Transfer Timeline and Approval Process

Understanding the timeline and approval process for inter-RIR transfers is essential for planning your IPv4 acquisition strategy. Transfer durations vary significantly based on which RIRs are involved, documentation completeness, and whether you've taken advantage of pre-approval options. This guide provides realistic timeline expectations and strategies to optimize your transfer process.

Timeline Overview by RIR Combination

Inter-RIR transfer timelines range from 4 weeks to 10 months depending on the registries involved and various other factors.

Fast Processing Combinations (4-6 Weeks)

RIPE ↔ ARIN:

• Typical duration: 4-6 weeks
• Well-established procedures
• Pre-approval available at ARIN
• Efficient coordination between RIRs
• High volume of transfers = streamlined processes

RIPE ↔ APNIC:

• Typical duration: 4-6 weeks
• Mature inter-RIR relationship
• Regular coordination channels
• Efficient documentation processing
• Similar policy frameworks

ARIN ↔ APNIC:

• Typical duration: 4-6 weeks
• Compatible needs-based policies
• Established transfer procedures
• Good inter-RIR communication
• Time zone differences managed well

Moderate Processing (6-10 Weeks)

RIPE ↔ LACNIC:

• Typical duration: 6-8 weeks
• LACNIC requires more detailed justification
• Additional documentation review
• Language considerations (Spanish/Portuguese)
• Less frequent transfers = longer processing

ARIN ↔ LACNIC:

• Typical duration: 6-8 weeks
• Coordination between distant time zones
• LACNIC's detailed policy requirements
• More stringent needs assessment
• Potential translation needs

APNIC ↔ LACNIC:

• Typical duration: 8-10 weeks
• Less common transfer route
• Maximum time zone difference
• Coordination challenges
• Additional policy verification

Extended Processing (2-10 Months)

LACNIC as primary registry: When LACNIC is heavily involved (especially as recipient), timelines can extend significantly:

• Minimum: 2 months
• Maximum: 10 months
• Average: 3-5 months

Factors causing LACNIC delays:

• More rigorous needs assessment
• Extensive documentation requirements
• Translation needs (English ↔ Spanish/Portuguese)
• Smaller staff for inter-RIR processing
• Less automation in processes
• NAT deployment verification historically required

For comprehensive information about the overall inter-RIR transfer process, see our Inter-RIR Transfer Process Explained guide.

Detailed Timeline Breakdown by Phase

Understanding each phase helps set realistic expectations and identify optimization opportunities.

Phase 1: Pre-Transfer Preparation (1-4 Weeks)

Account and membership setup:

• ARIN account creation: 1-3 days
• RIPE LIR application: 1-2 weeks
• APNIC membership: 1-2 weeks
• LACNIC membership: 2-4 weeks
• Sponsoring LIR setup: 3-5 days

Pre-approval (optional but recommended):

• ARIN pre-approval: 1-2 weeks
• Valid for 24 months
• Significantly speeds up actual transfer
• Allows certainty before purchasing

Documentation preparation:

• Gathering company documents: 3-7 days
• Obtaining certified translations (LACNIC): 1-2 weeks
• Notarization (ARIN transfers): 1-3 days
• Network plan development: 1-2 weeks
• Legal review of agreements: 3-10 days

Resource identification and due diligence:

• Finding suitable resources: Variable (days to months)
• WHOIS verification: Immediate
• Reputation checking: 1-2 days
• Negotiation: 1-2 weeks
• Agreement execution: 3-7 days

Optimization strategies:

• Complete ARIN pre-approval before searching for resources
• Establish RIR accounts early
• Prepare documentation templates
• Use sponsoring LIR to bypass membership delays
• Work with brokers to accelerate resource identification

Phase 2: Source RIR Processing (1-2 Weeks)

Request submission:

• Submitting request: Same day
• Payment processing: Immediate to 1 day
• Initial acknowledgment: 1-3 business days

Source RIR review:

• RIPE review: 5-10 business days
• ARIN review: 5-10 business days
• APNIC review: 5-10 business days
• LACNIC review: 10-15 business days

What source RIRs verify:

• Registered holder status
• Hold period requirements met
• Current with obligations/fees
• Documentation completeness
• No disputes or liens
• Proper authorization

Common delays at this phase:

• Incorrect or incomplete documentation: +1-2 weeks
• Hold period not yet met: Must wait (weeks to months)
• Missing notarization: +3-5 days
• Unclear authorization: +1 week
• Outstanding fees or obligations: Variable

Optimization strategies:

• Verify hold periods before initiating
• Use RIR-provided templates
• Submit complete documentation upfront
• Ensure current with all RIR obligations
• Double-check authorization requirements

Phase 3: Inter-RIR Coordination (3-7 Days)

RIR-to-RIR communication:

• Source RIR contacts destination RIR: 1-2 days
• Information exchange: 1-3 days
• Policy compatibility verification: 1-2 days

What RIRs coordinate:

• Transfer details and documentation
• Policy compatibility confirmation
• Needs assessment requirements
• Timing for execution
• Database update procedures

Typical timeline:

• Fast combinations (RIPE/ARIN/APNIC): 3-5 days
• LACNIC involved: 5-7 days
• First-time transfers between specific RIRs: +2-3 days

Factors affecting coordination:

• Time zone differences
• RIR staff availability
• Holiday schedules
• Communication clarity
• Transfer complexity

Optimization: Limited optimization available as this is primarily RIR-controlled, but complete documentation helps.

Phase 4: Destination RIR Processing (1-4 Weeks)

Recipient documentation submission:

• Submitting to destination RIR: Same day
• Acknowledgment: 1-3 business days

Needs assessment review:

• ARIN (24-month): 1-2 weeks (or use pre-approval)
• RIPE (50% over 5 years): 1-2 weeks
• APNIC (24-month): 1-2 weeks
• LACNIC (detailed): 2-4 weeks

What destination RIRs evaluate:

• Regional presence verification
• Needs justification adequacy
• Documentation completeness
• Policy compliance
• Organization legitimacy
• Technical capability

Timeline with pre-approval:

• ARIN with pre-approval: 3-5 days
• Verification of existing approval: Minimal review
• Confirm within approved amounts: Quick processing

Timeline without pre-approval:

• Full needs assessment required
• Detailed documentation review
• Potential for additional information requests
• Add 1-3 weeks to timeline

Common delays:

• Insufficient needs justification: +1-3 weeks
• Inadequate regional presence proof: +1-2 weeks
• Missing documentation: +1 week per round
• First-time applicant: +1 week
• Complex organization structure: +1-2 weeks
• Translation requirements: +1-2 weeks

Optimization strategies:

• Use pre-approval when available
• Provide comprehensive justification upfront
• Include multiple forms of regional presence proof
• Submit all documents simultaneously
• Use professional services for first transfers
• Prepare for common RIR questions

Phase 5: Final Approval and Execution (3-7 Days)

Bilateral approval:

• Both RIRs confirm readiness: 1-2 days
• Final coordination: 1-2 days

Administrative completion:

• Signing agreements (ARIN RSA): 1 day
• Payment processing: 1 day
• Pre-execution verification: 1 day

Transfer execution:

• Database updates: Same day
• WHOIS synchronization: Same day
• Routing database updates: Same day
• Confirmation notices: 1-2 days

Typical execution timeline:

• Coordination to execution: 3-5 days
• Fast-tracked emergencies: 1-2 days (rare)
• Standard processing: 3-7 days

Optimization:

• Complete all payments immediately
• Sign agreements promptly
• Respond quickly to final requests
• Pre-coordinate routing updates

Phase 6: Post-Transfer Actions (1-2 Weeks)

Routing updates:

• BGP configuration changes: Same day to 1 week
• ROA updates: 1-3 days
• Global propagation verification: 1-2 days

Escrow release:

• Buyer verification: 1-2 days
• Escrow agent processing: 1-3 days
• Fund transfer: 1-5 days

Administrative finalization:

• Final documentation: 3-5 days
• Invoice processing: 1 week
• Compliance documentation: Ongoing

Not counted in transfer timeline but important for complete planning.

Approval Process Deep Dive

Understanding what each RIR evaluates helps prepare successful applications.

ARIN Approval Process

Pre-approval option:

• Submit justification before finding resources
• Valid for 24 months
• Approved for specific resource amount
• Can be used for multiple transfers

Standard approval stages:

1. Account verification (1-2 days):

• Confirm ARIN Online account
• Verify organizational details
• Check RSA status

2. Source verification (3-5 days):

• Validate registered holder
• Confirm 12-month hold period
• Check current obligations status

3. Recipient needs assessment (1-2 weeks or pre-approval):

• Review 24-month justification
• Evaluate infrastructure documentation
• Verify regional presence
• Assess utilization plans

4. Policy compliance (2-3 days):

• Confirm source RIR certification
• Verify reciprocal policy compatibility
• Ensure minimum size requirements

5. Final authorization (1-2 days):

• Management approval
• Coordination confirmation
• Execution scheduling

Total ARIN timeline: 2-3 weeks (or 3-5 days with pre-approval)

RIPE Approval Process

No pre-approval available - assessment during transfer process.

Approval stages:

1. LIR verification (1-2 days):

• Confirm LIR membership or sponsoring LIR
• Check account status
• Verify current obligations

2. Source verification (for outbound) (3-5 days):

• Validate registered holder
• Confirm 24-month hold period
• Check for disputes or liens

3. Regional presence verification (for inbound) (3-5 days):

• Confirm active network element in RIPE region
• Verify business registration
• Check operational legitimacy

4. Needs assessment (for inbound from needs-based RIR) (1-2 weeks):

• Review 50% over 5-year plan
• Evaluate business case plausibility
• Assess supporting documentation

5. Documentation review (2-3 days):

• Company registration papers
• Confirmation letters
• Authorization verification

6. Final approval (1-2 days):

• Internal approval process
• Coordination confirmation
• Execution scheduling

Total RIPE timeline: 2-3 weeks

APNIC Approval Process

Approval stages:

1. Account verification (1-2 days):

• Confirm APNIC account/membership
• Verify organizational details
• Check obligations status

2. Source verification (3-5 days):

• Validate registered holder
• Confirm hold period (if applicable)
• Check 103/8 restrictions for sources

3. Recipient needs assessment (1-2 weeks):

• Review 24-month utilization plan
• Evaluate infrastructure documentation
• Verify regional presence
• Check past delegation compliance

4. Documentation review (3-5 days):

• Organization registration
• Authorization letters
• Network documentation

5. Final approval (1-2 days):

• Internal processing
• Coordination confirmation

Total APNIC timeline: 2-3 weeks

LACNIC Approval Process

More rigorous and detailed process:

1. Membership verification (2-3 days):

• Confirm active LACNIC membership
• Verify account status
• Check fee payment

2. Source verification (5-10 days):

• Validate 36-month hold period
• Confirm registered holder
• Check re-transfer restrictions

3. Detailed needs assessment (2-4 weeks):

• Comprehensive justification review
• Infrastructure verification
• Historically: NAT deployment evidence
• Detailed utilization plans
• Regional presence verification

4. Document review (1-2 weeks):

• Company registration verification
• Translation verification if needed
• Authorization confirmation
• Supporting documentation review

5. Additional verification (variable):

• May request site visits
• Additional documentation
• Clarifications on business model

6. Final approval (3-5 days):

• Management approval
• Coordination confirmation

Total LACNIC timeline: 4-8 weeks

Factors That Impact Timeline

Factors That Accelerate Transfers

Pre-approval:

• ARIN pre-approval: -1 to -2 weeks

Complete documentation:

• All documents submitted upfront: -1 to -2 weeks
• Proper formatting and accuracy: -3 to -7 days

Simple organizational structure:

• Single legal entity: Neutral
• Clear authorization chain: -3 to -5 days

Experienced parties:

• Previous successful transfers: -1 week
• Professional broker/consultant involvement: -1 to -2 weeks
• Sponsoring LIR with expertise: -1 week

Good preparation:

• Pre-coordinated routing updates: -3 to -5 days post-transfer
• Escrow already established: -2 to -3 days
• All fees pre-paid or immediately available: -1 to -2 days

Simple transfer:

• Standard IPv4 block (not legacy): Neutral
• Single contiguous block: Neutral
• Clean reputation: Neutral

Responsive parties:

• Quick responses to RIR questions: -1 week per round
• Proactive communication: -3 to -5 days

Factors That Delay Transfers

Documentation issues:

• Incomplete documentation: +1 to -3 weeks
• Incorrect formatting: +3 to -7 days
• Missing notarization: +3 to -5 days
• Outdated company registration: +1 week
• Translation requirements: +1 to -2 weeks

Justification problems:

• Insufficient needs assessment: +1 to -3 weeks
• Weak business case: +1 to -2 weeks
• Unclear utilization plans: +1 week
• First-time applicant: +1 week

Organizational complexity:

• Multiple legal entities: +1 to -2 weeks
• Complex corporate structure: +1 week
• Unclear authorization: +1 to -2 weeks
• Parent/subsidiary issues: +1 to -2 weeks

Hold period issues:

• Hold period not met: Must wait (variable)
• Unclear allocation dates: +1 to -2 weeks investigation

Regional presence questions:

• Inadequate proof: +1 to -2 weeks
• Unclear legitimacy: +1 to -3 weeks
• Questionable operations: +2 to -4 weeks

Legacy resources:

• Complex ownership history: +1 to -3 weeks
• Need to bring under contract: +2 to -4 weeks
• Unclear registration: +2 to -6 weeks

Time-related delays:

• Holiday periods: +3 to -10 days
• Year-end processing: +1 to -2 weeks
• Staff availability: Variable
• Time zone coordination issues: +2 to -5 days

RIR backlogs:

• High transfer volume periods: +1 to -2 weeks
• Staff shortages: Variable
• System maintenance: +1 to -3 days

Timeline Optimization Strategies

Strategy 1: Use Pre-Approval

When available (ARIN):

• Submit pre-approval before resource shopping
• Valid for 24 months
• Saves 1-2 weeks during actual transfer
• Provides certainty

How to optimize:

• Apply with slightly higher amount than expected need
• Renew before expiration if still needed
• Prepare comprehensive documentation first time

Time saved: 1-2 weeks per transfer

Strategy 2: Prepare Complete Documentation Early

Create documentation package:

• Company registration (recent)
• Network diagrams
• Utilization plans
• Authorization letters
• Regional presence proof

Benefits:

• Submit everything immediately
• Reduce back-and-forth
• Show professionalism

Time saved: 1-2 weeks

Strategy 3: Use Sponsoring LIR

For RIPE transfers:

• Bypass 2-4 week LIR application
• Leverage existing relationship
• Expert guidance included

Benefits:

• Immediate processing capability
• Professional documentation preparation
• Reduced error rates

Time saved: 2-4 weeks for first transfer

Strategy 4: Work with Experienced Brokers

Professional services provide:

• Pre-vetted resources
• Documentation templates
• RIR communication expertise
• Timeline management
• Issue troubleshooting

Time saved: 1-3 weeks

Strategy 5: Choose Fast RIR Combinations

If flexibility exists:

• Prefer RIPE/ARIN/APNIC combinations
• Avoid LACNIC if timeline is critical
• Consider resource location vs. timeline trade-off

Time saved: 2-8 weeks (LACNIC vs. others)

Strategy 6: Plan Around RIR Schedules

Avoid slow periods:

• Late December / early January
• Major holiday periods
• Known RIR maintenance windows

Optimize timing:

• Start in early week (Monday-Tuesday)
• Avoid month-end if possible
• Plan for time zones

Time saved: 3-10 days

Strategy 7: Prepare Strong Needs Justification

Development approach:

• Detailed infrastructure documentation
• Specific use cases
• Realistic growth projections
• Supporting business evidence

Benefits:

• Reduce clarification rounds
• Increase approval confidence
• Faster assessment

Time saved: 1-2 weeks

Strategy 8: Maintain Proactive Communication

Communication best practices:

• Respond to RIR requests within 24 hours
• Provide complete answers
• Anticipate follow-up questions
• Maintain contact logs

Time saved: 1 week per round of questions avoided

Real-World Timeline Examples

Example 1: RIPE to ARIN (/22 Transfer) - Optimal

Week 1:

• ARIN pre-approval submitted Monday
• Complete documentation package prepared
• Pre-approval approved Friday

Week 2:

• Resources identified and negotiated
• Purchase agreement signed
• Escrow established

Week 3:

• Seller submits to RIPE Monday
• RIPE reviews and approves Friday
• RIPE contacts ARIN

Week 4:

• Both parties submit ARIN requests Monday
• ARIN verifies pre-approval
• ARIN approves Wednesday
• RIRs coordinate execution Friday

Week 5:

• Transfer executed Monday
• WHOIS updated
• Routing updated Tuesday-Wednesday
• Escrow released Friday

Total: 5 weeks (35 days)

Example 2: ARIN to RIPE (/20 Transfer) - Standard

Week 1-2:

• RIPE LIR application submitted
• Documentation prepared
• Resources identified

Week 3:

• RIPE LIR approved
• 50% utilization plan finalized
• Purchase agreement signed

Week 4:

• Seller submits to ARIN
• ARIN processes and approves
• ARIN contacts RIPE

Week 5-6:

• Submit documentation to RIPE
• RIPE reviews utilization plan
• Request for additional regional presence proof
• Additional documentation submitted

Week 7:

• RIPE approves
• RIRs coordinate execution
• Transfer completed

Total: 7 weeks (49 days)

Example 3: RIPE to LACNIC (/22 Transfer) - Extended

Week 1-4:

• LACNIC membership application
• Document translation
• Membership approved week 4

Week 5:

• Resources identified
• Purchase agreement

Week 6:

• Seller submits to RIPE
• RIPE approves

Week 7-8:

• RIPE contacts LACNIC
• Initial LACNIC review

Week 9-12:

• LACNIC detailed needs assessment
• Multiple rounds of additional documentation
• Infrastructure verification
• NAT deployment evidence

Week 13-14:

• LACNIC approval
• Coordination and execution

Total: 14 weeks (98 days)

Via-Registry Timeline Management

Via-Registry specializes in optimizing inter-RIR transfer timelines:

Pre-transfer acceleration:

• ARIN pre-approval assistance (1-2 weeks vs. no approval)
• RIPE sponsoring LIR (immediate vs. 2-4 week LIR application)
• Documentation preparation (complete packages)

During transfer:

• Expert RIR coordination
• Proactive communication
• Issue anticipation and resolution
• Timeline tracking and updates

Typical Via-Registry timelines:

• RIPE ↔ ARIN: 4-5 weeks
• RIPE ↔ APNIC: 4-6 weeks
• ARIN ↔ APNIC: 5-6 weeks
• Involving LACNIC: 6-10 weeks

Time saved vs. self-managed:

• First-time transfers: 2-4 weeks faster
• Complex transfers: 3-6 weeks faster
• LACNIC transfers: 4-8 weeks faster

Get started with our Inter-RIR Transfer Service to optimize your transfer timeline.

Summary

Inter-RIR transfer timelines vary significantly:

Fast combinations (4-6 weeks):

• RIPE ↔ ARIN
• RIPE ↔ APNIC
• ARIN ↔ APNIC

Moderate combinations (6-10 weeks):

• Transfers involving LACNIC

Timeline phases:

• Pre-transfer preparation: 1-4 weeks
• Source RIR processing: 1-2 weeks
• Inter-RIR coordination: 3-7 days
• Destination RIR processing: 1-4 weeks
• Final approval and execution: 3-7 days

Acceleration strategies:

• Use pre-approval (ARIN)
• Prepare complete documentation
• Use sponsoring LIR
• Work with experienced professionals
• Choose fast RIR combinations
• Maintain proactive communication

Common delays:

• Incomplete documentation: +1-3 weeks
• Insufficient justification: +1-3 weeks
• Hold period not met: Variable
• Holiday periods: +3-10 days
• LACNIC involvement: +2-6 weeks