diff --git a/.gitea/pull_request_template.md b/.gitea/pull_request_template.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..54899d3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.gitea/pull_request_template.md
@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
+## Release PR (dev -> release)
+
+Merging this deploys to production (pfv-bms restarts if packages/** or
+configuration.yaml changed).
+
+### Gate checklist (branch protection enforces the mechanical parts)
+- [ ] CI green on the head commit (yamllint + secret scan + SDLC suite)
+- [ ] Adversarial pass done: what breaks if this is wrong? what watches for it?
+- [ ] post-deploy validation (#778) will run on restart — expected entity changes noted below
+
+### Reviewer (founder)
+- [ ] Diff reviewed
+- [ ] Approve to release
+
+Expected entity/automation changes: <list or "none">
+Rollback: git revert <sha> on dev, re-PR, or push previous release sha directly.