Change Azure Subscription

Question

Hello,

I signed up for the Startup Program in Azure a few days ago and received Azure Credits for this purpose. These were made available to me in a Microsoft Azure Sponsorship Subscription. However, all my resources are now running in a different subscription. I have already tried to add the resources to the other subscription under 'Move resources'. However, I get the message that this is not possible for all of them.

Is there any other possibility than to recreate all resources?

best regards

Answer 1

Hi ,

Thanks for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A.

Moving Azure resources between subscriptions can be tricky -some resource types move seamlessly, while others aren’t supported for moving at all. If you have already tried “Move resources” and are running into errors, here are a few recommendations and considerations before deciding whether to recreate them from scratch:

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1. Confirm which resources can be moved

Check Azure’s official documentation on moving resources: Move resources to new subscription or resource group

Microsoft provides a list of resource types that support move operations. If your resource type isn’t on that list or has certain dependencies, you might not be able to move it.

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2. Remove blockers if possible

Sometimes resources that initially appear “unmovable” can be moved by removing certain blockers:

1. Remove dependent resources or extensions that are pinned to a specific subscription.
2. Check for locks on the resource or resource group (read-only locks).
3. Disable features like Azure Backup or Azure Site Recovery if they are preventing the move.

If you resolve these dependencies, you might be able to attempt the move again.

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3. Export templates and redeploy

For resources that don’t support a direct move, the usual workaround is:

1. Export the ARM/Bicep/Terraform template of your current deployment.
2. Deploy this template into the new subscription (your microsoft Azure Sponsorship).
3. Migrate data or configurations as needed.

While this isn’t a simple “click and move,” it does save you from manually recreating each resource from scratch. The ARM/Bicep/Terraform approach essentially replicates the infrastructure setup in the new subscription.

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4. Consider whether a subscription swap is possible

In some cases, if your resources all live in one subscription and you want to start using your sponsorship credits in another, you might consider:

1. Transferring the billing ownership of the existing subscription (rarely straightforward, but sometimes an option with Microsoft Support).
2. Merging subscriptions isn’t really possible in Azure, but you can contact Microsoft Support to see if there are exceptions or special processes for Startup Program credits.

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5. Check for region or SKU constraints

Certain resources are bound to specific regions or SKUs that may differ between subscriptions. Confirm that the new sponsorship subscription supports identical configurations (e.g., region availability, resource provider registration, etc.). Sometimes you need to register the resource providers in the new subscription before the resources can be moved or redeployed.

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6. Contact Microsoft Support

Finally, if you’re part of the Azure Startup Program, you might have some specialized support channels.

It can be worth opening a support ticket with following details for faster resolution:

1. Explain your existing architecture and the resources you need to move.
2. Provide error messages you’re encountering.
3. Ask if there’s a subscription-level migration path that could save you from having to rebuild.

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Answer 2

Hi Michael Ringtunatus,

Thank you for reaching out to us on the Microsoft Q&A forum.

If you are unable to move resources between subscriptions using the "Move resources" option, you can request to transfer your Azure credits to the account with your pay-as-you-go subscription. To do this, please open a support request through the Azure Portal by selecting Help + Support and submitting a ticket.

Alternatively, you can request to migrate your subscription to the account with sponsorship credits. This process also requires opening a support request via the Azure Portal.

Please note that Azure benefits are applied at the account level and cannot be shared or merged across multiple accounts.

If you need further assistance, you have the following options:

1. Transfer your sponsorship credits to the account with your pay-as-you-go subscription.
2. Request to migrate your subscription to the account with sponsorship credits.

For additional details or to request changes, kindly open a support ticket through the Azure Portal.

It is important to note that sponsorship credits cannot be applied to an MCA account.

If these options do not resolve your issue, we recommend working with a billing engineer to ensure your credits are assigned to the correct account. Please create a support ticket here to have them assist you further.

For reference, please go through the document: Technical Guidance & Support Overview

Please reach out to us if you have any other queries.

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