> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.lightdash.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Enterprise License Keys

> Access enterprise features on self-hosted Lightdash instances

<Note>
  🛠 This page is for engineering teams self-hosting their own Lightdash instance. If you want to learn about enterprise features and pricing, go to [lightdash.com/pricing](https://lightdash.com/pricing).
</Note>

Enterprise License Keys enable access to advanced Lightdash Enterprise Edition features on self-hosted instances. These features include enhanced security, performance optimizations, and advanced collaboration tools designed for large organizations.

## Getting an Enterprise License Key

To obtain an Enterprise License Key for your self-hosted Lightdash instance:

1. **Contact our team** - [Schedule a call with our enterprise team](https://calendly.com/lightdash-cloud/enterprise?utm_source=docs\&utm_medium=referral\&utm_campaign=enterprise_licensing\&utm_content=license_key_page) to discuss your requirements and get your license key.

2. **Receive your license key** - Our team will provide you with a unique license key tailored to your organization's needs.

## Configuring Your License Key

Once you have received your Enterprise License Key, you need to configure it in your Lightdash deployment.

### Using Environment Variables

Add the following environment variable to your Lightdash configuration:

```bash theme={null}
LIGHTDASH_LICENSE_KEY=your-enterprise-license-key-here
```

### Using Helm (Kubernetes)

If you're deploying Lightdash on Kubernetes using Helm, add the license key to your `values.yaml` file:

```yaml theme={null}
secrets:
  LIGHTDASH_LICENSE_KEY: your-enterprise-license-key-here
```

Then update your Helm deployment:

```bash theme={null}
helm upgrade lightdash lightdash/lightdash -n lightdash -f values.yaml
```

### Using Docker Compose

For Docker Compose deployments, add the license key to your `docker-compose.yml` file:

```yaml theme={null}
services:
  lightdash:
    environment:
      - LIGHTDASH_LICENSE_KEY=your-enterprise-license-key-here
```

## License validation and network requirements

On server start, Lightdash validates your Enterprise License Key by making an outbound HTTPS request to the [Keygen](https://keygen.sh) license validation API:

* **Endpoint:** `https://api.keygen.sh`
* **Purpose:** Validates the license key provided via the `LIGHTDASH_LICENSE_KEY` environment variable
* **When:** On every Lightdash server start

<Note>
  Your Lightdash instance must be able to reach `https://api.keygen.sh` on server start. This is the **only** external network request required to run Lightdash with enterprise features. If your environment restricts outbound traffic, ensure this endpoint is allowlisted in your firewall or proxy configuration.
</Note>

No external code is pulled during this process — the request solely validates your license key and returns the validation result.

## Verifying your license

After configuring your license key and restarting Lightdash, you can verify that enterprise features are enabled by:

1. Logging in as an admin user
2. Navigating to Settings → Organization
3. Checking for the "Enterprise Edition" badge

## Enterprise Features

With a valid Enterprise License Key, you'll have access to:

* **Advanced authentication** - Enhanced SSO options and security controls
* **Extended analytics** - Additional usage analytics and monitoring capabilities
* **Priority support** - Direct access to our enterprise support team
* **Advanced customization** - Additional configuration options for large deployments
* **Performance optimizations** - Features designed for high-scale deployments

## Troubleshooting

If enterprise features are not available after configuring your license key:

1. Verify the license key is correctly set in your environment variables
2. Ensure Lightdash has been restarted after adding the license key
3. Confirm your server can reach `https://api.keygen.sh` (required for license validation)
4. Check the Lightdash logs for any license-related error messages
5. Contact our [enterprise support team](https://calendly.com/lightdash-cloud/enterprise) for assistance

## Related Documentation

* [Environment Variables Reference](/self-host/customize-deployment/environment-variables)
* [Self-Host Lightdash](/self-host/self-host-lightdash)
* [Lightdash Cloud vs Self-Hosted](/self-host/lightdash-cloud-vs-self-hosted)