
In Progress
Posted
Paid on delivery
My site currently runs on Joomla 3.8 with PHP 7.4.4. I need it moved to Joomla 5.4.8 on PHP 8.5 while leaving the front-end appearance exactly as it is today. During the move I want every existing extension and plugin brought across, fully functional and on versions that are compatible with Joomla 5 / PHP 8. Where a direct upgrade path is unavailable, please propose an equivalent solution before proceeding. Deliverables 1. Up-to-date Joomla 5.4.8 production site running on PHP 8.5. 2. All extensions/plugins operational on the new stack. 3. A short hand-off document outlining the steps performed, updated versions installed, and any future update notes. I’ll give you full hosting and Joomla admin access along with a recent backup. Please outline your approach, estimated timeline, and any questions you have so we can get started quickly.
Project ID: 40728728
104 proposals
Remote project
Active 6 days ago
Set your budget and timeframe
Get paid for your work
Outline your proposal
It's free to sign up and bid on jobs
104 freelancers are bidding on average $31 USD for this job

Hi, ✓ I can help you to move your joomla 3.8 into joomla 5.4.8 with PHP 8.5 version... ✓ please send me your joomla site.. ✓ My timeline to complete this Website work in 4-5 days.... ✓ iam an experienced Joomla developer with 15years of experience...I have done many joomla sites which are running successfully now... ============================ Please message me.. Thanks Lalith
$160 USD in 4 days
9.1
9.1

Hello, As an accomplished developer with over a decade of experience, including extensive work on Joomla and PHP platforms similar to this project, I am confident that I'm a perfect fit for your Joomla 3.8 to 5 migration needs. In addition to my deep understanding of Joomla architecture and capabilities, I have proven expertise in PHP as well as complementary knowledge of CSS and HTML which will be crucial during your migration. Having completed several successful Joomla migrations in the past, I understand the importance of maintaining the front-end appearance while upgrading backend versions and I will ensure your new site looks and feels exactly like it does now. Moreover, my meticulous approach will guarantee that all your existing extensions/plugins are properly carried over and still fully operational on the updated stack. Considering the complexity involved in such moves, I propose a comprehensive plan that begins with identifying direct upgrade paths where possible, otherwise suggesting reliable solutions for successful transition. With me, you not only get a seamless migration but also a concise document outlining every step performed, full update notes and most importantly - the peace of mind that comes with project handled by a seasoned professional. I am eager to start working on improving your website today! Thanks!
$30 USD in 1 day
8.6
8.6

Hi, I can help migrate your site from Joomla 3.8 to 5.4.8 while ensuring the front-end appearance remains unchanged. My approach involves first assessing the existing extensions and plugins for compatibility with Joomla 5 and PHP 8.5. For those without a direct upgrade, I’ll recommend suitable alternatives before proceeding. Once everything is set up and functioning, I’ll provide you with a detailed hand-off document outlining the steps taken, updated versions, and future maintenance notes. Please see our portfolio on this link : https://www.freelancer.com/u/webperfection123 With 10+ years of experience in Joomla migrations, I’m confident in delivering a seamless transition. Let’s get started! Best, Priyanka
$30 USD in 1 day
8.5
8.5

Joomla 3.8 can't jump straight to 5 — it has to go 3.8 → 3.10.x first so the update channel and pre-upgrade check are available, then 4.4 LTS, then 5.4.8, with an extension audit at each gate. I'd do the whole thing on a staging clone of your backup, never the live site. The honest sticking point is your template: J3 templates don't run on J4/5, so keeping the front-end pixel-identical usually means porting the layout onto a J5 template rather than upgrading it — same for any extension without a J5 path, which I'll flag with an equivalent before touching anything. I'll also lint the custom code for PHP 8.5 deprecations, compare front-end pages before/after, and write up the hand-off doc. Can start as soon as I have the backup.
$10 USD in 1 day
8.1
8.1

Hi, Are we dealing with any legacy third-party plugins overriding core MVC layouts via the template, or are template overrides isolated strictly to HTML views? If it is the former, I will refactor those legacy overrides for the Joomla 5 namespace structure; otherwise, I will clone your current CSS and assets directly into a clean Cassiopeia child setup to preserve your exact front-end appearance. I handle complex multi-step core migrations daily by isolating the upgrade path through an intermediate Joomla 3.10 staging instance first. My plan is to audit your PHP 7.4 extensions, purge incompatible packages, migrate the database schema via CLI to handle utf8mb4 conversions, and step the core cleanly from 3.8 up to 5.4.8 on PHP 8.5 while ensuring strict error reporting remains active during testing. For $29, I will deliver the fully functional Joomla 5.4.8 production site, operational extensions, and the required hand-off document in 1 day. Send over the hosting credentials and backup, and I will begin the staging audit immediately.
$29 USD in 1 day
8.1
8.1

YES^^^^^^^I can handle the Joomla 3.8 → Joomla 5.4.8 + PHP 8.5 migration while preserving your existing front-end design and functionality. I’m available to start immediately. I’ll first audit the template, extensions/plugins, database and PHP compatibility, create a staging migration, replace any unsupported extensions only after approval, then thoroughly test the site before production deployment. Skills: Joomla 3/4/5 • PHP 7/8 • Extension Migration • Template Compatibility • Database Migration • QA & Deployment Thanks!! Parminder
$44 USD in 1 day
8.2
8.2

Joomla 3.8 on PHP 7.4.4 should not be jumped directly to Joomla 5.4.8 on PHP 8.5, so I’ll follow the supported upgrade path through the required intermediate Joomla version while preserving the current template, CSS, content, and front-end layout. I’ll first clone the supplied backup, inventory every extension and plugin, and check each one for Joomla 5/PHP 8 compatibility. Extensions without a direct upgrade will be identified and an equivalent replacement proposed before any change. After staged migration and functional checks, I’ll switch PHP, deploy the production site, and provide the requested hand-off document with versions, steps, and future update notes. The complete Joomla 5.4.8 production site will be delivered within 4 days. Is a staging subdomain or separate hosting space available for testing before production deployment? Muhammad Saad
$30 USD in 4 days
7.9
7.9

I have 8+ years of experience in web development and am familiar with modern web technologies, frameworks like Joomla, PHP and other tools. For your site, I will move Joomla 3.8 on PHP 7.4 up to Joomla 5.4.8 on PHP 8.5 while keeping the front end exactly as it is now. Every extension and plugin comes across and gets updated to a version that works on the new stack. If one has no direct upgrade path, I will find an equivalent that does the same job and confirm it with you before changing anything. After the move I will test everything and send a short hand-off document with the steps taken, the new versions and notes for future updates. I can start right away.
$30 USD in 1 day
7.8
7.8

I can safely migrate your Joomla 3.8 site to Joomla 5.4.8 and PHP 8.5 while preserving the existing front-end design and functionality. I’ll audit extensions first, replace any incompatible components with suitable alternatives, perform the upgrade on staging, test thoroughly, and provide a clear handover document with updated versions and notes. Best regards Ihtsham
$20 USD in 1 day
7.3
7.3

Hi there, I am ready to migrate your **Joomla 3.8 + PHP 7.4.4 site to Joomla 5.4.8 + PHP 8.5** while preserving the existing frontend design and functionality. I have experience with **PHP, Joomla, WordPress, database migration, extensions and PHP compatibility fixes**. My approach will include: * Full backup and staging migration first * Audit all installed extensions/plugins for Joomla 5/PHP 8 compatibility * Upgrade/migrate Joomla safely in stages * Replace incompatible extensions only after discussing alternatives with you * Preserve the existing theme, content, URLs and frontend appearance * Test forms, menus, modules, plugins and key site functionality * Final production deployment with rollback backup * Provide a hand-off document with migration steps, extension versions and future update notes I can review your current extension list and hosting environment first, then provide an accurate timeline. Thanks, Sachin
$20 USD in 7 days
7.6
7.6

Hi, I am Joomla,PHP programmer having 10 years of experience. I am very good in wordpress,php,mysql,joomla. I have done highest projects here in Joomla.
$30 USD in 1 day
7.5
7.5

Hi, I went through your project details and understand what you're looking to achieve. I'd be interested in working with you on this. Based on the requirements you've shared, I can handle the project from start to completion while keeping the work aligned with your expectations, timeline, and desired outcome. My approach is straightforward: first, I'll make sure the requirements and expected deliverables are clear. Then I'll complete the work in structured stages, share progress along the way, incorporate your feedback, and deliver the final work after everything has been reviewed. Before we begin, I have a couple of questions about your requirements that will help me understand the scope more accurately. Feel free to message me so we can discuss the details and determine the best way to move forward. Best regards, Anum
$90 USD in 1 day
6.9
6.9

Hello I can seamlessly upgrade your site from Joomla 3.8 to 5 on PHP 8 while keeping your front-end design 100% pixel-perfect. With over 8 years of Joomla development experience, I will safely audit your extensions, migrate your core data via a staging environment, upgrade your template assets, and source native Joomla 5/PHP 8 compatible replacements for any deprecated add-ons. Could you share your current list of third-party extensions so I can assess their direct upgrade paths right away? Best regards, Giáp Văn Hưng
$38 USD in 7 days
7.0
7.0

Hello, We are a team of experienced Joomla developers and migration specialists, and we can handle this migration from Joomla 3.8/PHP 7.4 to Joomla 5.4.8/PHP 8.5 while preserving the existing front-end appearance and functionality. Our approach: • Take and verify a full backup and create a staging environment. • Audit the Joomla core, template, extensions, plugins, custom code, and database. • Establish the supported migration path and upgrade Joomla progressively rather than making an unsafe direct jump. • Check every extension/plugin for Joomla 5 and PHP 8.5 compatibility and upgrade to supported versions. • Where an extension has no compatible version, identify and propose an equivalent solution before replacement. • Thoroughly test menus, forms, modules, user functions, responsive design, URLs, and front-end appearance. • Deploy to production after approval and provide a concise hand-off document with versions, changes, and future update notes. Estimated timeline: 5–8 working days, depending on the number and complexity of extensions/customizations. Budget: US$ 300-400 We can start with an initial compatibility audit immediately after receiving access and the backup. Best
$20 USD in 7 days
7.1
7.1

Hi, I can migrate your Joomla 3.8 site to Joomla 5.4.8 with PHP 8.5 while keeping the existing design intact. I’ll check extension compatibility, migrate everything safely, test the site, and provide a short handover document. Thanks
$15 USD in 2 days
7.0
7.0

Drawing from my 12+ years of experience as a web developer, specializing in content management systems like Joomla and WordPress, I am confident in my ability to successfully migrate your Joomla 3.8 site to the latest version of Joomla while maintaining its front-end appearance. Moreover, I have deep knowledge and understanding of PHP, ensuring compatibility with PHP 8.5 for your upgraded site. In terms of extensions and plugins, my approach is to bring all existing elements across intact. There might be some instances where an extension doesn't have a direct upgrade path, but I assure you that I'll carefully suggest and implement equivalent solutions to ensure the specific functionality isn't compromised. Additionally, I offer more than just migration services - as an SEO Expert, I can optimize your new site from its core web vitals, meta tags to schema markup, guaranteeing a better search engine performance post-migration. With me on board, not only will you have an upgraded and fully operational Joomla 5.4.8 powered website with up-to-date plugins/extensions, but also one that's SEO optimized and ready to drive real results. Sush
$70 USD in 2 days
6.7
6.7

Hi there, I understand you need to migrate your site from Joomla 3.8 to Joomla 5.4.8, ensuring that the front-end appearance remains unchanged while upgrading to PHP 8.5. My approach would involve a detailed analysis of all existing extensions and plugins to verify their compatibility with the new Joomla version. For any extension without a direct upgrade path, I will propose equivalent alternatives before proceeding with the migration. Once the migration is complete, I'll ensure all functionalities work correctly on the new stack and provide you with a comprehensive hand-off document detailing steps taken, versions installed, and future maintenance tips. Should we discuss this in more detail or clarify specific aspects of your setup? Regards, Ali
$30 USD in 1 day
6.5
6.5

Hi, I'm Denis, a full-stack developer with experience on several Joomla migrations, including major version jumps while preserving functionality and design. I understand your need: a clean upgrade from Joomla 3.8 to 5.4.8 with PHP 8.5, keeping the front-end unchanged while ensuring all extensions work on the new stack. This is straightforward conceptually but requires careful testing—PHP 8 introduces breaking changes, and not all extensions have direct upgrade paths. My approach: First, I'll review your current setup and extension list against Joomla 5 compatibility. I'll test the migration on staging, handling the database upgrade, core migration, and systematically testing each extension. For extensions without direct upgrades, I'll identify compatible alternatives and test thoroughly before touching production. Once everything passes, I'll migrate to your live server and verify the front-end matches exactly. The main technical challenge is PHP 8 compatibility. Older extensions often use deprecated functions or type-unsafe patterns that fail on PHP 8. I'll handle this by updating extensions to compatible versions or finding drop-in replacements that don't require content changes. The main risk is discovering an extension with no viable upgrade path, but that's rare. If it happens, we'll discuss options together before proceeding. I can start right away. Let's connect and discuss the details. Thanks, Denis.
$30 USD in 1 day
6.3
6.3

As an experienced Full Stack Developer with a proficiency in PHP, I am well-equipped to handle the complexity of your Joomla migration project. Over the past 8+ years, I've exclusively dealt with migrations and upgrades between different CMS versions while maintaining the integrity and functionality of the websites. I have an in-depth knowledge of Joomla 3.x and I can seamlessly migrate your website and plugins to Joomla 5.4.8 with PHP 8.5 whilst retaining its current design and functionalities. I'll ensure all your existing extensions are brought across and fully functional on Joomla 5/PHP 8, proposing alternatives when global compatibility is not viable. Furthermore, my robust understanding of CSS and HTML will guarantee a perfect replication of your site's frontend appearance throughout the entire migration process. I'll also provide you with a concise hand-off document documenting all the steps performed during the process, updated versions installed, as well as future update recommendations to help you navigate post-migration alterations smoothly. Working diligently within established timelines is another one of my strong suits, as evident from my 98% on-budget delivery record. I really appreciate that you've entrusted full hosting and Joomla admin access to me; rest assured that I will handle them with utmost care. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the project, let's discuss them together!
$49 USD in 1 day
6.5
6.5

Your Joomla 3.8 to 5 migration will fail if any of your extensions lack a PHP 8 compatible version - this breaks the entire upgrade path and leaves you stuck on deprecated infrastructure. The bigger risk is database schema changes between versions that corrupt content if not staged correctly. Quick questions - do you have a staging environment where I can test the migration without touching production? And which extensions are mission-critical so I can verify compatibility before we commit to the upgrade? Here is the architectural approach: - PHP 8.5 COMPATIBILITY AUDIT: Clone your site to staging, inventory all 3.8 extensions, cross-reference each against Joomla 5 / PHP 8 support matrices, flag breaking changes. - STAGED MIGRATION PATH: Upgrade Joomla 3.8 → 3.10 → 4.x → 5.4.8 in isolated steps, test database integrity and template rendering after each jump to catch regressions early. - EXTENSION REPLACEMENT STRATEGY: For deprecated plugins, propose functionally equivalent alternatives with data migration scripts so no content or settings are lost during the swap. I've migrated 8 production Joomla sites from legacy stacks to modern PHP without downtime. Let's schedule a 15-minute call to review your extension list and lock in the migration timeline.
$20 USD in 3 days
7.0
7.0

United States
Payment method verified
Member since Feb 11, 2026
$250-750 USD
$750-1500 USD
$30-250 USD
$30-250 USD
$10-30 USD
₹37500-75000 INR
₹1500-12500 INR
$15-25 USD / hour
$30-250 USD
$250-750 USD
$30-250 USD
₹1500-12500 INR
₹1500-12500 INR
₹1500-12500 INR
₹12500-37500 INR
₹12500-37500 INR
£250-750 GBP
$10000-20000 AUD
$1500-3000 USD
€10-100 EUR
₹1500-12500 INR
$5000-10000 USD
₹600-1500 INR
₹12500-37500 INR
$10-30 USD