Embodiments afford secure transfer of security key type(s) between different database servers having different key hierarchies. For example, a key transfer may occur from a source server to a target server during a database migration process. Particular embodiments comprise a SQL transfer command statement (e.g., TRANSFER ENCRYPTION KEY) recognized by an engine. Syntax of the SQL transfer command includes a password and a filename for a security key. Upon receiving the SQL transfer command, the engine references an information repository to identify a relevant key hierarchy and key type, encrypts the security key with a key derived from password, and stores (exports) the encrypted security key in a file for consumption (import) at the target server. The SQL transfer command may further comprise a direction component determining flow of key information, and an override function to deal with error messages arising from any already-existing security key having the same name.