-EU Data Privacy Framework |
| Platform source code | Fully open source (Forgejo) | Open core — key features proprietary |
| Self-hosting burden | None — fully managed | CE self-host: heavy (4+ GB RAM), frequent upgrades |
| CI | Forgejo Actions | GitLab CI |
| Complexity | Git, issues, PRs — that's the product | Full DevOps suite: registry, security scanning, epic planning… |
Why developers switch
Three reasons teams move their repositories to gitbuild.dev.
Simple on purpose
No 500-feature navigation, no Kubernetes integration you never asked for. Repositories, issues, pull requests, CI — fast and done.
Managed, not self-hosted
Running GitLab CE yourself means upgrades, backups, and a hungry server. On gitbuild.dev, someone else does that — on EU infrastructure.
No AI features trained on your work
GitLab Duo processes your code for AI assistance. gitbuild.dev has a contractual and technical prohibition on using your code for any AI training.
How to migrate from GitLab
Same Git protocol. Forgejo even imports directly from GitLab.
$ git remote set-url origin https://git.gitbuild.dev/you/your-app.git
$ git push -u origin main
# Done. Issues and PRs: use Forgejo's built-in migration.
$ _1. Create your account
Sign up and verify your email — a Forgejo workspace is provisioned automatically.
2. Move your code
Change your remote and push, or use Forgejo's built-in migration tool to import a repository straight from GitLab.
3. Bring your history
Issues, merge requests, and milestones can be imported with Forgejo's migration tools. Full Git history comes along either way.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about switching from GitLab to gitbuild.dev.
Is gitbuild.dev a full GitLab alternative?
If you use GitLab for Git hosting, issues, merge requests, and CI — yes, with Forgejo Actions covering common CI needs. If you depend on GitLab's broader DevOps suite (security scanning, container registry, epic planning), gitbuild.dev deliberately does not replicate that; it is Git hosting done well, not an everything platform.
Can I migrate my repositories from GitLab?
Yes. Change your Git remote URL and push, or use Forgejo's built-in migration tool to import directly from GitLab — issues, merge requests, and milestones included.
Why not just self-host GitLab CE?
You can — it is real open source. But it needs a serious server (4+ GB RAM minimum), regular upgrades, and your own backups and email setup. gitbuild.dev gives you a fully open-source platform (Forgejo) that is far lighter, already managed, and hosted in the EU.
Is my code used to train AI models?
Never. Your source code is not used for LLM training, model ingestion, or any form of automated analysis beyond what is required to operate the service. This prohibition is contractual and technical — we have no data-sharing relationships with AI companies.
Git hosting, minus the platform.
Create your account in seconds. A Forgejo workspace is provisioned automatically when you verify your email.
Start Building