Is Apache 2.0 compatible with AGPL 3.0?
Apache 2.0-licensed code is compatible with a AGPL 3.0 project. Here is what that means for your obligations, conflicts, and distribution.
The license of the code you want to use.
The license you are applying to your project.
The short answer
Permissive licenses like Apache 2.0 carry few restrictions, so they can be absorbed into copyleft projects like AGPL 3.0.
Key obligations
Retain the original copyright notices and license text for the Apache 2.0 components.
Potential conflicts
None. The copyleft terms supersede the permissive terms for the combined work.
Distribution notes
The combined work as a whole must be distributed under AGPL 3.0.
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What this means in practice
Apache License 2.0 is a permissive (+ patent grant) license and GNU AGPL v3.0 is a network copyleft license. That combination is generally safe to ship: you can include the Apache 2.0 library in a AGPL 3.0 project as long as you meet the notice and distribution requirements below. Internal-only use rarely triggers copyleft obligations, while shipping binaries or running a public network service is more likely to.
Compliance checklist for Apache 2.0 → AGPL 3.0
- Retain the original Apache 2.0 copyright and license notices.
- Record that your project bundles Apache 2.0-licensed components (e.g. in an attribution or NOTICE file).
- Distribute the combined work under terms that satisfy AGPL 3.0.
- Re-check the verdict if you switch to SaaS delivery or start modifying the component.
About these licenses
Apache License 2.0
LibraryPermissive, with an express patent grant and a NOTICE-file requirement. Its patent terms make it incompatible with GPL v2.0.
- Type
- Permissive (+ patent grant)
- Patent grant
- Express
- Source sharing
- Not required
GNU AGPL v3.0
ProjectNetwork copyleft. Closes the "SaaS loophole" — offering the software over a network triggers the obligation to share source.
- Type
- Network copyleft
- Patent grant
- Express
- Source sharing
- Combined work + network use
Apache 2.0 and AGPL 3.0: frequently asked questions
Common questions about combining Apache License 2.0 and GNU AGPL v3.0.
Is Apache 2.0 compatible with AGPL 3.0?
Permissive licenses like Apache 2.0 carry few restrictions, so they can be absorbed into copyleft projects like AGPL 3.0.
Can I use Apache 2.0 code in a AGPL 3.0 SaaS or cloud application?
Permissive licenses like Apache 2.0 carry few restrictions, so they can be absorbed into copyleft projects like AGPL 3.0.
What are my obligations when combining Apache 2.0 and AGPL 3.0?
Retain the original copyright notices and license text for the Apache 2.0 components. The combined work as a whole must be distributed under AGPL 3.0.