This is with PostgreSQL 10.4. How to reproduce : postgres@smadev:~% psql psql (10.4) Type "help" for help. Alter the role for search path : dynacom=# ALTER ROLE amura3 SET search_path TO "$user", amuragents, public; ALTER ROLE dynacom=# Verify : postgres@smadev:~% psql -U amura3 Password for user amura3: psql (10.4) Type "help" for help. dynacom=> show search_path ; search_path --------------------------- $user, amuragents, public (1 row) dynacom=> pg_dumpall's output : ALTER ROLE amura3 SET search_path TO $user, amuragents, public; psql -f pg_dumpall_out.sql : dynacom=# ALTER ROLE amura3 SET search_path TO $user, amuragents, public; ERROR: syntax error at or near "$" Is this a bug or am I missing something ? -- Achilleas Mantzios IT DEV Lead IT DEPT Dynacom Tankers Mgmt