diff --git a/infrastructure/terraform/.gitignore b/infrastructure/terraform/.gitignore
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..60bb0ee
--- /dev/null
+++ b/infrastructure/terraform/.gitignore
@@ -0,0 +1,14 @@
+.terraform/
+*.tfstate
+*.tfstate.*
+*.tfvars
+*.tfvars.json
+crash.log
+override.tf
+override.tf.json
+*_override.tf
+*_override.tf.json
+*.tfplan
+plan.out
+state/
+artifacts/
diff --git a/infrastructure/terraform/README.md b/infrastructure/terraform/README.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5b5cfb1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/infrastructure/terraform/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,38 @@
+# Terraform foundations
+
+This directory introduces Terraform in a conservative, incremental way for this homelab repo.
+
+## Purpose in this repository
+
+Terraform is used here to **document and gradually adopt management** of existing infrastructure without disrupting running services.
+
+Current intent:
+- Start with imported live Docker resources so infrastructure is visible and reproducible in code.
+- Add Proxmox inventory/configuration later once provider details and import IDs are confirmed.
+- Keep this phase local-state and learning-oriented (no remote backend yet).
+
+## Tool boundaries
+
+- **Docker Compose**: day-to-day application/service runtime definitions already used by this repo.
+- **Terraform**: infrastructure state capture and controlled resource management (starting with imports).
+- **Ansible**: follow-on host/configuration management after Terraform inventory and targets are stable.
+- **NixOS**: host OS/system-level declarative configuration, separate from per-service compose workflows.
+
+## Layout
+
+- `docker/`: Docker provider scaffold and incremental import workflow.
+- `proxmox/`: placeholder scaffold for later Proxmox adoption.
+- `modules/`: placeholder module directories for future shared patterns.
+
+## Incremental adoption plan
+
+1. Import Docker containers one-by-one into Terraform state.
+2. Reconcile and stabilize Docker Terraform configuration until `terraform plan` is clean.
+3. Add Proxmox inventory/configuration scaffolding and imports later.
+4. Introduce Ansible workflow after Terraform-managed inventory is trustworthy.
+
+## Safety notes
+
+- State files are intentionally gitignored for safety and portability.
+- Do **not** run `terraform apply` until imported resources are fully reconciled and plan output is reviewed as no-op for intended targets.
+- No remote backend is configured yet by design.
diff --git a/infrastructure/terraform/docker/README.md b/infrastructure/terraform/docker/README.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1a99988
--- /dev/null
+++ b/infrastructure/terraform/docker/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,48 @@
+# Docker Terraform scaffold
+
+This directory is for **incremental, import-first Terraform adoption** of existing Docker containers.
+
+## What this directory is for
+
+- Document existing live Docker resources in Terraform.
+- Import containers one-by-one.
+- Reconcile Terraform code with real runtime values until plan is clean.
+
+## Initialize
+
+From this directory:
+
+```bash
+terraform init
+```
+
+## Safe incremental import workflow
+
+1. Add one `docker_container` resource block in `main.tf` for an already-running container.
+2. Import it into state:
+
+   ```bash
+   terraform import docker_container.<resource_name> <container_id_or_container_name>
+   ```
+
+3. Inspect imported state:
+
+   ```bash
+   terraform state show docker_container.<resource_name>
+   ```
+
+4. Copy required/meaningful arguments from state output into `main.tf`.
+5. Run `terraform plan` and refine until there are no unintended changes.
+
+## Reconciliation guidance
+
+- Keep one resource block per imported container.
+- Prefer explicit values for arguments that affect recreation.
+- Avoid broad changes; reconcile each container independently.
+- Do **not** run `terraform apply` until plan output is intentionally clean.
+
+## State and secrets handling
+
+- State files are ignored via `../.gitignore` because they may contain environment-specific metadata.
+- Do not commit real `.tfvars` files with machine-specific values.
+- Use `terraform.tfvars.example` as a safe starter template.
diff --git a/infrastructure/terraform/docker/main.tf b/infrastructure/terraform/docker/main.tf
index 8114314..ad60c96 100644
--- a/infrastructure/terraform/docker/main.tf
+++ b/infrastructure/terraform/docker/main.tf
@@ -1,16 +1,17 @@
-terraform {
-  required_providers {
-    docker = {
-      source  = "kreuzwerker/docker"
-      version = "~> 3.0"
-    }
-  }
-}
+# Docker Terraform workflow in this repo:
+# 1) Add a minimal resource block for ONE existing container.
+# 2) Import that live container into state:
+#      terraform import docker_container.<name> <container_id_or_name>
+# 3) Inspect imported arguments:
+#      terraform state show docker_container.<name>
+# 4) Copy required arguments into this file and refine.
+# 5) Repeat until terraform plan shows no unintended changes.
 
-provider "docker" {
-  host = "unix:///var/run/docker.sock"
-}
-resource "docker_container" "searxng" {
-  name = "searxng-webapp"
-  image = "searxng/searxng"
-}
+# Example skeleton for future imported containers (intentionally commented):
+# resource "docker_container" "example_service" {
+#   name  = "existing-container-name"
+#   image = "repo/image:tag"
+#
+#   # Add additional arguments based on `terraform state show` output.
+#   # Keep values aligned with the live container so plan is a no-op.
+# }
diff --git a/infrastructure/terraform/docker/outputs.tf b/infrastructure/terraform/docker/outputs.tf
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2179104
--- /dev/null
+++ b/infrastructure/terraform/docker/outputs.tf
@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
+output "docker_host_in_use" {
+  description = "Docker daemon endpoint currently targeted by this workspace."
+  value       = var.docker_host
+}
+
+output "managed_container_names" {
+  description = "Names of containers intentionally tracked in Terraform configuration."
+  value       = var.managed_container_names
+}
+
+output "import_reconciliation_steps" {
+  description = "Short reminder of the safe import-first workflow."
+  value = [
+    "Create one docker_container block for an existing container.",
+    "Run terraform import for that block.",
+    "Run terraform state show and copy required arguments.",
+    "Refine config until terraform plan has no unintended changes.",
+  ]
+}
diff --git a/infrastructure/terraform/docker/providers.tf b/infrastructure/terraform/docker/providers.tf
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b002244
--- /dev/null
+++ b/infrastructure/terraform/docker/providers.tf
@@ -0,0 +1,4 @@
+provider "docker" {
+  # Local Docker socket default for incremental import/documentation workflow.
+  host = var.docker_host
+}
diff --git a/infrastructure/terraform/docker/terraform.tfvars.example b/infrastructure/terraform/docker/terraform.tfvars.example
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fe5449d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/infrastructure/terraform/docker/terraform.tfvars.example
@@ -0,0 +1,9 @@
+# Example only. Copy to terraform.tfvars for local use if needed.
+# Do not commit host-specific overrides.
+
+# docker_host = "unix:///var/run/docker.sock"
+
+# Optional: list container names intentionally tracked in Terraform outputs.
+managed_container_names = [
+  "example-container-name"
+]
diff --git a/infrastructure/terraform/docker/variables.tf b/infrastructure/terraform/docker/variables.tf
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3fc5dde
--- /dev/null
+++ b/infrastructure/terraform/docker/variables.tf
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+variable "docker_host" {
+  description = "Docker daemon host for local import workflow."
+  type        = string
+  default     = "unix:///var/run/docker.sock"
+}
+
+variable "managed_container_names" {
+  description = "Human-maintained list of containers intentionally tracked in Terraform docs/outputs."
+  type        = list(string)
+  default     = []
+}
diff --git a/infrastructure/terraform/docker/versions.tf b/infrastructure/terraform/docker/versions.tf
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..04a5754
--- /dev/null
+++ b/infrastructure/terraform/docker/versions.tf
@@ -0,0 +1,10 @@
+terraform {
+  required_version = ">= 1.6.0"
+
+  required_providers {
+    docker = {
+      source  = "kreuzwerker/docker"
+      version = "3.0.2"
+    }
+  }
+}
diff --git a/infrastructure/terraform/modules/docker_container_placeholder/README.md b/infrastructure/terraform/modules/docker_container_placeholder/README.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..04e60fd
--- /dev/null
+++ b/infrastructure/terraform/modules/docker_container_placeholder/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,6 @@
+# docker_container_placeholder module
+
+Placeholder module directory for future shared Docker container patterns.
+
+This is intentionally empty during initial import-first adoption.
+Keep per-container resources explicit in `../../docker/main.tf` until stable patterns emerge.
diff --git a/infrastructure/terraform/modules/proxmox_vm_placeholder/README.md b/infrastructure/terraform/modules/proxmox_vm_placeholder/README.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..12b4aec
--- /dev/null
+++ b/infrastructure/terraform/modules/proxmox_vm_placeholder/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,6 @@
+# proxmox_vm_placeholder module
+
+Placeholder module directory for future shared Proxmox VM patterns.
+
+This is intentionally empty until provider schemas, import ID formats,
+and non-destructive reconciliation strategy are validated.
diff --git a/infrastructure/terraform/proxmox/README.md b/infrastructure/terraform/proxmox/README.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b70f961
--- /dev/null
+++ b/infrastructure/terraform/proxmox/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,36 @@
+# Proxmox Terraform scaffold
+
+This directory is a **placeholder scaffold** for future Proxmox Terraform adoption.
+
+## What this directory is for
+
+- Prepare provider/version/variable structure now.
+- Delay real Proxmox resource management until import strategy is validated.
+
+## Initialize
+
+From this directory:
+
+```bash
+terraform init
+```
+
+## Current status
+
+- No live Proxmox resources are defined yet.
+- Provider auth variables are placeholders only.
+- Import IDs and resource schemas must be verified against provider docs before adding resources.
+
+## Future safe workflow
+
+1. Add one resource block for an existing VM/object.
+2. Import it with the provider-specific ID format.
+3. Inspect with `terraform state show`.
+4. Reconcile `.tf` arguments until `terraform plan` is clean.
+5. Repeat incrementally.
+
+## Safety notes
+
+- Do not commit real credentials in `.tf` files or tracked `.tfvars`.
+- State files are ignored by the Terraform-level `.gitignore`.
+- Do not run `terraform apply` until plan is intentionally no-op for existing resources.
diff --git a/infrastructure/terraform/proxmox/main.tf b/infrastructure/terraform/proxmox/main.tf
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9089e92
--- /dev/null
+++ b/infrastructure/terraform/proxmox/main.tf
@@ -0,0 +1,14 @@
+# Proxmox scaffold only.
+#
+# IMPORTANT:
+# - Resource blocks are intentionally omitted for now.
+# - Before adding resources, confirm:
+#   1) provider resource schemas,
+#   2) exact import ID formats,
+#   3) non-destructive reconciliation strategy for existing VMs.
+#
+# Suggested future workflow mirrors docker/:
+# - Define one resource for an existing object.
+# - Import it.
+# - Use `terraform state show` to reconcile config.
+# - Proceed incrementally.
diff --git a/infrastructure/terraform/proxmox/outputs.tf b/infrastructure/terraform/proxmox/outputs.tf
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..998156a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/infrastructure/terraform/proxmox/outputs.tf
@@ -0,0 +1,9 @@
+output "proxmox_scaffold_ready" {
+  description = "Indicates this directory is a placeholder scaffold for future Proxmox adoption."
+  value       = true
+}
+
+output "proxmox_endpoint_configured" {
+  description = "Whether a non-empty endpoint has been provided."
+  value       = var.proxmox_endpoint != ""
+}
diff --git a/infrastructure/terraform/proxmox/providers.tf b/infrastructure/terraform/proxmox/providers.tf
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1b8e1e1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/infrastructure/terraform/proxmox/providers.tf
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+provider "proxmox" {
+  # Placeholder-only scaffold.
+  # Confirm exact provider auth mode and endpoint details before real use.
+  endpoint = var.proxmox_endpoint
+  insecure = var.proxmox_insecure
+
+  username = var.proxmox_username
+  password = var.proxmox_password
+
+  api_token = var.proxmox_api_token
+}
diff --git a/infrastructure/terraform/proxmox/terraform.tfvars.example b/infrastructure/terraform/proxmox/terraform.tfvars.example
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..adbce78
--- /dev/null
+++ b/infrastructure/terraform/proxmox/terraform.tfvars.example
@@ -0,0 +1,9 @@
+# Example placeholders only. Do not commit real credentials.
+
+proxmox_endpoint = "https://pve.example.local:8006/api2/json"
+proxmox_insecure = false
+
+# Use either username/password or API token based on your chosen auth flow.
+proxmox_username  = "root@pam"
+proxmox_password  = "REPLACE_ME"
+proxmox_api_token = "REPLACE_ME"
diff --git a/infrastructure/terraform/proxmox/variables.tf b/infrastructure/terraform/proxmox/variables.tf
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..dc78e7e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/infrastructure/terraform/proxmox/variables.tf
@@ -0,0 +1,31 @@
+variable "proxmox_endpoint" {
+  description = "Proxmox API endpoint URL, for example https://pve.example.local:8006/api2/json"
+  type        = string
+  default     = ""
+}
+
+variable "proxmox_insecure" {
+  description = "Set true only for local testing with self-signed TLS; prefer false in stable environments."
+  type        = bool
+  default     = false
+}
+
+variable "proxmox_username" {
+  description = "Username for password-based auth (placeholder; optional if token auth is used)."
+  type        = string
+  default     = ""
+}
+
+variable "proxmox_password" {
+  description = "Password for password-based auth (placeholder; optional if token auth is used)."
+  type        = string
+  default     = ""
+  sensitive   = true
+}
+
+variable "proxmox_api_token" {
+  description = "API token for token-based auth (placeholder; optional if username/password is used)."
+  type        = string
+  default     = ""
+  sensitive   = true
+}
diff --git a/infrastructure/terraform/proxmox/versions.tf b/infrastructure/terraform/proxmox/versions.tf
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4f4dee4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/infrastructure/terraform/proxmox/versions.tf
@@ -0,0 +1,10 @@
+terraform {
+  required_version = ">= 1.6.0"
+
+  required_providers {
+    proxmox = {
+      source  = "bpg/proxmox"
+      version = "0.68.0"
+    }
+  }
+}