Your designated EU Representative for GDPR Article 27 compliance
Non-EU organisations that offer goods or services to, or monitor the behaviour of, individuals in the European Union are required to appoint a local representative. Formiti provides that mandatory presence backed by a full compliance support team.
What this service covers
- Mandatory Article 27 representative in the EU
- Primary contact for supervisory authorities
- Data subject request coordination
- Breach notification and regulatory liaison
- Fixed annual fee — no hourly billing
- Rapid 24-hour activation available
Formiti acts as a mandatory GDPR Article 27 representative for non-EU organisations that process the personal data of EU residents. The service provides a named point of contact for EU supervisory authorities, handles data subject requests, and supports breach notification — all for a fixed annual fee with 24-hour activation available. It is suitable for any company outside the EU that offers goods or services to, or monitors the behaviour of, individuals in the European Union.
Why Article 27 representation is a legal requirement
Organisations based outside the EU that process personal data of EU residents must appoint a representative within the Union. This is not optional guidance — it is a statutory obligation under GDPR.
It is a mandatory obligation
Article 27 of the GDPR requires non-EU controllers and processors to designate a representative in one of the member states where their data subjects are located. Failure to appoint one is a compliance gap that regulators can act on directly.
Regulators need a local point of contact
Supervisory authorities expect to be able to reach a named representative within their jurisdiction. Without one, your organisation may face delays, enforcement action, or barriers to operating in EU markets.
It protects your market access
Appointing an EU representative is not just about regulatory compliance — it signals to customers, partners, and authorities that your organisation takes data protection seriously and is committed to operating responsibly within the EU.
What's included in the service
Formiti serves as your EU GDPR Article 27 representative, giving your organisation a reliable and accessible point of contact in the European Union for regulators, data subjects, and representative-related compliance matters.
- Designated EU representative contact point
- Supervisory authority communications support
- Coordination of data subject enquiries and complaints
- Representative details for notices and privacy-facing obligations
- Support with relevant records and compliance documentation
- Guidance on representative-linked GDPR obligations
- Ongoing support for regulatory follow-up and remedial actions
One fixed monthly fee with responsive ongoing support.
Why Formiti
A stronger model than a traditional law firm appointment
Compare Formiti's team-based Article 27 representative service with a traditional law firm and managing the obligation yourself.
| Aspect | FormitiRecommended | Traditional Law Firm | DIY / No Representative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Team structure | Legal, privacy, and operations teams working together under one appointment. | Typically one lawyer or paralegal handling the representative role alongside other work. | No dedicated representative — obligation unfulfilled or handled ad hoc internally. |
| Regulatory liaison | Direct engagement with supervisory authorities on your behalf, with structured escalation. | Authority correspondence handled, but often billed per interaction at hourly rates. | No local contact for authorities to reach — risk of enforcement delays or penalties. |
| Data subject requests | Structured intake, coordination, and response support for DSARs and complaints. | Advisory support available, but operational handling usually left to the client. | Requests may go unanswered or be delayed without a local point of contact. |
| Breach support | Integrated breach notification support with legal, technical, and operational coordination. | Legal advice on notification obligations, but limited hands-on incident support. | No local support for time-critical breach notifications to EU authorities. |
| Cost model | Predictable fixed annual fee with no hidden charges or hourly billing. | Hourly or retainer-based billing that can escalate unpredictably with activity. | No direct cost, but significant regulatory and commercial risk exposure. |
| Activation speed | Rapid onboarding with 24-hour activation available for urgent appointments. | Engagement timelines vary depending on firm capacity and conflict checks. | No activation — obligation remains unfulfilled until a representative is appointed. |
Team structure
Legal, privacy, and operations teams working together under one appointment.
Typically one lawyer or paralegal handling the representative role alongside other work.
No dedicated representative — obligation unfulfilled or handled ad hoc internally.
Regulatory liaison
Direct engagement with supervisory authorities on your behalf, with structured escalation.
Authority correspondence handled, but often billed per interaction at hourly rates.
No local contact for authorities to reach — risk of enforcement delays or penalties.
Data subject requests
Structured intake, coordination, and response support for DSARs and complaints.
Advisory support available, but operational handling usually left to the client.
Requests may go unanswered or be delayed without a local point of contact.
Breach support
Integrated breach notification support with legal, technical, and operational coordination.
Legal advice on notification obligations, but limited hands-on incident support.
No local support for time-critical breach notifications to EU authorities.
Cost model
Predictable fixed annual fee with no hidden charges or hourly billing.
Hourly or retainer-based billing that can escalate unpredictably with activity.
No direct cost, but significant regulatory and commercial risk exposure.
Activation speed
Rapid onboarding with 24-hour activation available for urgent appointments.
Engagement timelines vary depending on firm capacity and conflict checks.
No activation — obligation remains unfulfilled until a representative is appointed.
Calculate your Article 27 compliance costs
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers about this service, legal obligations, and how we work.
What exactly is a GDPR Article 27 Representative?
An Article 27 Representative is a designated individual or entity physically located within the EU, appointed to act on behalf of a non-EU controller or processor. They serve as the local point of contact for supervisory authorities and data subjects.
Does my organisation actually need an EU Representative?
If your organisation is based outside the EU and offers goods or services to, or monitors the behaviour of, individuals in the EU, you are required to appoint a representative. Exemptions are narrow and apply only where processing is occasional, does not involve sensitive data at scale, and poses low risk.
What is the difference between a DPO and an Article 27 Representative?
A Data Protection Officer provides independent internal oversight and advisory on compliance. An Article 27 Representative is a mandatory local presence in the EU that acts as the point of contact for regulators and data subjects. They are separate roles and both may be required.
Can I appoint a UK-based representative for the EU?
No. Since Brexit, the UK is classified as a third country by the EU. Your EU representative must be physically located in an EU member state. If you also need UK representation, Formiti can provide both under a single service.
Why not just appoint our existing law firm?
Law firms typically bill by the hour and focus on legal interpretation. Article 27 representation also requires operational readiness for data subject requests, breach notifications, and regulatory liaison — areas where a dedicated compliance team provides better coverage at more predictable cost.
Ready to appoint your EU Representative?
Fulfil your Article 27 obligation with a dedicated team that covers legal, privacy, and operational support — not just a name on a register.
What happens next
We assess your processing activities and confirm whether Article 27 applies.
We provide a transparent, fixed-fee proposal with no hidden costs.
Once approved, we activate your EU representation within 24 hours.
Further reading on this topic
- Why UK Companies Still Overlook EU Article 27 Representation in 2026
- GDPR Representative: The Strategic Guide to Article 27 in 2026
- GDPR Representative Versus DPO Explained
- Who Needs an EU Representative Under GDPR?
- GDPR Representation: When Article 27 Applies
- Article 27 Implementation Example for Global Firms
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