How to Move from HubSpot to Salesforce (Step-by-Step 2026 Guide)
By ToolVS Research Team · Last Updated April 2026
Hard1-2 weeksCRM
This is one of the harder SaaS migrations. Budget 1-2 weeks. HubSpot and Salesforce use fundamentally different data models. HubSpot is contact-centric; Salesforce splits data across Leads, Contacts, Accounts, and Opportunities. Data exports as CSV, but field mapping requires careful planning. Here is how to do it right.
Migration Checklist
What You Will Lose
- Email engagement history — HubSpot email tracking data does not transfer
- Website analytics — HubSpot page view and form analytics stay behind
- Marketing Hub features — unless you add Salesforce Marketing Cloud (expensive)
- Simplicity — Salesforce is powerful but significantly more complex to use
- Free CRM features — Salesforce has no truly free tier
What You Will Gain
- Enterprise scalability — handles millions of records and complex org structures
- AppExchange marketplace — thousands of add-on apps and integrations
- Advanced reporting — custom report types, cross-object reporting, dashboards
- Customization depth — custom objects, fields, validation rules, and Apex code
- Industry-standard CRM — easier to hire people who already know Salesforce
Gotchas and Common Mistakes
- Lead vs Contact confusion: Salesforce separates Leads (unqualified) from Contacts (qualified). Decide upfront how to split your HubSpot contacts between the two objects.
- Import order: Always import Accounts before Contacts, and Contacts before Opportunities. Salesforce needs parent records to exist before you can link child records.
- Duplicate records: Salesforce does not automatically deduplicate during import. Use matching rules or import in batches and check for duplicates after each batch.
- Activity history: Call logs, meeting notes, and email activities from HubSpot are extremely difficult to migrate. Many teams simply accept starting fresh with activity data.
- Hidden costs: Salesforce pricing adds up fast. Storage limits, API call limits, and add-on features like CPQ or Pardot are all extra. Budget beyond the per-seat price.
Data Export Formats
| Data Type | HubSpot Export | Salesforce Import |
|---|---|---|
| Contacts | CSV | Data Import Wizard / Data Loader |
| Companies | CSV | Import as Accounts |
| Deals | CSV | Import as Opportunities |
| Workflows | No export (screenshot) | Rebuild as Flows |
| Email templates | HTML copy | Paste into Salesforce templates |
Migration Timeline
| When | Task | Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Export HubSpot data + field mapping | 4-6 hours |
| Week 1 | Set up Salesforce + custom fields | 4-8 hours |
| Week 2 | Import data + verify accuracy | 4-6 hours |
| Week 2 | Rebuild automations + integrations | 6-10 hours |
| Week 3 | Train team + go live | 4 hours |
| Week 3-4 | Run parallel + deactivate HubSpot | Monitoring |
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is it to migrate from HubSpot to Salesforce?
It is one of the harder SaaS migrations. The different data models (HubSpot is contact-centric, Salesforce is relational with Leads/Contacts/Accounts/Opportunities) require careful planning. Budget 1-2 weeks and consider hiring a Salesforce consultant for complex setups.
Can I transfer HubSpot workflows to Salesforce?
No, workflows cannot be automatically transferred. You must manually recreate them as Salesforce Flows. Document every HubSpot workflow before starting. The logic can usually be replicated, but the interfaces are completely different.
How much does a HubSpot to Salesforce migration cost?
DIY is free but takes 40-80 hours. Professional services cost $2,000-$15,000. Salesforce licenses start at $25/user/month for Essentials. Factor in training costs and potential AppExchange add-ons.
Not sure yet? Read our full HubSpot vs Salesforce comparison to see pricing, features, and which CRM fits your team better.
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