How Much Does a UK GDPR Article 27 Representative Cost?

• UK GDPR Article 27 requires non-UK controllers/processors to appoint a UK representative.
• REP27 — Europe Services, SE: €290/year for UK-only, €390/year for combined EU+UK (2026 prices).
• Janus Compliance: £349/year (price_verified_on_source_page).
• Formiti: Price on request.
• Article27Representative.eu: €97-€247/month (price_verified_on_source_page).
• Legal advice and DPO services are not included by default.

Updated 14 October 2026 · 6 sources checked

Providers compared

Prices as published on each provider's website on 14 October 2026, excluding VAT unless stated. Each row links to its source.

What UK GDPR Article 27 Requires

Article 27 of the UK GDPR is a legal requirement for any data controller or processor not established in the United Kingdom but offering goods or services to individuals in the UK, or monitoring their behavior there (source). This applies regardless of whether the company is based in the US, Asia, or elsewhere outside the UK. The law mirrors Article 27 of the EU GDPR, meaning that post-Brexit, companies selling into both the EU and UK may need two separate representatives, each established in the relevant territory.

The representative acts as a local point of contact for both the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and UK data subjects. The appointment must be made in writing, and the representative’s details must be published in your privacy notice. The law is strict: failure to appoint a representative when required is a standalone infringement, with fines up to £8.7 million or 2% of global annual turnover (source).

• Exemptions are narrow. You do not need a UK representative if your processing is truly occasional, does not involve large-scale special category or criminal data, and is unlikely to risk individuals’ rights and freedoms. Public authorities are also exempt.
• Real-world examples: A US SaaS company with UK customers, or a Japanese e-commerce site shipping to the UK, both need a representative. A company with a single, infrequent UK transaction may be exempt, but regular sales or targeted marketing trigger the duty.

The representative must be a real entity with a UK establishment—not just a mailbox or forwarding address. The ICO and data subjects must be able to reach them on all issues related to processing. The representative is not a shield: enforcement and legal action can still be directed at your company itself (source).

How to Choose a UK GDPR Representative

Choosing the right UK GDPR representative depends on your business’s needs, risk profile, and budget. Here are practical steps and criteria:

• Establishment: The provider must have a real UK establishment. For example, REP27 offers UK representation via REP27 LTD, a registered UK company, ensuring compliance with Article 27’s location requirement.
• Transparency of Pricing: Look for published, clear pricing. REP27 and Janus Compliance display their annual fees upfront. Article27Representative.eu uses monthly billing, which can be higher over a year. Formiti requires a quote.
• Scope of Service: Confirm what’s included. All providers listed offer the statutory minimum: a signed designation, certificate, and a request desk to forward data subject and authority requests. Some, like REP27, also provide privacy notice wording in multiple languages and public verification of your certificate. Formiti advertises broader regulatory support, but pricing is on request.
• Combined EU+UK Coverage: If you need both EU and UK representatives, a provider like REP27 can issue both designations in one order, saving time and reducing the risk of inconsistent documentation or missed renewals.
• Support and Languages: Consider your support needs. REP27 offers a request desk in 8 languages; Article27Representative.eu includes unlimited priority support in higher plans.
• Legal Advice and DPO Services: None of the providers listed include legal advice or DPO services as part of the Article 27 representative role. If you need these, you must appoint a separate provider.

Practical tip: Before choosing, list your requirements (territory, support, languages, combined coverage) and compare providers based on published facts, not assumptions or sales claims.

What the Price Really Includes

Understanding what you get for your fee is crucial to avoid surprises. The statutory role of a UK GDPR representative is defined: the representative must be able to receive and forward communications from data subjects and the ICO, and hold a copy of your Article 30 records to produce on request. Providers may offer additional features, but the core service is similar across the market.

• REP27 — Europe Services, SE: For €290/year (UK only), you receive a signed designation letter from REP27 LTD (UK), a verifiable certificate with QR code, privacy notice wording in 8 languages, and a request desk that forwards requests within 2 business days. For companies needing both EU and UK coverage, the combined service is €390/year, with a renewal discount in subsequent years. No legal advice, DPO services, or compliance assessments are included.
• Janus Compliance: For £349/year, you receive UK GDPR Article 27 representation. The published description does not specify additional features such as multilingual support or certificate verification.
• Formiti: Price is on request. Service includes UK GDPR representation, ICO liaison, data subject request coordination, breach notification, and regulatory support. The full scope and cost must be confirmed directly.
• Article27Representative.eu: Charges €97/month (Essentials) or €247/month (Pro). Includes UK/EU rep for up to 3 entities, unlimited support, and varying levels of coverage by plan.

Across all providers, legal advice and DPO services are not included unless specifically contracted. The representative’s role is to forward requests and facilitate communication—not to answer on the merits or provide compliance solutions. Always check the provider’s terms to ensure you understand what is (and isn’t) included for the published price.

Hidden Costs and Renewal Pricing

When budgeting for a UK GDPR representative, it’s important to look beyond the headline price and consider the total cost of ownership, including renewals and any hidden fees. Here’s what to watch for:

• Renewal Pricing: REP27 offers lower renewal rates than the first-year price: €240/year for UK only, or €320/year for combined EU+UK, as of October 2026. This can significantly reduce long-term costs compared to providers who charge the same or higher renewal rates.
• Monthly vs. Annual Billing: Article27Representative.eu’s monthly pricing (€97–€247/month) can add up to €1,164–€2,964 per year, much higher than annual plans from REP27 or Janus Compliance. Always calculate the annual total before choosing a monthly plan.
• Additional Entities or Group Companies: Some providers charge extra for each legal entity or group company. Article27Representative.eu’s plans cover up to 3 entities; others may require separate appointments for each.
• Support and Language Fees: Some providers limit support or charge extra for multilingual services. REP27 includes 8 languages in its standard plans.
• Onboarding or Setup Fees: While REP27 does not list onboarding fees, always check the terms for any one-off charges at the start or when switching providers.
• Switching Providers: REP27 offers switch pricing for companies moving from another representative, matching the renewal rate rather than the first-year price.

Practical tip: Ask for a full breakdown of first-year and renewal costs, including any charges for extra support, group entities, or document changes. This will help you avoid surprises and ensure compliance without overspending.

How Appointment Works: Step by Step

Appointing a UK GDPR representative is a straightforward process, but it’s important to get each step right to ensure compliance and avoid delays. Here’s a practical, step-by-step guide based on provider practices and legal requirements:

1. Determine if You Need a Representative: Use the three-question test: (1) Are you established in the UK? (2) Do you target or monitor people in the UK? (3) Do you process personal data? If you answer yes to questions 2 and 3, and are not established in the UK, you need a representative.
2. Choose a Provider: Review the table above and select a provider that meets your needs for territory, support, and price. For example, REP27 is suitable for companies needing both EU and UK coverage, while Janus Compliance focuses on UK-only representation.
3. Complete the Onboarding Form: Providers typically require you to fill out a form describing your company, processing activities, and contact details. If you are appointing both EU and UK reps, REP27 allows you to do this in a single form for both territories.
4. Provider Review and Drafting: The provider reviews your submission and prepares the designation documents. For REP27, this includes two separate designations (EU and UK) if needed, each signed by the relevant legal entity.
5. Receive and Approve Documentation: You receive signed designation letters, certificates, and privacy notice wording. REP27 provides verifiable certificates with QR codes and public verification for transparency.
6. Update Your Privacy Notice: Publish the representative’s details in your privacy notice, using the exact wording provided. For companies needing both EU and UK reps, ensure both entities are named separately—one line for each territory.
7. Maintain Records and Renew: Keep your appointment and Article 30 records up to date. Renew your appointment before expiry to avoid lapses. REP27 and others send reminders, but it’s your responsibility to ensure continuity.

Switching providers is also simple: sign a new designation, update your privacy notice, and terminate the old appointment. There is no legal risk if the transition is managed without a gap.

Risks and Fines for Non-Compliance

Failing to appoint a UK GDPR representative when required exposes your company to significant legal and financial risks. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has the power to investigate, enforce, and fine companies that do not comply with Article 27.

• Fines: The maximum penalty for failing to appoint a representative is up to £8.7 million or 2% of your total worldwide annual turnover, whichever is higher (source).
• Enforcement Actions: The ICO may issue warnings, reprimands, or orders to bring processing into compliance. Public enforcement actions can damage your reputation and disrupt business operations.
• Legal Liability: The representative is a contact point, not a shield. Article 27(5) makes clear that appointing a representative does not prevent legal actions against your company itself. Data subjects and the ICO can address the representative in addition to or instead of your company, but ultimate responsibility remains with you (source).
• Missed Communications: Without a representative, you may miss critical communications from the ICO or data subjects, increasing the risk of complaints, investigations, or fines.
• Practical Example: The Dutch DPA fined Locatefamily.com €525,000 for failing to appoint an EU representative under the mirror provision of Article 27 GDPR. Similar enforcement is possible in the UK.

To minimize risk, appoint a representative as soon as you begin targeting or monitoring UK individuals, and ensure your privacy notice is updated. Regularly review your processing activities and representative appointment to stay compliant.