Migrating from GitLab to GitHub

A Git repository can be moved to GitHub with its history, branches, and tags, but GitLab-specific data and settings require a separate review.

Method 1: GitHub Import (easiest)

1. Go to github.com/new/import
2. Paste the GitLab repository URL
3. For private repos, enter a GitLab Personal Access Token:
   - GitLab → Settings → Access Tokens → scope read_repository
4. Choose the repository name on GitHub, Public/Private
5. Click Begin import

GitHub will automatically transfer the code and all history.

Method 2: Git mirror (full control)

# 1. Clone from GitLab
git clone --bare https://gitlab.com/username/project.git

# 2. Mirror push to GitHub
cd project.git
git push --mirror https://github.com/username/project.git

# 3. Remove the temporary folder
cd ..
rm -rf project.git

--bare — Git data only, no working files. --mirror — copies all branches, tags, and refs.

Method 3: Via GitHub Desktop

1. File → Clone Repository → URL → paste the GitLab HTTPS URL
2. After cloning: Publish repository

What Transfers

CI/CD: GitLab → GitHub Actions

Before (.gitlab-ci.yml):

test:
  image: python:3.12
  script:
    - pip install -r requirements.txt
    - pytest

After (.github/workflows/ci.yml):

name: CI
on: [push, pull_request]
jobs:
  test:
    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
    steps:
      - uses: actions/checkout@v4
      - uses: actions/setup-python@v5
        with:
          python-version: '3.12'
      - run: pip install -r requirements.txt
      - run: pytest

Update README Badges

# Before (GitLab)
[![pipeline status](https://gitlab.com/username/project/badges/main/pipeline.svg)]

# After (GitHub)
![CI](https://github.com/username/project/actions/workflows/ci.yml/badge.svg)

Update Remote for Team Members

git remote set-url origin https://github.com/username/project.git
git fetch

Migration Checklist

• Created repository on GitHub
• Transferred code (git push --mirror)
• Set up GitHub Actions (replaced .gitlab-ci.yml)
• Updated README (badges, links)
• Configured branch protection
• Updated CI/CD secrets
• Notified the team to update their remote
• Made the GitLab repository read-only