Self-hosting n8n: licence, server, security and maintenance for small businesses
n8n is an automation platform you can run on your own servers. Data stays under your control and there are no per-execution fees. In return you take on operations, security and updates. This article shows what to consider when self-hosting and when the cloud version makes more sense.
What the licence allows
n8n is published under the Sustainable Use License. It allows using and modifying the software for your own internal business purposes or non-commercially. Offering n8n to others as a paid service is not allowed. For automation within your own company, self-hosting is therefore free; certain enterprise features such as advanced permission management require a paid licence.
Server and setup
A solid basic setup includes:
- A virtual server with an EU provider is enough for most small businesses.
- Run it with Docker and a database such as PostgreSQL instead of the default file when many workflows run.
- Its own subdomain with HTTPS via a reverse proxy.
- Keep the encryption key for stored credentials safe; without it, credentials are unusable after a move.
Security and data protection
n8n holds credentials for CRM, email, accounting and more. Protect the interface with strong passwords and a second factor, restrict access, keep n8n and the server up to date, and expose webhooks only as far as necessary. You need a data processing agreement with the host for the server; the workflows themselves belong in your record of processing activities if they process personal data.
Maintenance or cloud?
Self-hosting means regular updates, backups of database and key, and monitoring for failed workflows. If you can't do that internally, n8n Cloud or a support contract is the better route. We set up n8n on your server, build the first workflows and take over maintenance on request; setup starts at €600.
Frequently asked questions
- Is self-hosted n8n free?
- For internal business purposes, yes; you only pay for the server. Certain enterprise features require a paid licence.
- May an agency run n8n for me?
- A provider may set up and maintain n8n for your internal purposes, for example on your server. Selling n8n as its own paid product to many customers is not allowed. If in doubt, check the licence terms.
- What happens if the server goes down?
- Scheduled workflows don't run and webhooks go nowhere. That's why monitoring, backups and a restore plan are part of it.
Sources
Tell us the workflows you want to automate and whether you have your own server. We recommend self-hosting or cloud and estimate the effort.
Request an n8n setup