Expanding to Europe? Don't let GDPR slow you down.
We handle EU privacy compliance end-to-end, from data transfers to DPO appointment, so you can focus on growth.
Engage Compliance helps US tech companies enter the EU market with full GDPR compliance, EU Representative appointment, international data transfer mechanisms, and ongoing DPO support from a single provider.
Key takeaways
Most US SaaS companies can achieve EU compliance in 4-8 weeks
You may need both a DPO and an EU Representative (we provide both through operationally separate functions)
We cover ongoing compliance so you don't have to think about it after initial setup
What US companies face when entering the EU
US companies entering the EU market face a wall of privacy requirements: GDPR compliance, appointing an EU representative (Article 27), international data transfer mechanisms, cookie consent, and often appointing a DPO.
Most of this is manageable if you set it up correctly from the start. It becomes expensive and painful when you don't.
Your DPO has personally led privacy programs at 100+ organizations, including Amazon, Coinbase, and Robinhood. We've helped US tech companies navigate EU expansion without slowing down their go-to-market.
What we handle for US to EU expansion
GDPR gap assessment: what you need vs what you already have
EU Representative appointment under Article 27 (provided through a separate designated individual from your DPO, in line with EDPB guidance on operational separation)
International data transfer assessments (Standard Contractual Clauses, Transfer Impact Assessments, and EU-US Data Privacy Framework certification guidance)
Cookie consent and ePrivacy compliance
Full privacy documentation tailored for EU requirements
Ongoing DPO services if you need a named officer in the EU
NIS2 compliance if your company falls in scope
EU AI Act readiness if your product uses AI
Common mistakes US companies make
Assuming CCPA compliance covers GDPR. It doesn't. GDPR requires a lawful basis for processing, stricter consent requirements, DPO appointment in certain cases, and data transfer mechanisms. CCPA compliance is a starting point, not a substitute.
Ignoring the EU Representative requirement. If you're outside the EU but offer services to EU residents, you likely need an EU Representative under Article 27. This is separate from a DPO. Failure to appoint one is itself a GDPR violation.
Using US-style cookie consent. EU cookie consent requires opt-in before non-essential cookies fire. A "by continuing to browse" banner doesn't cut it under the ePrivacy Directive.
Treating EU expansion as a one-time project. GDPR compliance is ongoing. New features, new markets, new vendors, and new enterprise customers all create new compliance requirements. An ongoing DPO retainer handles this.
Beyond the EU
Expanding further? We cover 30+ regulations across the UK (UK GDPR), Brazil (LGPD), Canada (PIPEDA), Thailand (PDPA), China (PIPL), India (DPDPA), Japan (APPI), South Korea (PIPA), UAE, Saudi Arabia, and more. One point of contact for all of it, with local counsel support where jurisdiction-specific legal advice is required. See our Global Privacy Compliance page.
How it works
Month 1: We assess your current state, identify gaps, build your EU privacy framework, notify the supervisory authority of the DPO appointment (if needed), and set up your EU representative.
Month 2+: Ongoing compliance, enterprise deal support for EU customers, and privacy reviews for new features or markets.
Investment
Most US companies expanding to the EU start with DPO Essentials (from €2,000/month) or DPO Premium (from €5,000/month) if they need multi-jurisdictional coverage. We also handle standalone EU Representative appointments starting from €100/month. See our EU Representative Service page for details.
FAQ
Do I need an EU Representative? If your company is based outside the EU but offers goods or services to EU residents or monitors their behavior, you likely need one under GDPR Article 27. It's a separate function from a DPO.
Can the EU Representative and DPO be the same person? EDPB guidance indicates these functions should be kept operationally separate to preserve DPO independence. We provide both services through our firm, but with separate designated individuals for each role.
What are Standard Contractual Clauses? SCCs are the most common legal mechanism for transferring personal data from the EU to countries without an adequacy decision. For transfers to the US, companies may also use the EU-US Data Privacy Framework (for certified recipients). We handle the assessment, determine the right mechanism, and implement it.
Do I need an EU Representative if I have an EU subsidiary? Generally no. If you have an establishment in the EU (including a subsidiary), the Article 27 EU Representative requirement typically does not apply. However, you may still need a DPO depending on your processing activities.
How long does EU compliance take? For a typical US SaaS company with 20-100 employees, the core setup takes 4-8 weeks. Ongoing maintenance is part of the retainer.
Do we need separate compliance for the UK? Yes. Post-Brexit, the UK has its own GDPR (UK GDPR) and its own supervisory authority (ICO). The requirements are very similar to EU GDPR but legally separate. We cover both.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Exact obligations depend on your specific situation and jurisdictions.
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