GitHub accepts `CONTRIBUTING.md` and `CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md` in root and `.github` directory. Now we wanted to ship a git repository via GitLab but this bit of things are little confusing over here. When a new issue is crafted, near **Submit Issue** button, I can see the contribution guideline but never got to see the code of conduct file. Please allow those files like GitHub inside `.gitlab` directory to so we don't have to pollute root directory of the repo. Ref: https://help.github.com/en/articles/adding-a-code-of-conduct-to-your-project Simply summarize, `CONTRIBUTING.md` and `CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md` can be inside `.gitlab` folder. Also while submitting issue code of conduct should also be placed like how GitHub does. Additionally, contributing link when a project is launched should link to that file inside `.gitlab` directory, my friends :)