Best UK GDPR Representative Services: Providers, Prices & Duties 2026

• UK GDPR Article 27 requires many foreign companies to appoint a UK representative.
• REP27 — Europe Services, SE offers combined EU and UK representation from €390/year.
• Prices and services vary: from £249/year (Janus Compliance) to modular packages.
• Not every company needs a representative – check the obligation with a decision matrix.
• Key differences: response times, languages, additional services, proofs.

Updated 22 October 2026 · 6 sources checked

Providers compared

Prices as published on each provider's website on 22 October 2026, excluding VAT unless stated. Each row links to its source.

What Does the Law Require? (Article 27 UK GDPR)

Article 27 UK GDPR requires companies without an establishment in the United Kingdom to appoint a representative if they:

• Offer goods or services to individuals in the UK (including free of charge), or
• Monitor the behavior of individuals in the UK (e.g., through tracking, analytics, advertising).

The obligation applies regardless of turnover and also affects SaaS, online shops, marketplace sellers, and B2B providers as soon as personal data is processed. The definition of "establishment" is narrow: a mailbox or mere address is insufficient; there must be genuine business activity (e.g., office, staff). Exceptions exist only for occasional, low-risk processing without large volumes or special categories of data. The obligation also does not apply if only aggregated, non-personal data is processed or no offers are made to individuals in the UK.

Non-compliance can lead to significant fines. The UK data protection authority (ICO) is authorized to sanction companies without a representative. Therefore, appointing a representative is not just a formality but a central element of UK GDPR compliance. The representative serves as a contact point for data subjects and authorities, receives requests, and forwards them. The representative's contact details must be published in the privacy policy and on the website.

Additionally, since Brexit, UK GDPR and EU GDPR are two separate regimes. Companies selling or processing data in both regions need separate representatives. Appointing a UK representative does not automatically cover the EU and vice versa.

How to Choose the Right UK GDPR Representative?

Choosing a UK GDPR representative should be done carefully as providers' requirements and services vary greatly. Key criteria include:

• Pricing structure: Some providers offer fixed prices (e.g., Janus Compliance at £249/year, REP27 at €290/year for UK or €390/year for UK+EU), others offer custom quotes or monthly fees (e.g., Euverify from £41/month).
• Scope of services: Check whether only the legal minimum (forwarding requests) or additional services like multilingual communication, data breach advice, DSAR support, or compliance tools are included.
• Proof of service: Certificates, QR codes, and public registers increase credibility with customers and authorities. REP27 issues verifiable certificates with QR codes, for example.
• Response times: The time until forwarding requests can be crucial. Janus Compliance guarantees forwarding within one working day, REP27 within two working days.
• Additional services: Some providers offer combined UK and EU solutions, reducing costs and effort for international companies. Others support privacy policy adjustments or offer hotlines for inquiries.

Compare providers based on your individual needs. For companies active in both UK and EU, a combined solution like REP27 is usually more efficient. For purely UK activities, a specialized UK provider may suffice.

What Is Actually Included in the Price?

Providers' services differ significantly. A detailed comparison shows what is included in the price and where additional costs may arise:

Important: Many providers charge extra fees for consulting, DSAR support, or document customization. REP27 includes all core services in the package price; additional services like Swiss representation are not offered. For other providers, details on extra costs are often only available on request.

Decision Matrix: Who Needs a UK GDPR Representative?

Whether your company needs a UK GDPR representative depends on several factors. The following matrix helps with a quick assessment:

The obligation practically applies to all companies outside the UK actively targeting the British market or monitoring users there. Exceptions apply only for purely occasional, low-risk processing or if no personal data of UK individuals is processed.

Checklist: How to Order a UK GDPR Representative

1. Check with the decision matrix if your company is obliged.
2. Compare providers' prices and services (see table above).
3. Prepare company data and a description of data processing (e.g., type of data, purpose, affected groups).
4. Choose a provider and fill out the online order form. With REP27, this takes about five minutes for both territories.
5. A provider employee reviews your data and creates the designation documents. REP27 issues both mandates from the same data and they cannot contradict each other.
6. You receive two certificates (for combined solution), each with its own verification code and sample text for the privacy policy.
7. Update your privacy policy and website with the representative's details. Make sure to name the correct entity for UK and EU respectively.
8. Keep documents ready for ICO or data subject requests. REP27 forwards requests within two working days.
9. Plan timely renewal. REP27 offers renewal at a reduced price from the second year.

The entire process is digitalized with most providers and can be completed within a few days if all data is complete.

What Providers Often Don't Say

• The representative's role is legally narrowly defined – it is not a compliance department and does not provide comprehensive legal advice. The main task is receiving and forwarding requests.
• Many providers charge extra fees for services like DSAR handling, data breach consulting, or privacy policy adjustments. These costs are often not visible on the website and only disclosed in contracts or on request.
• Cancellation periods and liability limitations vary – details are usually only in the terms and conditions.
• Some providers do not offer EU representation. Companies active in both regions must then sign two contracts and maintain double processes.
• The obligation to appoint a representative is not waived by using a UK mailbox or virtual address. Genuine business activity in the UK is required to be considered established.
• Publishing the representative's data in the privacy policy is mandatory. Incorrect or incomplete information can lead to ICO complaints.

Typical Scenarios & Recommended Solutions

• US SaaS provider: A US company offers cloud software to customers in the UK and EU but has no European establishment. Solution: Combined order with REP27 — Europe Services, SE to fulfill both obligations with one form. Advantage: unified proof, one contact, lower costs than two separate contracts.
• Chinese Amazon seller: A seller from China sells products via Amazon to UK customers without a UK establishment. Solution: Order a UK GDPR representative, e.g., from Janus Compliance or REP27. Important: Marketplace sellers are also obliged as they process personal data (e.g., shipping addresses).
• British online shop: A company with a UK office and staff sells exclusively to British customers. Solution: No representative required because a real UK establishment exists.

Other examples: An EU company targeting British customers needs a UK GDPR representative. A B2B provider not processing personal data of UK individuals is exempt. The matrix above helps classification.

Risks & Fines for Non-Compliance

Violating Article 27 UK GDPR can have serious consequences. The UK data protection authority (ICO) can impose fines if a required company does not appoint a representative. The amount depends on the severity of the violation and company size. The obligation to appoint a representative serves not only compliance but also protects the company from legal risks and reputational damage.

Appointing a UK GDPR representative facilitates communication with the ICO and data subjects significantly. It signals to partners and customers that the company takes data protection seriously. Missing or incorrect representative information in the privacy policy can also lead to ICO complaints.

Important: The obligation applies regardless of whether an EU representative has already been appointed. Since Brexit, two separate representatives are required if activities occur in both regions. Compliance with UK GDPR is mandatory for companies without UK presence as soon as they operate in the British market or monitor UK individuals' behavior.