Is MIT compatible with GPL 3.0?
MIT-licensed code is compatible with a GPL 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 MIT carry few restrictions, so they can be absorbed into copyleft projects like GPL 3.0.
Key obligations
Retain the original copyright notices and license text for the MIT 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 GPL 3.0.
Deep-dive resources
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What this means in practice
MIT License is a permissive license and GNU GPL v3.0 is a strong copyleft license. That combination is generally safe to ship: you can include the MIT library in a GPL 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 MIT → GPL 3.0
- Retain the original MIT copyright and license notices.
- Record that your project bundles MIT-licensed components (e.g. in an attribution or NOTICE file).
- Distribute the combined work under terms that satisfy GPL 3.0.
- Re-check the verdict if you switch to SaaS delivery or start modifying the component.
About these licenses
MIT License
LibraryA short, highly permissive license. Use it almost anywhere as long as you keep the copyright and license notice.
- Type
- Permissive
- Patent grant
- None
- Source sharing
- Not required
GNU GPL v3.0
ProjectStrong copyleft with patent and anti-tivoization protections. Designed to be compatible with Apache 2.0.
- Type
- Strong copyleft
- Patent grant
- Express
- Source sharing
- Entire combined work
MIT and GPL 3.0: frequently asked questions
Common questions about combining MIT License and GNU GPL v3.0.
Is MIT compatible with GPL 3.0?
Permissive licenses like MIT carry few restrictions, so they can be absorbed into copyleft projects like GPL 3.0.
Can I use MIT code in a GPL 3.0 SaaS or cloud application?
Permissive licenses like MIT carry few restrictions, so they can be absorbed into copyleft projects like GPL 3.0.
What are my obligations when combining MIT and GPL 3.0?
Retain the original copyright notices and license text for the MIT components. The combined work as a whole must be distributed under GPL 3.0.