As IPv4 addresses continue to become scarce, businesses across Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Central Asia are turning to the RIPE NCC IPv4 waiting list as one of the last official avenues to acquire address space. However, as we move further into 2025, the demand for these limited resources has outpaced supply, making it an increasingly less practical solution for many businesses. The waiting list has grown significantly, and with over 1,000 organizations on it, it now takes an average of one to two years to process new requests. But businesses can’t afford to wait that long, especially startups and service providers that need IP space to scale quickly. This article will guide you through the RIPE NCC IPv4 waiting list process, eligibility requirements, and alternative options available to speed up the acquisition of IPv4 addresses.
What is the RIPE NCC IPv4 Waiting List?
The RIPE Network Coordination Centre (NCC) is the Regional Internet Registry (RIR) responsible for managing IP address distribution in Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Since the RIPE IPv4 pool ran out in 2019, RIPE NCC has maintained an IPv4 waiting list for organizations seeking to obtain IPv4 address blocks.
The process works as follows: When IPv4 address blocks are returned by existing users or reclaimed from unused resources, RIPE NCC allocates these addresses to new applicants. This allocation process is based on a first-come, first-served basis, and the available blocks are typically small — usually /24 blocks, which consist of 256 IP addresses. These allocations are intended to help new businesses establish their networks while continuing to migrate towards IPv6 adoption, which is slowly taking over as the future of internet addressing.
Eligibility Requirements for the RIPE IPv4 Waiting List
To join the RIPE IPv4 waiting list in 2025, applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria:
1. New Local Internet Registries (LIRs) Only
The RIPE IPv4 waiting list is only open to new LIRs who have recently signed up with RIPE NCC. If an organization is already an existing member and has received a /24 allocation, they are ineligible to apply for another one. This means that businesses can only apply for IPv4 resources once through the waiting list, regardless of their future needs.
2. Single Allocation Limit
Each eligible LIR is limited to one /24 block (256 IPv4 addresses). This allocation is usually enough for small to medium-sized businesses or startups, but companies that require larger address space will need to look for alternative solutions.
3. Valid Business Purpose
To apply for IPv4 addresses through the RIPE NCC waiting list, organizations must demonstrate a valid business purpose. This means applicants must provide a legitimate reason for needing the IPv4 addresses, such as running a service that requires direct internet access, or expanding their business infrastructure. Additionally, organizations must adhere to RIPE’s routing policies and best practices to maintain the health and stability of the global internet.
4. Membership Fees
Starting in 2025, the cost of joining the RIPE NCC as an LIR is approximately €1,400 for setup and an annual membership fee of €1,550. While these fees are relatively affordable for larger organizations, they may be prohibitive for smaller startups or businesses with limited budgets.
The Queue and Waiting Time Right Now
As of early 2025, more than 1,000 organizations are currently waiting for their IPv4 address allocations from the RIPE NCC. The waiting time for these allocations can range anywhere from 12 to 24 months, and the turnover of available addresses is unpredictable. The available IPv4 blocks primarily consist of those returned by previous users or reclaimed from unused resources.
The unpredictability of this process poses significant challenges for businesses that require IPv4 addresses to continue their operations. Startups, ISPs, and data centers that need IPv4 addresses urgently are at a disadvantage, as they cannot afford the delays caused by the waiting list. With the growing demand and limited supply, many businesses are exploring alternative options to bypass the waiting list and obtain IPv4 addresses more quickly.
About IPv4Hub.net: A Faster Option for Acquiring IPv4 Addresses
For businesses that cannot afford to wait in line at the RIPE NCC, IPv4Hub.net offers a more efficient solution. IPv4Hub.net is an IPv4 broker platform that connects verified lessors and lessees worldwide, facilitating the rental of IPv4 addresses. The platform offers clean, ready-to-use IP blocks ranging from /24 to /16, which businesses can lease in just a few days.
All IPv4 leases through IPv4Hub.net come with essential documentation, including SWIP, ROA, and LOA support to ensure correct routing and legal compliance. The platform’s dedicated team handles every aspect of the process, from verification to delivery, ensuring that the setup goes smoothly and at transparent pricing. This makes IPv4Hub.net a reliable option for businesses seeking immediate access to IPv4 addresses without having to wait for months or years.
Faster Options: Brokers and Marketplaces
If your business cannot afford to wait for months to receive an IPv4 allocation from the RIPE NCC, there are several legitimate alternatives to consider:
1. IPv4 Leasing
Leasing IPv4 addresses through brokers like IPv4Hub.net is the fastest and most cost-effective way to acquire IPv4 resources. Leasing offers a flexible solution for businesses that need IPv4 addresses quickly but don’t want to invest large amounts of capital upfront. This option allows businesses to scale their IP resources based on demand, and it is ideal for short-term projects, growing data centers, or businesses with fluctuating needs.
2. IPv4 Marketplaces
IPv4 marketplaces are another alternative to the RIPE waiting list. These online platforms allow direct transactions between verified buyers and sellers of IPv4 addresses. Prices in 2025 range between $35 and $50 per IP, depending on the block size, reputation, and other factors. Marketplaces can offer immediate access to the addresses you need, bypassing the lengthy waiting list process.
3. IPv4 Transfers Between LIRs
RIPE allows IPv4 transfers between existing LIRs (Local Internet Registries). This can be a viable option for businesses that are looking to acquire larger address blocks. However, these transfers require comprehensive documentation to ensure compliance with RIPE’s regulations. Working with a trusted broker can help ensure that the ownership validation and transfer process is legal and smooth.
4. Shared or Cloud-Based Addressing
Some cloud service providers or hosting companies offer shared IPv4 addresses as part of their infrastructure services. This is typically ideal for businesses working on temporary projects or for companies that need IPv4 addresses for short-term use without requiring full ownership of the IP resources. These options provide quick access to IPv4 without the need for purchasing or leasing entire blocks.
Should You Wait or Lease?
For businesses with minimal IPv4 needs and the patience to wait, joining the RIPE NCC IPv4 waiting list may be a viable option. However, for most organizations, leasing or purchasing IPv4 space through a marketplace or broker is much more efficient.
Leasing offers immediate access to IPv4 addresses and is often more affordable than purchasing them outright. Furthermore, leasing provides flexibility, allowing businesses to scale their IP resources as needed, without the long wait times and unpredictability of the RIPE waiting list.
In contrast, waiting for an allocation from the RIPE NCC typically results in long delays, especially given the growing queue and the limited availability of IPv4 addresses. For businesses that cannot afford such delays, alternative options like leasing through IPv4Hub.net or exploring the IPv4 marketplace are much more practical.
The RIPE NCC IPv4 Waiting List and Alternatives
While the RIPE NCC IPv4 waiting list remains one of the last official ways to acquire IPv4 address space, the growing queue and long waiting times make it impractical for many businesses. Fortunately, alternatives like IPv4 leasing, IPv4 marketplaces, and transfers between LIRs provide faster, more efficient options to get the IPv4 addresses businesses need to grow.
If you’re looking for immediate access to IPv4 addresses, IPv4Hub.net offers a streamlined leasing service that guarantees legal, clean, and reliable IPv4 blocks without the long delays associated with the RIPE waiting list. By taking advantage of these faster alternatives, businesses can continue to expand their network infrastructure while preparing for the eventual shift to IPv6.