Switching from Jira to Linear
Linear ships its own Jira importer for Jira Cloud and Jira Server, plus an optional Jira sync so teams can move over gradually. Here is what maps cleanly and what has no equivalent.
Quick verdict: Use Linear’s Jira importer with an API key (Jira Cloud), a personal access token (Jira Server) or a CSV. Core issue fields map directly, and in Linear’s Jira integration epics become Linear projects. Jira sprints have no Linear equivalent. For a gradual move, turn on Linear’s Jira sync so new issues stay mirrored while teams switch one at a time.
Switching Cost & Friction Estimator
Most buyers only budget for the new subscription. This estimates the hidden labor, data-cleanup, and retraining cost of actually making the switch.
Estimate assumes: 1 hour of data-mapping/cleaning labor per 2,000 records, a blended $75/hr ops rate, tiered migration & cleaning tooling fees, and 4 hours of retraining per seat at a $45/hr fully-loaded rate.
Why teams move from Jira to Linear
Speed and focus
Linear’s fixed, fast workflow is built to keep engineers updating issues instead of maintaining configuration.
A first-party importer
Linear builds and maintains the Jira importer itself, for both Jira Cloud and Jira Server.
Gradual transition
Linear’s Jira sync can mirror new issues in one or both directions while teams move over.
How the migration actually works
The importer is a one-time migration of existing issues; the sync is optional and covers new issues during a transition.
| Step | What you do |
|---|---|
| 1. Choose your credentials | Use an API key for Jira Cloud or a personal access token for Jira Server. A CSV is also accepted. |
| 2. Run the importer | Start the Jira import in Linear’s import settings and choose the Jira projects to bring over. |
| 3. Map users | Map each Jira user to an existing Linear user or create one from their email address. |
| 4. Check field mapping | Title, description, assignee, creator, priority, status, labels and due date map directly. Epics map to Linear projects in the Jira integration. |
| 5. Plan for sprints | Jira sprints have no equivalent in Linear’s importer; set up Linear cycles for your cadence. |
| 6. Optional: turn on Jira sync | For a gradual switch, sync new issues one way or both ways between Jira projects and Linear teams. |
What this path doesn’t do for you:
Sprints have no Linear equivalent. Concepts that do not translate may not be imported at all, according to Linear. Imports are not available for Linear sub-teams that inherit workflow statuses from a parent team. With the sync on, components appear as read-only labels in Linear, and issues imported earlier do not get synced copies in Jira.
Pricing side by side
| Plan | Jira | Linear |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Up to 10 users | Unlimited members, 2 teams, 250 issues |
| Entry paid | Standard — $9.05/user/mo (monthly, 10–50 users) | Basic — $10/user/mo yearly ($12 monthly) |
| Mid | Premium — $18.30/user/mo (monthly, 10–50 users) | Business — $16/user/mo yearly ($18 monthly) |
| Top | Enterprise — annual billing, contact sales | Enterprise — custom, annual only |
List prices checked on the vendors’ pricing pages on September 17, 2026. Confirm current rates before you buy.
Feature parity check
| Capability | Jira | Linear |
|---|---|---|
| Native import from the other tool | Yes — imports from Linear | Yes — Jira Cloud and Jira Server |
| Sprints / cycles | Sprints | Cycles (no sprint import) |
| Epics / projects | Epics | Projects |
| Configurable workflows | Deep | Opinionated, fixed model |
| Free plan | Up to 10 users | Unlimited members, 250 issues |
Going the other direction, or want the full comparison first?
Read the Jira vs Linear comparison Switching from Linear to Jira instead?Frequently Asked Questions
Does Linear have a Jira importer?
Yes. It supports Jira Cloud (API key), Jira Server (personal access token) and CSV.
Do Jira sprints transfer?
No. Sprints have no equivalent in Linear’s importer; use Linear cycles instead.
What happens to epics?
In Linear’s Jira integration, epics map to Linear projects, including title, status, labels, priority, description and assignee.
Are comments kept with their original dates?
Linear says imported comments keep their original creation date rather than the date of the migration.
Can we run both tools during the switch?
Yes. Linear’s Jira sync can mirror new issues one way or both ways.
Canonical data for the tools on this page
Every pricing fact, rating, AI billing model and switching guide we hold on each tool, on one page — with the date each figure was last verified.