I’m a freelance automation consultant based in Italy, and I’m considering offering custom n8n workflow development services to my clients. Before proceeding, I’d like to understand if this use case is permitted under the Sustainable Use License.
The setup I’m considering:
I would run a single self-hosted n8n instance on my own server and build custom workflows for individual clients (small businesses, professionals). Each workflow would be tailored to a specific client’s needs.
For authentication, each client would create their own app (e.g., Google Cloud Console project) and generate their own OAuth credentials or API keys. I would then configure those credentials in my n8n instance to connect their Google Sheets, Gmail, etc. The workflows would run on my server, processing the client’s data.
What I would NOT do:
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Offer a SaaS product or platform
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Have end-users interacting with n8n directly
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Embed n8n into any application
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Allow clients to log into my n8n instance
What I WOULD do:
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Design, build, and maintain workflows as a consulting service
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Maintain direct B2B relationships with each client
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Charge for my time and expertise, not for n8n access
My questions:
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Would this consulting model be permitted under the Sustainable Use License?
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Would having client credentials on my server require an Embed license?
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If I wanted to streamline credential management using something like Nango, would that change anything?
Has anyone here built a similar consulting practice? I’d love to hear how you’ve approached licensing compliance.
Thanks in advance!