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GDPR Compliance Risk

ClickUp is a US-based service subject to the CLOUD Act. EU organizations using this service risk non-compliance with GDPR data transfer requirements.

ClickUp logo

GDPR-Compliant Alternative to ClickUp

🇺🇸ClickUp · US-based · Subject to CLOUD Act

ClickUp is a project management tool based in the United States, designed to help teams organize and manage their work efficiently. It offers a variety of functionalities including multiple views such as list, board, and calendar, allowing users to visualize their tasks in the most suitable format. Key features include time tracking, goals tracking, whiteboards, and mind maps, which facilitate comprehensive project planning and execution. Additionally, ClickUp provides custom automations to streamline workflows and enhance productivity. The platform caters to a diverse audience, including project managers, team leaders, and organizations seeking to optimize their project management processes. It operates on a freemium pricing model, offering basic features for free with premium options available for advanced functionalities. Users should be aware that ClickUp stores data in the United States and is subject to US data laws, including the CLOUD Act and FISA 702, which may have implications for data privacy and security.

Why You Need a GDPR-Compliant Alternative to ClickUp

Since the landmark Schrems II ruling in 2020, transferring personal data to US-based services like ClickUp has become a significant legal risk for EU organizations. The US CLOUD Act gives American authorities the power to access data held by US companies, regardless of where that data is physically stored — even if it's in an EU data center.

While the EU-US Data Privacy Framework (DPF) adopted in 2023 provides a new legal basis for transfers, privacy experts and legal scholars have raised concerns about its long-term viability. The framework could face the same fate as its predecessors (Safe Harbor and Privacy Shield), both of which were struck down by the Court of Justice of the EU.

For organizations that want to eliminate compliance risk entirely, switching to a European-based project management is the most straightforward solution. Below are the best GDPR-compliant alternatives to ClickUp, all headquartered in Europe with data stored in EU data centers.

CLOUD Act Exposure

US authorities can access your data stored by ClickUp, even if servers are located in Europe.

GDPR Fine Risk

Non-compliant data transfers can result in fines up to 4% of annual global revenue under GDPR Article 83.

EU Alternative Available

5 GDPR-compliant European alternatives available with full EU data residency.

5 GDPR-Compliant Alternatives to ClickUp

European services with full GDPR compliance and EU data residency

MeisterTask logo

MeisterTask

🇩🇪

by Meister

MeisterTask is a German-made intuitive project and task management tool built on Kanban boards. Offers seamless collaboration with time tracking, automation, and integrations. GDPR compliant with EU data hosting. Integrates well with MindMeister for mind mapping.

GDPR CompliantISO 27001EU-BasedEU-hosted
freemiumMigration:●●●1-2 days

Why switch?

  • MeisterTask is fully GDPR compliant, ensuring EU data protection.
  • Data is hosted in Germany, enhancing data sovereignty for EU users.
  • Integrates with MindMeister for visual brainstorming and task management.

Consider

  • Migration from ClickUp may require manual data transfer and setup.
  • Missing features like ClickUp's Docs and Goals tracking may hinder some users.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit MeisterTask
Teamwork logo

Teamwork

🇮🇪

by Teamwork.com

Teamwork is an Irish project management platform designed for client work and agencies. Offers comprehensive features including time tracking, resource management, and billing. GDPR compliant with EU headquarters in Cork, Ireland.

GDPR CompliantISO 27001EU-BasedSOC 2 Type IIEU-hosted
subscriptionMigration:●●●1-2 days

Why switch?

  • Teamwork offers Gantt charts for visual project timelines.
  • GDPR compliance ensures data protection for EU users.
  • Client billing feature simplifies invoicing for projects.

Consider

  • Migration from ClickUp may require significant data transfer effort.
  • Teamwork lacks ClickUp's mind maps and whiteboard features.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Teamwork
Zenkit logo

Zenkit

🇩🇪

by Axonic Informationssysteme

Zenkit is a German flexible project management and database platform. Offers multiple views including Kanban, table, calendar, and mind map. Built with privacy in mind with GDPR compliance and German data hosting. Modular suite of productivity tools.

GDPR CompliantEU-BasedEU-hosted
freemiumMigration:●●●1-2 days

Why switch?

  • Zenkit is GDPR compliant, ensuring data protection for EU users.
  • Zenkit offers German hosting, enhancing data sovereignty for EU clients.
  • Real-time sync in Zenkit improves collaboration efficiency across teams.

Consider

  • Migrating data from ClickUp to Zenkit may require significant effort.
  • Zenkit lacks ClickUp's advanced time tracking and goals tracking features.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Zenkit
OpenProject logo

OpenProject

🇩🇪

by OpenProject GmbH

OpenProject is a German open-source project management software. Offers classical and agile project management with Gantt charts, Scrum boards, and time tracking. Self-hosted option available for complete data control. Strong focus on GDPR compliance.

GDPR CompliantEU-BasedOpen SourceSelf-HostableEU-hosted
freemiumMigration:●●●2-3 days

Why switch?

  • OpenProject is open source, allowing for custom modifications.
  • Self-hosting option provides full control over your data.
  • GDPR compliance ensures strict data protection regulations.

Consider

  • Migration from ClickUp may require significant data transfer effort.
  • OpenProject lacks advanced features like whiteboards and mind maps.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit OpenProject
Stackfield logo

Stackfield

🇩🇪

by Stackfield GmbH

Stackfield is a German secure collaboration platform combining project management, document sharing, and team communication. End-to-end encrypted with all data hosted in Germany. Designed for teams requiring high security and GDPR compliance.

GDPR CompliantISO 27001EU-BasedISO 27017ISO 27018BSI C5EU-hosted
subscriptionMigration:●●●1-2 days

Why switch?

  • End-to-end encryption ensures data security for all communications.
  • GDPR compliance with German hosting protects EU user data legally.
  • Audit logs provide transparency on user actions and changes.

Consider

  • Migration from ClickUp may require manual data transfer efforts.
  • Stackfield lacks advanced features like mind maps and whiteboards.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Stackfield

Quick GDPR Compliance Comparison

ServiceHQ LocationGDPR NativeEU Data CentersCLOUD Act FreePricing
🇺🇸ClickUp
United StatesNoPartialNofreemium
🇩🇪MeisterTaskDEYesYesYesfreemium
🇮🇪TeamworkIEYesYesYessubscription
🇩🇪ZenkitDEYesYesYesfreemium
🇩🇪OpenProjectDEYesYesYesfreemium
🇩🇪StackfieldDEYesYesYessubscription

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ClickUp GDPR compliant?

ClickUp is a US-based service operated by ClickUp. While it may have some GDPR compliance measures, as a US company it is subject to the CLOUD Act, which allows US authorities to access data stored by US companies regardless of where the data is physically located. This creates a fundamental conflict with GDPR requirements for data protection.

What are the GDPR risks of using ClickUp?

The main GDPR risks include: (1) Data transfers to the US may lack adequate protection since the Schrems II ruling invalidated Privacy Shield, (2) US authorities can demand access under the CLOUD Act, (3) Your organization may face GDPR fines up to 4% of annual revenue for non-compliant data transfers, and (4) User consent may not be sufficient to legitimize transfers given the systematic access by US authorities.

What are the best GDPR-compliant alternatives to ClickUp?

The top GDPR-compliant alternatives to ClickUp include MeisterTask, Teamwork, Zenkit. These European services store your data in EU data centers and are fully subject to GDPR protections.

How do I migrate from ClickUp to a GDPR-compliant alternative?

Most migrations involve three steps: (1) Export your data from ClickUp using their data export tools, (2) Create an account with your chosen EU alternative, and (3) Import your data into the new service. We provide detailed migration guides for each alternative to make the switch as smooth as possible.

Can EU companies legally use ClickUp?

Since the Schrems II ruling (2020), EU organizations face significant legal risk when using US cloud services like ClickUp. While the EU-US Data Privacy Framework (2023) provides a new legal basis, its long-term stability is uncertain. Many EU data protection authorities recommend using EU-based alternatives to avoid compliance risks entirely.

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Last updated: January 26, 2026