# Mail server hosting
> Self-hosted mail requires an address with clean sending reputation, matching reverse DNS, and SPF, DKIM and DMARC correctly configured. Incognito VPS allocates from verified sending pools on request, provides self-service rDNS, and opens port 25 after a short conversation about your use case.
**Source:** https://incognitovps.com/use-cases/mail-server-hosting
**Updated:** 2026-06-28

## Recommended configuration

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Plan | VECTOR (hv-4) |
| Specification | 4 vCPU, 8 GB, 140 GB |
| Jurisdiction | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Price | $16.00/mo |

Mail is IO-bound rather than CPU-bound and a full Mailcow stack wants 8 GB. Amsterdam and Zürich have the strongest outbound reputation on our network.

## Resource guidance

| Scenario | Minimum |
| --- | --- |
| Postfix + Dovecot | 2 vCPU, 4 GB RAM |
| Mailcow (full stack) | 4 vCPU, 8 GB RAM, 60 GB |
| Stalwart | 2 vCPU, 4 GB RAM |
| Mandatory | rDNS, SPF, DKIM, DMARC |

## The hard part is reputation, not software

Installing a mail server is a weekend. Getting mail delivered to Gmail is the actual project. The large mailbox providers weight sender reputation heavily, and a new address on a range they do not recognise starts from a position of suspicion.

Ask us before you buy. We will allocate from a pool with verified sending history rather than let you discover the problem after your first hundred messages land in spam. Amsterdam and Zürich are the strongest; Moldova and Russia are the weakest and we will tell you so rather than sell you a server that will not work.

## The four things that are non-negotiable

Reverse DNS matching your mail hostname — self-service on our panel, applies instantly. SPF listing your sending address. DKIM signing on outbound. DMARC with a policy and a reporting address.

Miss any one and delivery degrades sharply. Get all four right and a clean address will reach the inbox at the major providers within a few weeks of consistent, low-volume sending.

- PTR record matching the HELO hostname exactly
- SPF record listing the sending address, with a ~all or -all qualifier
- DKIM key published in DNS and signing all outbound mail
- DMARC policy with rua reporting enabled
- TLS on 25, 465 and 587 with a valid certificate
- Postmaster and abuse addresses that a human reads

## Port 25 and why we ask

Port 25 is closed by default on new servers, as it is at every reputable provider, because open 25 on a fresh address is how spam operations start. Ask on the contact page, describe what you are sending, and we open it — usually within a couple of hours.

This is not a hurdle designed to discourage you. It is the mechanism that keeps our ranges deliverable for everyone sending from them, including you.


## Frequently asked questions

### Is port 25 open?

Closed by default, opened on request after a short conversation about your use case. Usually within a couple of hours. This is what keeps our ranges deliverable.

### Can I set reverse DNS?

Yes, self-service and instant for every address on your account. A PTR matching your mail hostname is mandatory for delivery to the large providers.

### Which location is best for mail?

Amsterdam and Zürich have the strongest outbound reputation. Iceland is also good. Moldova and Russia are the weakest — usable, but expect more friction.

### Will my mail reach Gmail?

With a clean address, matching rDNS, SPF, DKIM and DMARC, and a sensible sending volume ramp — yes, generally within a few weeks. Nobody can promise this, and any host that does is not being straight with you.


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Incognito VPS — Offshore VPS, bare-metal and GPU servers in 16 locations, 8 of them chosen for their legal properties. No identity required, crypto-only payment, deployed in 55 seconds.
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