GitLab offers repository access via SSH and authentication with SSH key.

If you don't already have one, see Creating SSH Key.

1. Copy the contents of the SSH Key:

    $ xclip -sel clip < path/to/id_rsa.pub 

   or open the file with a text editor and manually copy the contents.

2. Go to Profile Settings > SSH Keys on GitLab.
3. Paste the key into the entry box (optional: Title).
4. Click “Add Key”.