---
title: Deploying n8n on Serverless Containers
description: This tutorial provides a step-by-step guide for deploying n8n workflow automation platform on Scaleway Serverless Containers with Scaleway Managed Database.
tags: n8n workflow serverless containers
products:
  - containers
  - managed-databases
dates:
  validation: 2026-08-06
  posted: 2026-08-06
  validation_frequency: 12
difficulty: beginner
usecase:
  - application-hosting
  - automation
ecosystem:
  - third-party
---

import Requirements from '@macros/iam/requirements.mdx'

This tutorial provides a step-by-step guide for deploying n8n, an open-source workflow automation platform, on the Scaleway cloud platform. It covers the process of setting up the required infrastructure, including Serverless Containers and a Managed Database, to configure and run n8n for workflow automation.

<Requirements />

- A Scaleway account logged into the [console](https://console.scaleway.com)
- [Owner](/iam/concepts/#owner) status or [IAM permissions](/iam/concepts/#permission) allowing you to perform actions in the intended Organization

## Create a PostgreSQL Managed Database

n8n requires a database for persistent storage of workflows, executions, and configuration data.

1. In the [Scaleway console](https://console.scaleway.com) side menu, go to **Databases** > **PostgreSQL and MySQL**.
2. Click **Create Database Instance**.
    1. Select the region for your Database Instance.
    2. Select **PostgreSQL**.
    3. Select a node type suitable for your needs (DB-PLAY2-PICO is sufficient for testing).
    4. Enter a default username and password for the database. You will use these credentials to connect n8n to the database.
    5. Enter the name `n8n` for the Database Instance.
6. Click **Create Database Instance**. The database instance overview appears. It is ready to use after a few minutes.
7. Go to the **Private Networks** tab and click **Attach to Private Network**.
8. Select an existing Private Network or create a new one, then click **Attach to Private Network**.

Store the database private host IP, username, and password securely. You will need these credentials to configure n8n environment variables.

## Deploy n8n on Serverless Containers

You can deploy n8n using either the Scaleway Console or the `scw` CLI. This guide uses the Console.

1. In the [Scaleway console](https://console.scaleway.com) side menu, go to **Serverless Compute** > **Containers**
2. Click **Create namespace**:
    1. Enter a name for the namespace (for example, `ns-automation-tools`).
    2. Select the same region as your Database Instance.

3. Click **Create namespace and add container**.
   - Select **External** image
   - **Image**: `docker.io/n8nio/n8n:latest`
   - **Port**: `5678`
   - **CPU**: At least 500 mVCPU
   - **Memory**: At least 1024 MB (n8n requires more resources than a simple API)
   - **Minimum instances**: 1 (to avoid cold starts)

4. In **Advanced options** > **Data** > **Environment Variables**, add the following variables. Replace the placeholders with the appropriate values.

    |         Variable         |                Value                 |                 Description                 |
    | :----------------------- | :----------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------ |
    | `DB_TYPE`                | `postgresdb`                         | Specifies PostgreSQL engine                 |
    | `DB_POSTGRESDB_HOST`     | `<your-database-private-ip>`         | Private Network IP of PostgreSQL            |
    | `DB_POSTGRESDB_PORT`     | `5432`                               | PostgreSQL port                             |
    | `DB_POSTGRESDB_DATABASE` | `n8n`                                | Database name                               |
    | `DB_POSTGRESDB_USER`     | `<your-database-username>`           | Database username                           |
    | `N8N_WEBHOOK_URL`        | `https://<your-container-endpoint>/` | Public URL for webhooks and OAuth redirects |
    | `N8N_PROXY_HOPS`         | `1`                                  | Informs n8n it runs behind Scaleway's proxy |

    Or click **JSON** and copy these values:

    ```json
    {
      "DB_TYPE": "postgresdb",
      "DB_POSTGRESDB_HOST": "<your-database-private-ip>",
      "DB_POSTGRESDB_PORT": "5432",
      "DB_POSTGRESDB_DATABASE": "n8n",
      "DB_POSTGRESDB_USER": "<your-database-username>",
      "N8N_WEBHOOK_URL": "https://<your-container-endpoint>/",
      "N8N_PROXY_HOPS": "1"
    }
    ```

5. In **Advanced options** > **Data** > **Secrets**, add the following secrets. Replace the placeholders with the appropriate values.

    |          Secret          |           Value            |              Description               |
    | :----------------------- | :------------------------- | :------------------------------------- |
    | `DB_POSTGRESDB_PASSWORD` | `<your-database-password>` | PostgreSQL user password               |
    | `N8N_ENCRYPTION_KEY`     | `<random-32-char-string>`  | Key used to encrypt stored credentials |
    
    Or click **JSON** and copy these values:

    ```json
    {
      "DB_POSTGRESDB_PASSWORD": "<your-database-password>",
      "N8N_ENCRYPTION_KEY": "<random-32-char-string>"
    }
    ```
    
    <Message type="tip">
    For advanced configuration options and additional environment variables, refer to the [n8n official documentation](https://docs.n8n.io/hosting/configuration/environment-variables/).
    </Message>

    <Message type="important">
    Store sensitive values like database passwords, encryption keys, and API secrets as **secrets** rather than plain environment variables. Secrets are encrypted and never exposed in logs.
    </Message>

6. In **Advanced options** > **Private Networks**, select the **same Private Network** you attached to your PostgreSQL Managed Database so the container can reach the database.

7. Click **Deploy container**. The container is deployed and starts running.

## Access n8n

After the container is deployed and running:

1. Navigate to the **Endpoints** tab of your container.
2. Copy the endpoint URL and open it in your web browser.
3. You will be prompted to create an admin account for n8n on first access.

## Next steps

After successfully deploying n8n, you can:

- Create your first workflow using the n8n editor
- Explore the [n8n template library](https://n8n.io/workflows) for pre-built automations
- Configure webhooks to trigger workflows from external services
- Set up credentials for secure API integrations
- Monitor execution history and logs in the n8n dashboard