Becoming a RIPE NCC Member: Costs, Benefits, Pitfalls in 2026

When IPv4 addresses are trading at $35-50 per IP and your business needs clean, routable address space, the thought crosses your mind: "Should we just become a RIPE NCC member and get our own /24?"

It sounds straightforward. Pay the fee, get the IP space, problem solved.

But here's the reality check: in 2026, RIPE NCC membership isn't the simple path to IPv4 it once was. The waiting list stretches 12-24 months, annual fees have climbed to €1,800, and you'll only receive one /24 allocation (256 addresses) after all that time and investment.

This guide cuts through the complexity. You'll understand exactly what RIPE NCC membership costs, what it actually delivers, and when alternatives like IPv4 leasing or managed LIR services make more financial sense. By the end, you'll know whether opening your own LIR is the right move or an expensive detour.

Who Actually Needs RIPE NCC Membership (and Who Doesn't)

Not every organization needs to become a RIPE NCC member. The decision comes down to your business model, resource requirements, and operational capacity.

You're a strong candidate for your own LIR if you:

• Operate as an ISP, hosting provider, or telecom with hundreds or thousands of customers under your network

• Need regular access to IPv6 allocations and ASN assignments for network expansion

• Require direct relationships with RIPE NCC for policy compliance and registry operations

• Plan to act as a sponsoring LIR for clients or partners

• Have the administrative capacity to handle registry compliance, documentation, and due diligence

You probably don't need your own LIR if you:

• Run a SaaS platform, VPN service, ad-tech operation, or proxy network with modest IP requirements

• Need IPv4 space quickly (waiting 12-24 months isn't viable for your business)

• Lack dedicated staff for RIPE compliance, database management, and policy tracking

• Operate project-based or temporary infrastructure where flexibility matters more than ownership

• Simply want access to clean IPv4 blocks without the administrative overhead

Red flags that you're not ready for LIR ownership:

• You need more than one /24 of IPv4 immediately (RIPE only gives one allocation per new LIR)

• Your primary goal is acquiring IPv4 as an investment rather than operational use

• You're uncomfortable with annual recurring costs that increase over time

• Your organization lacks experience with BGP routing, RPKI, and internet registry operations

What RIPE NCC Membership and LIR Actually Mean

Let's clarify the terminology because confusion here leads to expensive mistakes.

RIPE vs. RIPE NCC: RIPE (Réseaux IP Européens) is the open community where internet professionals develop policy. RIPE NCC (Network Coordination Centre) is the Regional Internet Registry that implements those policies and manages IP resources for Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Central Asia.

Member vs. LIR: When you become a RIPE NCC member, you can open a Local Internet Registry (LIR) account. The terms are often used interchangeably, but technically you can be a member without being an LIR (though this is rare). Most organizations join specifically to operate as an LIR. You can hold multiple LIR accounts under one membership, but you'll pay separate fees for each.

What membership actually provides:

• Authority to request IPv6 allocations and Autonomous System Numbers (ASNs)

• Eligibility for one /24 IPv4 allocation through the waiting list (if you've never received IPv4 from RIPE NCC before)

• Access to the LIR Portal for managing your resources

• RPKI services for route origin validation and enhanced security

• Training courses, technical support, and policy documentation

• Voting rights at RIPE NCC General Meetings

• Ability to act as a sponsoring LIR for end-user independent resources

What membership does NOT guarantee: Immediate IPv4 space. The waiting list for that single /24 currently runs 12-24 months, and the turnover is unpredictable. If your business case depends on getting IPv4 quickly, RIPE membership alone won't solve that problem.

RIPE NCC Membership Costs 2022–2026: What You Really Pay

Let's look at the actual numbers, because RIPE NCC fees have been climbing steadily and there are more charges than just the headline membership fee.

2026 Official Fees:

• Sign-up fee (one-time, per LIR): €1,000

• Annual membership fee (per LIR): €1,800

• Independent resource fee: €75 per assignment (for PI space, IXP assignments, legacy resources under sponsoring LIR)

• ASN fee: €50 per assignment

Historical trajectory: The annual fee has increased significantly:

• 2022: €1,400 per LIR

• 2023: €1,550 per LIR

• 2024: €1,550 per LIR

• 2025-2026: €1,800 per LIR

That's a 28.6% increase over four years. The RIPE NCC membership votes on charging schemes annually, and economic pressures (inflation, operational costs, potential member attrition) have driven fees upward.

RIPE NCC Costs Evolution 2022-2026

Hidden costs that don't appear on RIPE invoices:

• Staff time: Someone needs to handle the application process, manage RIPE database objects, respond to audits, and maintain compliance. For organizations without existing registry experience, this can easily consume 10-20 hours per month.

• Compliance overhead: RIPE NCC conducts due diligence checks, sanctions screening, and periodic verification. Documentation mistakes can delay your application or freeze resource transfers.

• Policy tracking: RIPE policies evolve. Staying compliant means monitoring policy proposals and understanding how changes affect your operations.

• Opportunity cost: If you need IPv4 immediately and you're stuck on a 24-month waiting list, what's the business impact of that delay?

The real first-year TCO: For a new LIR requesting one /24 IPv4 and one ASN:

• Sign-up fee: €1,000

• Annual fee: €1,800

• ASN fee: €50

• Total year 1: €2,850 (plus internal staff costs)

Subsequent years: €1,850 minimum (annual fee + ASN fee), assuming no additional resources.

Benefits of Becoming a RIPE Member (Beyond Just a /24)

Despite the costs and limitations, RIPE NCC membership delivers real value for the right organizations.

Direct control over your resources: You own the relationship with RIPE NCC. You can request, transfer, and manage IPv6 allocations, ASNs, and (eventually) your /24 IPv4 allocation according to policy guidelines. There's no intermediary controlling your access or charging markup fees.

Comprehensive service ecosystem: RIPE NCC provides far more than just address allocations:

• RPKI services for securing BGP route announcements

• Access to RIPE Atlas for network measurement and monitoring

• Training courses covering registry operations, IPv6 deployment, and routing security

• Technical support for database management and policy questions

• Statistical tools and reporting for network planning

Community influence: As a member, you get voting rights at General Meetings where charging schemes and board elections are decided. You can participate in policy development processes and working groups. For organizations deeply embedded in internet infrastructure, this community access has strategic value.

Sponsoring LIR capability: Once you're an LIR, you can act as a sponsoring LIR for end users who need independent resources (Provider Independent IPv6 space, ASNs). This can become a value-added service for your customers or partners.

Long-term strategic positioning: For ISPs, hosting providers, and network operators with multi-year growth plans, direct RIPE NCC membership establishes your organization as a legitimate network operator in the eyes of peers, partners, and regulators.

Pitfalls and Gotchas of RIPE Membership in 2026

Now for the uncomfortable truths that catch organizations off guard.

1. IPv4 membership ≠ immediate IPv4 space: You can become a member today and still wait 12-24 months for your /24 allocation. The waiting list depends on addresses being returned from closed organizations or reclaimed from verification work. That stream is slowing down as RIPE NCC completes most verification activities. If you're joining primarily for IPv4, you need a backup plan for the interim period.

   
   

   For ISPs, see our solutions for ISPs and telecom operators. For hosting providers: hosting and cloud solutions.
   
   

2. One /24 is your only direct allocation: RIPE policy limits new LIRs to a single /24 IPv4 allocation (256 addresses). If you need more IPv4 space, you'll need to purchase it on the transfer market or lease it from existing holders. The days of receiving multiple allocations directly from RIPE NCC ended years ago.
   
   

3. Sign-up fees are non-refundable: If RIPE NCC rejects your application during due diligence (sanctions issues, documentation problems, suspicious patterns), you don't get that €1,000 back. The same applies if your business circumstances change and you close the LIR before the year ends.
   
   

4. Annual fees must be paid in full: You cannot close an LIR mid-year and get a prorated refund. If you close your LIR in March, you still owe the full annual fee for that year. If you want to transfer resources away, you must have paid your annual fees in full first.
   
   

5. Compliance requirements are real and evolving: RIPE NCC conducts KYC checks, sanctions screening, and periodic audits. They can freeze your resources or terminate membership if compliance issues arise. You're also responsible for keeping all database records accurate. Errors or outdated information can cause operational problems.
   
   

6. Transfer restrictions and timelocks apply: The /24 you receive from the waiting list comes with a 24-month hold period before you can transfer it. This policy exists to prevent "LIR farming" (opening multiple LIRs just to collect and flip /24s). If your business model involves IPv4 asset management, these restrictions matter.
   
   

7. Multiple LIRs = multiple fees: Some organizations open multiple LIR accounts to receive multiple /24 allocations. While RIPE policy allows this, you'll pay €1,000 sign-up + €1,800 annual fee for each LIR. The math: two LIRs = €5,600 first year, €3,600 annually thereafter. That's expensive compared to simply buying or leasing the IPv4 you need.
   
   

8. Policy and pricing changes happen annually: Every year at the General Meeting, members vote on the next year's charging scheme. Fees can increase (as they did from 2022-2025). Policies can change in ways that affect your operations. You have voting rights, but you're also subject to the community's collective decisions.

Alternatives: Sponsoring LIR, Managed LIR, IPv4 Leasing

Most organizations don't need their own LIR. Here's what the alternatives actually look like in 2026.

Sponsoring LIR

A sponsoring LIR is an existing RIPE member that requests and maintains independent resources (PI space, ASNs) on behalf of end users. You get the resources allocated directly to your organization, but the LIR handles the registry relationship.

When to use: You need Provider Independent IPv6 space, an ASN, or IXP assignments but don't want full LIR overhead.

Typical costs: $200-500 setup fee, $300-800 annual sponsoring fee (far less than running your own LIR).

Trade-offs: You depend on your sponsoring LIR's relationship with RIPE NCC. If they close or terminate the sponsorship, you'll need to find another sponsor.

Holders can list their addresses on the IPbnb marketplace in under 30 minutes.

Managed LIR services

Service providers handle the entire LIR lifecycle: application, documentation, RIPE database management, compliance, and resource requests. You technically own the LIR, but they operate it for you.

When to use: You need LIR status for business reasons but lack internal expertise or time to manage it yourself.

Typical costs: €1,500-3,000 setup, €800-2,000 annually on top of RIPE fees. Total first-year cost: ~€4,000-7,000.

Trade-offs: You're paying for convenience. The managed LIR provider becomes a critical vendor. Make sure they're reliable and understand RIPE policies thoroughly.

IPv4 leasing platforms

Instead of owning IPv4 space, you lease it from existing holders through marketplace platforms. You get clean, routable IPv4 addresses with BGP announcements, LOAs, and RPKI handled by the lessor or their LIR partner.

When to use: You need IPv4 capacity now, want flexibility to scale up or down, and prefer OPEX over CAPEX. Ideal for SaaS platforms, VPNs, cloud infrastructure, and temporary projects.

Typical costs: As of 2026, IPv4 leasing rates range from $0.38-$0.45 per IP per month globally, with APNIC region commanding premiums above $0.60/IP due to policy restrictions. A /24 (256 IPs) costs roughly $97-115/month, or $1,164-1,380 annually.

Estimate your costs with the IPv4 pricing calculator or your earnings with the IPv4 earnings calculator.

Trade-offs: You don't own the addresses. If the lease terminates, you need to renumber (though most platforms offer renewal terms that provide stability). You need to ensure you're working with reputable platforms that monitor IP reputation and handle abuse properly.

Here's a detailed comparison of buying vs. leasing IPv4 with break-even math.

Comparison Table: Own LIR vs Alternatives

Decision Framework: Do You Really Need Your Own LIR?

Work through these questions honestly:

1. Do you need regular IPv6 or ASN allocations for network expansion?

If your business model involves continuously requesting new IPv6 space or ASNs for infrastructure growth, direct RIPE membership makes sense. But if you need these resources once or infrequently, a sponsoring LIR is more cost-effective.

2. Do you operate infrastructure serving hundreds or thousands of end customers?

ISPs, large hosting providers, and telecom operators almost always benefit from their own LIR. The control, flexibility, and ability to manage customer assignments justify the costs. Smaller operators might not reach that threshold.

3. Can you commit 3-5 years to maintaining the LIR?

Opening an LIR is a multi-year commitment. If your business is in testing or pivot mode, you'll waste money on fees for something you might not use long-term.

4. Do you have staff capacity for RIPE compliance and operations?

Someone needs to handle database management, respond to audits, track policy changes, and manage resource requests. If you're a lean team, this burden might be significant.

5. Is IPv4 ownership critical to your business model?

If your business requires owning IPv4 assets (for balance sheet reasons, collateral purposes, or long-term certainty), then buying or receiving allocations makes sense. But if you just need access to clean IPv4 space, leasing delivers that faster and more flexibly.

6. Can you afford to wait 12-24 months for a /24 IPv4 allocation?

If your answer is no, RIPE membership alone won't solve your immediate IPv4 needs.

Decision outcomes:

• Yes to questions 1, 2, 3, and 4 → Proceed with your own LIR

• Yes to 1 and 5, no to 2-4 → Consider managed LIR services

• No to 1, 3, or 4 → Sponsoring LIR for independent resources

• No to most questions → IPv4 leasing + partner LIR for routing

Read our complete IPv4 monetization guide for revenue estimates and strategies.

IPbnb Angle: Where a Leasing Platform Fits into RIPE Decisions

Here's where platforms like IPbnb change the equation entirely.

The traditional model was binary: either become a RIPE member and manage everything yourself, or buy IPv4 on the transfer market and figure out routing arrangements with your upstream providers.

Modern IPv4 leasing platforms create a third path that combines the benefits of both approaches without most of the drawbacks.

How the ecosystem works: RIPE NCC → LIR Members → IPv4 Leasing Platform → Lessees

IPv4 holders (who are RIPE members with their own LIRs) list their unused address space on platforms like IPbnb. Organizations needing IPv4 capacity can access this space through standardized leasing agreements, with the platform handling:

• Matchmaking between lessors and lessees

• RIPE-compliant documentation (route objects, LOAs, proper registry entries)

• BGP announcements and RPKI setup through partner LIRs

• Reputation monitoring and abuse management

• Automated provisioning and renewal

When "no LIR + IPbnb + partner infrastructure" beats owning an LIR:

For lessees (IP capacity demanders):

• You need IPv4 space in weeks, not 12-24 months

• Your requirements fluctuate (seasonal traffic, testing environments, geographic expansion)

• You want clean IPs with reputation monitoring included

• You prefer predictable OPEX over large CAPEX and fixed annual fees

• You don't need IPv6 allocation authority or ASN management from RIPE directly

For lessors (IP capacity holders):

• You have IPv4 space sitting unused but don't want the complexity of direct customer relationships

• You want monetization without the compliance headaches of acting as a sponsoring LIR

• You need platform-level abuse handling and reputation protection

• You want transparency on utilization and market rates

IPbnb's differentiation: Unlike traditional brokers or consultants who focus on one-time transactions, IPbnb operates as an ongoing marketplace platform with:

• Automated RIPE-compliant processes built in

• Real-time availability and transparent pricing

• Integrated reputation monitoring to protect both lessors and lessees

• No requirement for lessees to become RIPE members themselves

The hybrid scenario: Some organizations use a hybrid approach: operate their own LIR for core infrastructure and IPv6 allocations, but supplement IPv4 capacity through leasing platforms for:

• Geographic expansion into new regions

• Temporary projects or proof-of-concepts

• Overflow capacity during traffic spikes

• Testing clean IP pools without risking owned address space

RIPE NCC membership in 2026 is the right choice for ISPs, hosting providers, telecom operators, and organizations with ongoing needs for IPv6, ASNs, and direct registry relationships. But for many businesses, especially those primarily needing IPv4 capacity, alternatives like IPv4 leasing deliver faster results, lower complexity, and comparable costs without the multi-year commitment and administrative burden.

Don't let the allure of "getting a /24 from RIPE" drive a decision that costs you time and money. Understand your real requirements, model the true TCO including hidden costs, and choose the path that serves your business—not just the one that sounds most impressive.

FAQ: RIPE NCC Membership & LIR

If I only need one /24 of IPv4, do I have to become a RIPE NCC member?

No. You can lease a /24 from existing holders through platforms like IPbnb, often within days and at comparable or lower annual cost than RIPE membership fees. You can also buy a /24 on the transfer market through brokers, though this requires RIPE membership to register the transfer.

Can I start with sponsoring LIR and later open my own LIR?

Yes, absolutely. Many organizations begin with a sponsoring LIR arrangement to get independent resources (IPv6 PI space or an ASN), then transition to their own LIR as they scale. The resources can be transferred to your new LIR once it's established.

What happens to my LIR if my company goes through M&A or liquidation?

RIPE NCC has specific procedures for mergers, acquisitions, and closures. For mergers, LIRs and their resources can be consolidated under due diligence. For closures, you must return resources or arrange transfers (paying any outstanding fees first). If liquidation happens before year-end, you still owe the full annual fee.

Can I close my LIR and what happens to the IPv4 resources?

You can close your LIR account at any time, but you must have paid all outstanding fees first. IPv4 resources must be either returned to RIPE NCC, transferred to another LIR, or converted to independent resources under a sponsoring LIR. The sign-up fee is never refundable, and annual fees aren't prorated.

What's cheaper over 3-5 years: own LIR vs leasing?

It depends on your needs. If you only need one /24 and have administrative capacity, your own LIR can be cheaper long-term (€8,450 over 5 years vs ~$5,820-7,740 for leasing). But leasing includes zero wait time, no compliance overhead, and flexibility to scale up or down. For anything beyond one /24, leasing or purchasing additional space becomes necessary anyway, changing the math significantly.

Do I need separate RIPE membership for different legal entities in my corporate structure?

Each legal entity needs its own membership and pays separate fees. However, you can hold multiple LIR accounts under a single legal entity (paying fees for each LIR). The structure depends on your corporate setup and operational requirements.

What risks should I know about when leasing IPv4 instead of owning?

The main risks are lease termination (requires renumbering), dependence on the lessor's LIR relationship with RIPE, and potential reputation issues if the platform doesn't properly monitor abuse. Mitigate this by choosing established platforms with strong abuse handling, clear renewal terms, and geographic diversity in their IP pools.