RIR Policies Comparison Guide: RIPE, ARIN, APNIC, LACNIC & AFRINIC

Understanding the differences between Regional Internet Registries (RIRs) is essential for any organization seeking IP address allocations, ASN assignments, or planning inter-RIR transfers. Each of the five RIRs operates under distinct policies, fee structures, and governance models that can significantly impact your network strategy and operational costs.

This comprehensive guide compares all five RIRs across key operational dimensions to help you make informed decisions about IP resource management.

Overview of Regional Internet Registries

The Internet's number resources are managed by five Regional Internet Registries (RIRs), each responsible for a specific geographic region:

• RIPE NCC - Europe, Middle East, and Central Asia
• ARIN - North America (United States, Canada, parts of the Caribbean)
• APNIC - Asia-Pacific region
• LACNIC - Latin America and the Caribbean
• AFRINIC - Africa

All five RIRs coordinate through the Number Resource Organization (NRO) to ensure global policy harmonization while maintaining regional autonomy. However, their individual policies, fee structures, and operational approaches differ significantly.

Membership Requirements and Structure

RIPE NCC

RIPE NCC operates on a Local Internet Registry (LIR) membership model. Organizations become LIR members to receive allocations directly from RIPE NCC.

Key Requirements:

• Legal entity registered in the RIPE NCC service region
• Signed Standard Service Agreement
• Payment of sign-up fee (€1,000) and annual membership fee
• No prior technical requirements for membership approval

Organizations that don't want to become LIR members can obtain resources through a sponsoring LIR or opt for Provider Independent (PI) assignments.

Reference: RIPE NCC Billing Procedure 2025

ARIN

ARIN uses a Registration Services Plan (RSP) model rather than traditional membership. Organizations sign a Registration Services Agreement (RSA) to receive resources.

Key Requirements:

• Organization registered in ARIN's service region
• Signed Registration Services Agreement
• No membership fee - costs based on resource holdings
• Demonstration of need for IPv4 resources (justification-based model)

ARIN's approach focuses on resource-based fees rather than membership dues, creating a different cost structure than other RIRs.

Reference: ARIN Fee Schedule

APNIC

APNIC operates a membership system with both direct members and National Internet Registries (NIRs) that serve as intermediaries in some countries.

Key Requirements:

• Legal entity in the APNIC service region
• Sign-up fee of AUD 500
• Annual membership fees based on resource holdings
• Demonstration of technical need for resources
• Technical staff capable of managing allocated resources

Organizations can join as full members or work through NIRs in countries like China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and others.

Reference: APNIC Membership

LACNIC

LACNIC offers membership to ISPs and assignments to end users, with different fee structures for each category.

Key Requirements:

• Legal entity operating in the LACNIC service region
• Initial assignment fee and annual membership/maintenance fees
• Justification for resource needs
• Technical infrastructure to utilize allocated resources

LACNIC's structure distinguishes clearly between ISP members and end-user resource holders.

Reference: LACNIC Membership Categories and Fees

AFRINIC

AFRINIC uses a membership model similar to RIPE NCC, with resource members and associate members.

Key Requirements:

• Legal entity operating in Africa
• Initial allocation/assignment fee
• Annual membership fees based on resource category
• Demonstrated need for resources (8-month justification period)
• Technical capability to manage resources

AFRINIC offers substantial discounts for academic/research institutions and organizations deploying IPv6.

Reference: AFRINIC Membership

Fee Structures Comparison

Understanding fee structures is critical for budgeting and long-term cost planning. Each RIR employs a different model that can significantly impact your total cost of ownership.

RIPE NCC - Flat Fee Model

2025 Fee Structure:

• Sign-up fee: €1,000 (one-time)
• Annual membership fee: €1,800 per LIR account
• Independent resource fee: €75 per PI assignment
• ASN fee: €50 per ASN (introduced in 2025)

Key Characteristics:

• Flat annual fee regardless of allocation size
• Same cost for /24 or /16 IPv4 holdings
• Favorable for large address space holders
• Transparent, predictable costs

The flat-fee model makes RIPE NCC particularly attractive for organizations with large IP holdings, as costs don't scale with resource size.

Reference: RIPE NCC Billing Procedure 2025

ARIN - Size-Based Fee Model

2025 Fee Structure:

• No sign-up fee
• Annual Registration Services Plan (RSP) fees based on resource size
• 3X-Small category: $262.50 annually
• Fees scale progressively with resource holdings
• Transfer processing fee: $500 per transaction
• Legacy resource cap: $225 annually (for pre-2024 LRSA holders)

Key Characteristics:

• Pay based on what you hold
• Affordable for small allocations
• Can reach tens of thousands annually for large blocks
• 5% annual fee increases approved by Board

ARIN's model ensures small organizations pay reasonable fees while large holders contribute proportionally.

Reference: ARIN Fee Schedule

APNIC - Size-Based Fee Model

2025 Fee Structure:

• Sign-up fee: AUD 500 (one-time)
• Base fee increases 4.75% annually from January 1, 2025
• Fees calculated based on address space bits held
• ASN fees: First 2 ASNs free, AUD 100 annually for additional ASNs
• New ASN allocation fee: AUD 500 (for ASNs beyond the first 2)
• 50% discount for Least Developed Countries (LDCs)

Key Characteristics:

• Complex calculation based on bit count
• Separate IPv4 and IPv6 fee assessment
• Fee calculator available online
• Substantial LDC discounts
• Fees in Australian Dollars (AUD)

APNIC's technical fee calculation considers the logarithmic nature of address space but may require a calculator for estimation.

Reference: APNIC Member Fee Schedule

LACNIC - Size-Based Fee Model

2025 Fee Structure:

• Category-based annual fees
• Initial assignment fee plus annual renewal
• 5% discount for early payment (before due date)
• 5% surcharge 30 days after due date
• 50% discount for eligible non-profit NGOs

Key Characteristics:

• Tiered category system based on total address space
• Strict payment enforcement (failure triggers revocation process)
• No refunds for canceled services or category changes
• Fees increase with resource size
• Board can grant fee waivers for financial hardship

LACNIC's strict enforcement and prohibition on address leasing create a unique policy environment.

Reference: LACNIC Membership Categories and Fees

AFRINIC - Size-Based Fee Model

2025 Fee Structure:

• Category-based fees depending on address space size
• Initial allocation/assignment fee
• Annual membership fees
• ASN-only assignment: USD 400 initial + USD 50 annually
• Pro-rated fees for new members (quarterly basis)

Special Discounts:

• IPv6 allocations: 50% allocation fee discount, 100% first-year membership fee waiver, then 75%, 50%, 25% discounts for subsequent 3 years
• Academic/Research institutions: 50% discount on all fees
• Critical infrastructure: 100% discount
• Early payment: 5% discount

AFRINIC offers the most generous discount structure, particularly for IPv6 deployment and academic institutions.

Reference: AFRINIC Membership Fees

Fee Model Comparison Table

RIR	Fee Model	Sign-up Fee	Small Holder Annual Cost	Large Holder Annual Cost	Key Advantage
RIPE NCC	Flat fee	€1,000	€1,800	€1,800	Predictable, favors large holders
ARIN	Size-based	$0	$262.50	$10,000+	Scales with resources
APNIC	Size-based	AUD 500	~AUD 1,500	~AUD 15,000+	Technical precision
LACNIC	Size-based	Varies	Low	High	Regional affordability
AFRINIC	Size-based	Varies	Low	High	Generous IPv6 incentives

IPv4 Allocation Policies

IPv4 exhaustion has fundamentally changed allocation policies across all RIRs. Understanding these differences is essential for planning your IPv4 strategy.

RIPE NCC

Current IPv4 Policy:

• IPv4 pool exhausted since November 2019
• Each LIR entitled to one final /24 allocation
• Waiting list system for returned addresses
• No justification required for the final /24
• Subsequent allocations possible when addresses are returned

Key Features:

• One /24 per LIR policy encourages multiple LIR creation
• Active secondary market for IPv4 transfers
• Most flexible inter-RIR transfer policies

ARIN

Current IPv4 Policy:

• IPv4 pool exhausted
• Waitlist for available IPv4 blocks
• Strict justification requirements for all requests
• Three-month utilization window for demonstration of need
• Minimum allocation: /24

Key Features:

• Needs-based allocation continues
• Rigorous documentation requirements
• Active IPv4 transfer market
• Pre-approval process for large transfers

APNIC

Current IPv4 Policy:

• IPv4 pool exhausted since 2011
• New members can receive up to /23 (512 addresses) initially
• Minimum allocation: /24
• Additional space available only through transfers
• Justification required based on current and planned usage

Key Features:

• Earliest RIR to reach exhaustion
• Mature transfer market
• Supportive of inter-RIR transfers

LACNIC

Current IPv4 Policy:

• Managed depletion in phases since 2013
• Phase 3 (since February 2017): New members receive one assignment from /24 to /22
• Strict prohibition on address leasing
• Size-based fee model treats large holdings as liabilities

Key Features:

• Most restrictive leasing policies
• Recent inter-regional transfer trends show movement of addresses between regions
• Controlled distribution to preserve regional availability

AFRINIC

Current IPv4 Policy:

• Soft-landing policy active
• 8-month justification requirement
• New members receive limited initial assignments
• Resource recovery for unused space

Key Features:

• Conservative distribution approach
• Focus on demonstrated need
• Encourages IPv6 adoption

IPv6 Allocation Policies

IPv6 represents the future of Internet addressing, and RIRs have adopted generous allocation policies to encourage adoption.

Common IPv6 Policies Across RIRs

All five RIRs share some common IPv6 principles:

• Abundant address space available
• Larger initial allocations than IPv4
• Lower barriers to entry
• Encouraging end-site assignments

RIPE NCC IPv6

• Standard allocation: /29 to LIRs
• Larger allocations available with justification
• PI assignments: typically /48 for end users
• No costs beyond standard membership fee

ARIN IPv6

• Initial allocation: /40 to /32 based on need
• Subsequent allocations: /28 or larger
• Simplified qualification criteria
• Temporary IPv6 fee waiver for 3X-Small category

APNIC IPv6

• Minimum allocation: /32
• Larger allocations with justification
• Simplified criteria compared to IPv4
• Separate fee calculation for IPv6 holdings

LACNIC IPv6

• Initial allocation: /32
• Qualification based on planning
• Subsequent allocations available
• Encourages IPv6 deployment

AFRINIC IPv6

• Initial allocation: /32
• Strong incentives through fee discounts:
  • 50% off allocation fees
  • 100% first-year membership waiver
  • Declining discounts over 3 years
• Simplest qualification requirements

Inter-RIR Transfer Policies

Inter-RIR transfers allow organizations to transfer IPv4 addresses between different RIR regions - a critical mechanism in today's IPv4 market.

Transfer Policy Matrix

From/To	RIPE NCC	ARIN	APNIC	LACNIC	AFRINIC
RIPE NCC	✓ Intra	✓ Inter	✓ Inter	✓ Inter	✗
ARIN	✓ Inter	✓ Intra	✓ Inter	✓ Inter	✗
APNIC	✓ Inter	✓ Inter	✓ Intra	✓ Inter	✗
LACNIC	✓ Inter	✓ Inter	✓ Inter	✓ Intra	✗
AFRINIC	✗	✗	✗	✗	✓ Intra only

Key Transfer Requirements

RIPE NCC:

• Most flexible transfer policies
• Needs-based justification not required
• Supports both permanent and temporary transfers (leasing)
• Minimum transfer size: /24
• Most attractive destination for large IPv4 holders

ARIN:

• Needs-based justification required from recipient
• Pre-approval process recommended
• Minimum transfer size: /24
• $500 transfer processing fee
• Strict documentation requirements

APNIC:

• Recipient must demonstrate need
• Resources must remain within intended use
• Minimum transfer size: /24
• Flexible policies support inter-RIR transfers
• Clear process documentation

LACNIC:

• Strict needs-based requirements
• Prohibition on leasing
• Became net "leaker" in 2025
• Size-based fees make large holdings expensive
• Recent policy changes to address outflow

AFRINIC:

• No inter-RIR transfer policy
• Only intra-AFRINIC transfers permitted
• Isolated from global IPv4 market
• Policy discussions ongoing

Transfer policies are documented in each RIR's official policy manuals and are subject to periodic updates through their respective policy development processes.

Impact on Market Dynamics

The difference in transfer policies has created significant market dynamics:

• RIPE NCC consistently gains millions of IPv4 addresses annually, becoming the primary destination for large-scale transfers
• ARIN, APNIC, and LACNIC lose addresses through inter-RIR transfers
• AFRINIC remains isolated from the global IPv4 economy

Understanding these dynamics is essential when planning IPv4 acquisition strategies.

ASN Allocation Policies

Autonomous System Numbers (ASNs) are required for BGP routing and multi-homing. While policies are more harmonized than IPv4, differences exist.

Common Requirements Across RIRs

All RIRs require:

• Unique routing policy distinct from upstream providers
• Multi-homing or planned multi-homing
• Technical capability to manage BGP
• Valid operational need

These requirements are documented in each RIR's policy manuals and are based on BGP operational best practices.

RIR-Specific ASN Policies

RIPE NCC:

• ASN allocation included with LIR membership
• €50 annual fee per ASN (introduced in 2025)
• No separate application fee
• Relatively straightforward approval process

ARIN:

• ASN fees included in RSP annual costs
• No separate ASN fees
• Cost depends on total resource holdings
• Justification required

APNIC:

• First 2 ASNs free per account
• AUD 100 annually for each additional ASN
• AUD 500 allocation fee for ASNs beyond the first 2
• Clear technical justification required

LACNIC:

• ASN fees included in membership category
• Justification based on routing need
• Standard approval process

AFRINIC:

• ASN-only assignments: USD 400 initial + USD 50 annually
• Lower cost for ASN compared to combined resources
• Technical justification required

Governance and Policy Development

Understanding how policies are developed can help you anticipate changes and participate in the process.

RIPE NCC

• Community-driven policy development
• Open Policy Development Process (PDP)
• Proposals discussed on mailing lists and at RIPE meetings
• Transparent, consensus-based approach
• Two RIPE meetings annually

ARIN

• Public Policy Process with defined stages
• Advisory Council reviews proposals
• Board of Trustees final approval
• Three public policy meetings annually
• Strong community participation

APNIC

• Policy SIG (Special Interest Group) process
• Proposals discussed at APNIC conferences
• Consensus-based decision making
• Two conferences annually
• NIR participation in some countries

LACNIC

• Policy development through mailing lists and meetings
• Annual LACNIC conference
• Community consensus required
• Board approval for policy implementation
• Growing community involvement

AFRINIC

• Public Policy Development Process
• Discussion on mailing lists
• Annual AFRINIC meetings
• Consensus-driven approach
• Increasing policy modernization efforts

Strategic Considerations for Choosing an RIR Approach

Your RIR strategy should align with your organization's size, growth plans, and geographic presence.

For Small Organizations (< /22 IPv4)

Recommended Approach:

• Avoid RIPE NCC direct membership for small allocations (flat fee expensive for small holdings)
• Consider ARIN, APNIC, LACNIC, or AFRINIC where fees scale with size
• Evaluate Provider Independent (PI) assignments through sponsoring LIRs
• Calculate 5-year total cost of ownership

For Medium Organizations (/22 to /18 IPv4)

Recommended Approach:

• Evaluate both RIPE NCC and size-based RIRs
• Break-even analysis between flat and scaled fees
• Consider inter-RIR transfer possibilities
• Assess IPv6 deployment plans and incentives

For Large Organizations (> /18 IPv4)

Recommended Approach:

• RIPE NCC flat-fee model highly advantageous
• Consider multiple LIR accounts for operational flexibility
• Evaluate inter-RIR transfer strategies
• Take advantage of RIPE's flexible transfer policies

Multi-Regional Organizations

Recommended Approach:

• Strategic presence in multiple RIR regions
• Optimize fee structures across regions
• Leverage inter-RIR transfers for resource consolidation
• Consider acquiring resources in lowest-cost regions

Documentation and Compliance Requirements

Each RIR has specific documentation standards and ongoing compliance obligations.

Common Documentation Needs

• Legal entity registration documents
• Technical contact information
• Network infrastructure descriptions
• IP address utilization plans
• Routing policies and AS relationships

Ongoing Compliance

• RIPE NCC: Annual fee payment, contact updates, resource reviews
• ARIN: Annual RSP fees, reassignment reports, updated POC information
• APNIC: Annual fee payment, resource audits, contact maintenance
• LACNIC: Strict payment deadlines, resource justification reviews
• AFRINIC: Annual fees, 8-month utilization reviews, contact updates

Failure to maintain compliance can result in resource revocation or account termination.

Service and Support Comparison

Quality of service and support can significantly impact your operational experience.

RIPE NCC

• Comprehensive training programs
• Extensive documentation
• Responsive support team
• RIPE Atlas and RIPEstat tools
• Active community engagement

ARIN

• Online training resources
• Detailed knowledge base
• Phone and email support
• IRR services
• Strong community resources

APNIC

• Training programs across Asia-Pacific
• MyAPNIC portal
• Technical assistance
• Collaborative relationships with NIRs
• Regional workshops and conferences

LACNIC

• Spanish/Portuguese/English support
• Regional training initiatives
• LACTLD collaboration
• Growing resource library
• Focus on Latin American needs

AFRINIC

• English/French support
• Capacity building programs
• African infrastructure focus
• Community development initiatives
• Regional training workshops

How Via-Registry.com Can Help

Navigating RIR policies, requirements, and processes can be complex. Via-Registry.com offers expert consulting and hands-on support:

Inter-RIR Transfer Services

We facilitate transfers between RIR regions, handling:

• Documentation preparation
• Compliance verification
• Coordination with both RIRs
• Timeline management
• Post-transfer support

LIR Consulting Services

Whether you need help becoming an LIR or managing existing memberships:

• RIR membership applications
• Multi-RIR strategy development
• Cost optimization analysis
• Compliance management
• Policy guidance

Our team's deep expertise across all five RIRs ensures you make informed decisions aligned with your technical and business requirements.

Conclusion

The five Regional Internet Registries operate under distinct policies that significantly impact cost, operational complexity, and strategic flexibility. Key takeaways:

1. Fee structures vary dramatically - RIPE NCC's flat fee favors large holders, while size-based models in other RIRs benefit small organizations

2. Transfer policies differ significantly - RIPE NCC's flexibility makes it the primary destination for inter-RIR transfers, while AFRINIC remains isolated

3. IPv6 incentives vary - AFRINIC offers the most generous IPv6 discounts, followed by other RIRs with varying levels of encouragement

4. Governance approaches differ - All RIRs use community-driven processes but with different structures and timelines

5. Geographic considerations matter - Your physical location and operational region determine which RIR(s) you'll work with

Understanding these differences allows you to:

• Optimize costs over time
• Choose the most appropriate RIR approach for your needs
• Plan effective inter-RIR transfer strategies
• Align policies with your operational requirements

As the Internet continues to evolve, RIR policies adapt to changing market conditions. Staying informed about policy developments across all regions ensures your organization maintains optimal IP resource management strategies.

For personalized guidance on RIR selection, transfer planning, or LIR membership optimization, contact Via-Registry.com's expert team.

---

Last updated: October 2025. RIR policies and fees are subject to change. Always verify current policies directly with each RIR.