Microsoft SQL Server is the most widely used relational database management system in Windows enterprise environments. From small businesses running a single instance to organisations with high-availability clusters, SQL Server manages mission-critical data on millions of servers worldwide.

At La Tienda de las Licencias you can buy genuine SQL Server licence keys — Standard and Enterprise — for versions 2016, 2019, 2022 and 2025, with savings of up to 95% compared to the official Microsoft price. All our licences originate from legitimate enterprise software surplus and their resale is fully legal within the European Union. We ship worldwide and accept local payment methods in the UK, Indonesia, Malaysia, Kenya, Nigeria and 30+ other countries.

Our SQL Server catalogue

These are the SQL Server licences we have in stock for instant delivery. Prices are displayed in your local currency.

SQL Server Standard vs. Enterprise: which do you need?

The choice between SQL Server Standard and Enterprise depends on the size of your infrastructure, the advanced features you require and your budget. This comparison helps you pick the right edition without overpaying.

When to choose Standard

SQL Server Standard is the right choice for about 80% of businesses. If your server has 24 cores or fewer, your database is under 100 GB and you do not need automatic failover with Always On Availability Groups, Standard covers everything you need. It includes reporting, .NET integration, multi-instance support and all the transactional features a small or medium business requires. It is the world's best-selling SQL Server edition for a reason: it offers the best balance between functionality and price.

When you need Enterprise

Enterprise is for mission-critical environments where downtime is not acceptable. If you need Always On Availability Groups with automatic multi-node failover, data compression to save storage on tables with millions of rows, or table partitioning for high-performance analytical queries, Enterprise is your edition. It is also required if your server has more than 24 cores or more than 128 GB of RAM allocated to SQL Server.

Which SQL Server version should you choose? Guide 2016 to 2025

Microsoft releases a new major version of SQL Server every 3 to 4 years. Each version receives extended support for 10 years. Here is what each one offers and how long it is supported.

Our recommendation

For new installations: SQL Server 2022. It offers the best performance, the most complete feature set and support until 2033. The Azure integration — even if you do not need it now — gives you future flexibility for hybrid cloud/on-premise scenarios at no additional cost.

For the best balance of price and functionality: SQL Server 2019. It has support until 2030, includes Intelligent Query Processing (which automatically improves performance without code changes) and costs less than the newer versions.

Coming from SQL Server 2016? Extended support ends in July 2026. Now is the ideal time to migrate to 2022 or 2019. A licence from La Tienda de las Licencias costs a fraction of what you would pay for one year of Microsoft Software Assurance, and you get a version with support until 2030 or 2033.

How does SQL Server licensing work?

SQL Server licensing can seem complex. Here is a clear explanation so you know exactly what you need to buy.

Core-based licensing (the main model since 2012)

Since SQL Server 2012, the primary licensing model is per physical processor core. The minimum is 4 cores per physical processor, sold in 2-core packs. If your server has an 8-core processor, you need four 2-core packs. In practice, our Standard licences with 24 cores included cover the vast majority of enterprise servers without needing additional core packs. The 2025 Standard edition increases this to 32 cores included.

CALs (Client Access Licences)

If you only need to give access to a small number of users or devices, you can also licence SQL Server using CALs (Client Access Licences). You need one server licence plus one CAL per user or device that accesses SQL Server. We have User CALs and Device CALs available for SQL Server 2022.

What is included with each licence you buy here?

Every licence includes a genuine Microsoft product key that allows you to download SQL Server directly from the official Microsoft servers and install it. Activation is online and permanent. There are no subscriptions and no recurring payments: once you activate your licence, it is yours forever.

Legal framework: CJEU ruling C-128/11

The resale of software licences within the European Union is protected by the ruling of the Court of Justice of the EU (case C-128/11, UsedSoft vs. Oracle, July 2012). This ruling established that the principle of exhaustion of the distribution right applies to software acquired legitimately, whether on physical media or by digital download. All our licences originate from legitimate enterprise surplus and comply with this legal framework. La Tienda de las Licencias is a registered Spanish company that issues official invoices with full tax details.

Need Windows Server too? 2025 vs. 2022 comparison

SQL Server runs on Windows Server (or Linux). If you also need the server operating system, here is a comparison of the two most recent versions. Both are available in our store with the same level of savings.

Which one? If you are building a new server, Windows Server 2025 gives you the most modern features and the longest support. If you want the best price and your environment does not need the 2025 improvements, Windows Server 2022 is a solid choice with support until 2031.

Who buys SQL Server licences from La Tienda de las Licencias?

IT companies, consultancies and MSPs

IT service companies that deploy servers for their clients. They buy SQL Server and Windows Server licences at reduced prices and include them in their infrastructure projects. Through our reseller programme, they get an additional 30% discount on store prices for SQL Server and Windows Server.

SMBs with ERP, CRM or software that requires SQL Server

Many business management applications — SAP Business One, Dynamics NAV/Business Central, custom CRMs, accounting software — require a SQL Server instance as their database engine. The official Microsoft price can be a significant barrier. Our prices remove that barrier.

IT departments and system administrators

IT professionals who need to renew, expand or regularise server licences without exhausting their department budget. With Microsoft licence audits becoming increasingly frequent, having legal, documented licences is essential. Our licences come with an official invoice that proves legitimate purchase.

Software resellers and distributors

Computer shops, freelance IT technicians and software resellers who offer licences to their end clients. Our reseller programme offers discounts of up to 30% on Windows Server, SQL Server and RDS, allowing you to resell with your own margin and invoice in your client's name.

How to buy and activate your SQL Server licence

1. Choose your licence

Select the version (2016, 2019, 2022, 2025) and edition (Standard or Enterprise) you need from the products on this page. The price is displayed automatically in your local currency.

2. Complete your purchase

We accept multiple payment methods worldwide. Credit/debit card and PayPal are available everywhere. In addition, we offer local payment options:

Kenya: M-Pesa, Airtel Money, credit/debit card (KES)

Nigeria: Bank transfer, card payment (NGN)

Indonesia: GoPay, OVO, DANA, bank transfer, virtual account (IDR)

Malaysia: FPX online banking, e-wallets, card payment (MYR)

United Kingdom: Credit/debit card, PayPal (GBP)

3. Receive your licence by email

Immediately after payment is confirmed, you receive your genuine Microsoft product key by email, together with detailed download instructions from the official Microsoft servers and step-by-step installation guidance.

4. Install and activate

Download SQL Server from the official Microsoft website (the link is included in your email), install and activate with your product key. The entire process takes less than 30 minutes. Activation is permanent — it does not expire and does not require renewal.

Frequently asked questions about SQL Server