RIPE LIR Membership Costs and Benefits
For organizations considering becoming a Local Internet Registry (LIR) with RIPE NCC, understanding the complete cost structure and evaluating the benefits is crucial for making an informed decision. This comprehensive guide breaks down all associated costs and provides a detailed analysis of the value proposition for RIPE LIR membership.
Complete Cost Breakdown for 2025
One-Time Setup Costs
Sign-Up Fee: €1,000
When you first become a RIPE NCC member and register your LIR account, you pay a one-time sign-up fee of €1,000. This fee covers:
- Initial account setup and processing
- Verification of legal and technical documentation
- Creation of your organization's records in RIPE systems
- Initial allocation of resources
- Onboarding support and documentation
The sign-up fee is charged per LIR account. If an existing member opens an additional LIR account, they also pay the €1,000 sign-up fee for each new account.
Important note: The sign-up fee is non-refundable, even if your membership application is not approved or if you decide to close your LIR account shortly after opening it.
Annual Recurring Costs
Annual Membership Fee: €1,800 (2025)
The core cost of RIPE LIR membership is the annual membership fee, which for 2025 is set at €1,800 per LIR account. This represents a significant increase from previous years:
- 2022: €1,400
- 2024: €1,550
- 2025: €1,800 (+16% increase from 2024)
This annual fee covers:
- Membership in the RIPE NCC
- Your base IP address allocation
- Access to the LIR Portal and RIPE Database
- Member support services
- Participation in RIPE community activities
- Training and educational resources
- Voting rights in RIPE NCC governance
Pro-rata billing: New members pay the annual fee on a pro-rata basis based on their joining date. If you join mid-year, you pay only for the remaining months until the end of the billing cycle.
Per-Resource Fees (New for 2025)
Starting in 2025, RIPE NCC introduced additional per-resource fees:
ASN Assignment Fee: €50 per ASN
- Charged annually for each Autonomous System Number assigned to your organization
- Applies to both new and existing ASN assignments
- Separate from the base membership fee
Independent Resource Fee: €75 per assignment
- Charged annually for each Provider Independent (PI) resource assignment you sponsor
- Applies to IPv4 and IPv6 PI assignments
- Increased from €50 in previous years
These per-resource fees are in addition to the base annual membership fee and can significantly impact your total costs if you hold multiple ASNs or sponsor many PI resources.
Cost Evolution and Trends
The trend in RIPE NCC membership costs shows consistent upward movement:
| Year | Annual Fee | Change | Sign-up Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | €1,400 | - | €2,000 |
| 2023 | €1,400 | 0% | €2,000 |
| 2024 | €1,550 | +11% | €1,000 |
| 2025 | €1,800 | +16% | €1,000 |
Key observations:
- 28% total increase from 2022 to 2025
- Sign-up fee reduced by 50% between 2023 and 2024
- Introduction of per-resource fees adds complexity to cost planning
- Trend suggests continued gradual increases in future years
Additional Potential Costs
Multiple LIR Accounts
Organizations can hold multiple LIR accounts, with each account incurring:
- €1,000 sign-up fee (one-time per account)
- €1,800 annual membership fee (per account per year)
- Separate resource fees for each account's ASNs and PI sponsorships
Some organizations maintain multiple LIR accounts for:
- Separate business units or subsidiaries
- Different geographical operations
- Distinct service offerings
- Risk management and redundancy
Administrative and Operational Costs
Beyond direct RIPE NCC fees, consider these internal costs:
- Personnel time: Staff hours for application preparation, database maintenance, and compliance
- Technical infrastructure: Systems for IP address management and routing
- Training: Ensuring staff maintain necessary expertise
- Legal and accounting: Professional services for contract review and financial management
- Auditing: Internal resources needed to respond to RIPE NCC audits
IP Address Transfer Costs
If you participate in IPv4 transfer markets:
- Transfer fees charged by RIPE NCC
- Broker fees (if using intermediaries)
- Legal costs for transfer agreements
- Due diligence expenses
Cost Comparison: LIR vs. Alternatives
LIR Membership Cost Summary (First Year)
- Sign-up fee: €1,000
- Annual membership: €1,800
- Total first year: €2,800 (excluding ASN and PI resource fees)
- Subsequent years: €1,800 (plus resource fees)
PI Resource Alternative
- Application fee through sponsoring LIR: Varies (typically €300-800)
- Annual sponsoring fee: Varies by provider (typically €200-500/year)
- RIPE NCC independent resource fee: €75/year (paid through sponsor)
- Approximate annual cost: €275-575
PA Resources from Upstream Provider
- Typically included in service fees
- No separate registration costs
- Cost: Bundled with connectivity
Comprehensive Benefits Analysis
1. Direct Resource Allocations
IPv4 Address Space
Benefit: LIRs receive an IPv4 allocation from RIPE NCC's remaining address pool.
Current allocation: Under current policy, LIRs can receive:
- One /24 (256 addresses) from the final /8 pool (185.0.0.0/8)
- Cannot be transferred for 2 years after allocation
- Permanent allocation (not just assignment)
Value: With IPv4 addresses trading at approximately €40-60 per address on the transfer market, a /24 allocation represents a value of approximately €10,000-15,000.
Return on investment: This single benefit alone can offset 3-5 years of membership costs, even considering the 2-year transfer restriction.
IPv6 Address Space
Benefit: LIRs receive generous IPv6 allocations based on their needs.
Typical allocation:
- Initial allocation: /32 (79,228,162,514,264,337,593,543,950,336 addresses)
- Additional allocations available with justified need
- Can be expanded to /29 or larger for qualifying organizations
Value: While IPv6 addresses don't have the same market value as IPv4, having your own IPv6 allocation is increasingly important for:
- Future-proofing your infrastructure
- Offering complete dual-stack services
- Maintaining operational independence
ASN Allocations
Benefit: LIRs can request Autonomous System Numbers for their organization.
What you get:
- 16-bit or 32-bit ASN assignments
- Authority to establish BGP peering
- Independent routing policies
- Control over your routing announcements
Value: ASNs enable advanced networking capabilities and are essential for:
- Multi-homing to multiple upstream providers
- Operating as a transit provider
- Building robust, redundant networks
- Establishing peering relationships
2. Operational Control and Flexibility
Provider Independence
Benefit: Your IP resources belong to you, not your upstream provider.
Advantages:
- Easy provider switching: Change ISPs without renumbering your entire network
- Multi-homing: Connect to multiple providers simultaneously for redundancy
- Negotiating power: Better bargaining position with service providers
- Business continuity: No disruption to services when changing providers
Business value: For organizations with significant online presence, the ability to change providers without downtime can save thousands in revenue and avoid customer impact.
Sub-allocation Authority
Benefit: LIRs can sub-allocate address space to their customers.
Capabilities:
- Assign IP addresses to hosting customers
- Provide IP resources to subsidiaries
- Offer portable addresses as a service feature
- Create a revenue stream from IP resource management
Business value: If you're an ISP or hosting provider, being able to provide customers with portable IP addresses is a competitive advantage and potential revenue source.
3. Business and Commercial Benefits
Market Credibility
Benefit: LIR status demonstrates professionalism and commitment to proper network operations.
Impact:
- Enhanced reputation in the networking community
- Increased trust from potential customers and partners
- Differentiation from smaller competitors
- Evidence of technical capability and maturity
Business value: Particularly important for B2B services where technical credibility influences purchasing decisions.
Service Offering Expansion
Benefit: LIR status enables new service offerings.
New opportunities:
- Sponsoring LIR services: Sponsor PI resources and ASNs for clients (with €75/€50 annual fees)
- IP resource consulting: Advise clients on IP addressing strategies
- Managed network services: Offer comprehensive network management including IP resources
- Colocation and hosting: Provide portable IP addresses to customers
Business value: These services can generate recurring revenue that offsets or exceeds membership costs.
IPv4 Transfer Participation
Benefit: LIRs can participate in the IPv4 transfer market.
Opportunities:
- Sell surplus IPv4 addresses on the transfer market
- Acquire additional IPv4 space through transfers
- Broker transfers for clients (as a service offering)
Business value: Organizations with unused IPv4 space can monetize it, potentially generating significant revenue. A /24 sale at current market rates could yield €10,000-15,000.
4. Training and Educational Benefits
Free Training Courses
Benefit: RIPE NCC provides extensive free training to members.
What's included:
- Online and in-person courses on IP addressing, routing, and security
- LIR Training Courses covering resource management
- RIPE Database training
- IPv6 deployment workshops
- Network security courses
Value: Commercial training courses on similar topics typically cost €500-1,500 per person per course. RIPE NCC membership includes unlimited access to many courses.
Certification Programs
Benefit: Free or discounted certification vouchers.
Available certifications:
- RIPE NCC Certified Professionals program
- Recognized industry certifications
- Continuing education credits
Value: Certification vouchers alone can represent €200-500 value per employee annually.
Technical Resources
Benefit: Access to comprehensive documentation, tools, and expert support.
Resources include:
- Technical documentation and best practices
- Policy interpretation guidance
- Network planning tools
- Routing and security resources
5. Community and Networking Benefits
RIPE Meeting Access
Benefit: Two free tickets to RIPE meetings (valued at approximately €350 each).
What you get:
- Access to bi-annual RIPE meetings
- Networking with other network operators
- Technical presentations and workshops
- Policy development participation
- Social events and community building
Value: Beyond the €700 ticket value, the networking opportunities at RIPE meetings can lead to:
- Peering arrangements
- Business partnerships
- Knowledge sharing
- Industry insights
Governance Participation
Benefit: Voting rights in RIPE NCC General Meetings.
Impact:
- Influence RIR policies and procedures
- Vote on budget and strategy
- Participate in shaping Internet governance
- Contribute to the community's direction
Value: While intangible, having a voice in the policies that affect your business operations is valuable for long-term planning.
Mailing Lists and Working Groups
Benefit: Access to member-only communications and working groups.
Opportunities:
- Technical discussions with peers
- Early awareness of policy changes
- Collaboration on industry challenges
- Access to expert knowledge
6. Technical Support and Services
Direct RIPE NCC Support
Benefit: Priority support from RIPE NCC staff.
What's included:
- Email and ticketing system support
- Technical guidance on resource requests
- Assistance with database management
- Help with policy interpretation
- Audit support and compliance guidance
Value: Having direct access to RIR expertise can save significant time and prevent costly mistakes in resource management.
LIR Portal Access
Benefit: Comprehensive web interface for managing your LIR account.
Features:
- Resource request submissions
- Account management
- Billing and payment processing
- Contact information updates
- Documentation access
Value: Streamlined processes reduce administrative overhead and enable efficient resource management.
Return on Investment Analysis
Scenario 1: Small ISP or Hosting Provider
Annual costs:
- Membership: €1,800
- 1 ASN: €50
- 5 PI sponsorships: €375
- Total: €2,225/year
Benefits value:
- IPv4 /24 allocation: ~€12,000 (one-time)
- Training for 2 employees: ~€2,000/year
- Provider independence: Priceless (enables business model)
- RIPE meeting tickets: €700/year
- Total tangible value: ~€15,000 first year, €2,700/year ongoing
ROI: Positive return in first year, ongoing operational value exceeds costs.
Scenario 2: Large Enterprise
Annual costs:
- Membership: €1,800
- 3 ASNs: €150
- No PI sponsorships: €0
- Total: €1,950/year
Benefits value:
- Provider independence: Enables multi-homing strategy
- IPv4 and IPv6 allocations: Support global operations
- Training for network team: ~€3,000/year
- Technical support: Reduces external consulting costs
- Total value: Operational enablement + €3,000+/year
ROI: Primarily operational value; enables network architecture that wouldn't otherwise be possible.
Scenario 3: Managed Service Provider
Annual costs:
- Membership: €1,800
- 2 ASNs: €100
- 20 PI sponsorships: €1,500
- Total: €3,400/year
Benefits value:
- Service offering: PI sponsorship services generate revenue
- Customer acquisition: LIR status attracts enterprise clients
- IPv4 allocation: €12,000 value
- Revenue from PI sponsorships to clients: €400/client × 20 = €8,000/year
- Total value: €20,000+ first year, €8,000+/year ongoing
ROI: Strong positive return when sponsorship services are monetized.
Hidden Value: Strategic Benefits
Beyond direct financial returns, LIR membership provides strategic value:
Business Continuity
The ability to maintain your IP addresses through provider changes or service disruptions protects business continuity and customer relationships.
Competitive Positioning
LIR status differentiates your organization from competitors without their own resources, particularly in enterprise and B2B markets.
Long-term Planning
Direct relationship with the RIR enables better long-term network planning and resource strategy, rather than dependence on upstream provider decisions.
Market Opportunities
LIR membership positions you to capitalize on evolving opportunities in IP resource markets and networking services.
When LIR Membership Makes Financial Sense
Strong Financial Fit:
- ISPs and hosting providers with multiple customers
- Organizations regularly needing IP addresses for customers or projects
- Companies offering managed network services
- Enterprises with complex, multi-provider network architectures
- Organizations planning to monetize IP resources or sponsorship services
Moderate Financial Fit:
- Medium-sized enterprises with significant network infrastructure
- Organizations anticipating growth in network services
- Companies wanting provider independence for strategic reasons
- Educational institutions providing network services
Weak Financial Fit:
- Small organizations with static, simple network needs
- End users without downstream customers
- Organizations with limited networking expertise
- Businesses where provider-assigned addresses are sufficient
Cost Optimization Strategies
1. Maximize IPv4 Value
Since you receive a /24 IPv4 allocation, consider your strategy:
- Use it for critical infrastructure
- Reserve it for services requiring portable addresses
- Plan for potential future sale (after 2-year restriction)
2. Leverage Free Training
Take full advantage of RIPE NCC's training offerings:
- Train multiple staff members
- Pursue certifications
- Attend workshops and webinars
- Use educational resources for team development
3. Monetize Sponsorship Services
If you sponsor PI resources or ASNs for others:
- Charge a service fee that covers your costs plus margin
- Typical market rates: €300-500/year per PI resource
- Can offset or exceed your membership costs
4. Attend RIPE Meetings
Use your two free tickets strategically:
- Establish peering relationships
- Learn about upcoming changes
- Network with potential customers or partners
- Gain industry insights
5. Consider Multiple vs. Single LIR Accounts
Evaluate whether multiple LIR accounts make sense:
- Multiple accounts: Better for separate business units
- Single account: More cost-effective for centralized operations
Comparing RIPE NCC to Other RIRs
For organizations able to choose their RIR (through location or business structure), comparing costs is worthwhile:
ARIN (North America)
- No annual membership fee for end users
- Per-resource fees: ~$150-250/year per resource
- Different fee structure: pay per resource rather than flat membership
APNIC (Asia-Pacific)
- Annual membership: varies by country and resource levels
- Generally comparable to RIPE NCC
- Similar benefits structure
For organizations operating globally, RIPE NCC's flat-fee structure may be advantageous or disadvantageous depending on resource holdings.
Planning Your LIR Investment
Year 1 Budget
- Sign-up fee: €1,000
- Annual membership: €1,800 (pro-rated if joining mid-year)
- ASN fees: €50 per ASN
- PI sponsorship fees: €75 per resource
- Internal costs: Staff time and operational expenses
- Typical total: €3,000-5,000
Ongoing Annual Budget
- Annual membership: €1,800
- Resource fees: Based on your ASN and PI holdings
- Internal operational costs: Ongoing staff time
- Typical total: €2,000-4,000+
Break-Even Analysis
Calculate your break-even point by considering:
- Direct RIPE NCC costs
- Internal operational costs
- Value received (IPv4 allocation, training, operational capabilities)
- Revenue generated (from services enabled by LIR status)
For most organizations providing network services, break-even occurs within 1-3 years, with positive ongoing value thereafter.
Conclusion
RIPE LIR membership represents a significant but often worthwhile investment for organizations working with IP address resources. With 2025 annual costs of €1,800 plus per-resource fees, the membership requires careful financial consideration.
However, for ISPs, hosting providers, large enterprises, and managed service providers, the benefits often far exceed the costs:
- The IPv4 /24 allocation alone (valued at €10,000-15,000) can offset years of membership fees
- Provider independence enables business models and network architectures that wouldn't otherwise be possible
- Training, community access, and technical support provide ongoing operational value
- Opportunities to monetize resources or services can generate revenue exceeding costs
The key to maximizing value is to:
- Fully leverage the included benefits (training, meetings, support)
- Strategically use your resource allocations
- Consider offering LIR-enabled services to offset costs
- Take advantage of the operational flexibility and independence
For organizations where LIR membership aligns with business needs, the return on investment is typically strong, both financially and strategically.
To learn more about becoming a RIPE LIR and whether it's the right choice for your organization, read our comprehensive guide: Becoming a RIPE LIR: Setup & Management.
Sources:
- RIPE NCC Billing, Payment and Fees: https://www.ripe.net/membership/payment/
- Draft RIPE NCC Charging Scheme 2026: https://www.ripe.net/media/documents/Draft_RIPE_NCC_Charging_Scheme_2026.pdf
- RIPE NCC LIR Basics: https://www.ripe.net/membership/member-support/lir-basics/
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