Multi-Tenancy with Next.js — A Reusable Pattern

Multi-tenancy is one of those problems that looks complicated on the surface but becomes approachable once you’ve solved it a few times. In my work, I’ve come back to the same approach again and again when building with Next.js. The shape is familiar: one product, many tenants, each expecting the app to feel like it’s built for them.

The key is to resolve the tenant as early as possible. I usually do this either through subdomains (acme.example.com) or path prefixes (example.com/t/acme). Subdomains deliver the white-label experience tenants want, while path prefixes are easier for testing and onboarding. Both patterns can coexist.

From there, I’ve learned not to trust the client to declare who they are. Tenant resolution belongs on the server, where it can be enforced. Once the tenant is known, every query and operation gets scoped to that tenant, usually with a shared tenantId. This ensures one schema can serve many tenants without any accidental overlap.

I also build tenant configuration right into the model: branding, email domains, payment accounts, and anything else that gives each tenant its unique flavor. Centralizing these details keeps the product consistent while still allowing each tenant’s space to feel personal. The core product stays the same, but the entry points and surface details flex to match.

It’s a pattern that balances speed with isolation. The tenants get a platform that feels like theirs, and I get to keep one codebase that ships quickly and scales without drama. It’s become one of the design habits I trust most when starting something new.