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GDPR Compliance Risk

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

DocuSign logo

GDPR-Compliant Alternative to DocuSign

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

DocuSign is a leading electronic signature solution that allows users to securely sign, send, and manage documents online. Streamline your workflow and enhance productivity with legally binding signatures from anywhere.

Why You Need a GDPR-Compliant Alternative to DocuSign

Since the landmark Schrems II ruling in 2020, transferring personal data to US-based services like DocuSign 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 e-signature is the most straightforward solution. Below are the best GDPR-compliant alternatives to DocuSign, all headquartered in Europe with data stored in EU data centers.

CLOUD Act Exposure

US authorities can access your data stored by DocuSign, 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

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

4 GDPR-Compliant Alternatives to DocuSign

European services with full GDPR compliance and EU data residency

Scrive logo

Scrive

🇸🇪

by Scrive

Scrive is a European digital signature solution that enables users to sign documents securely and efficiently online. It streamlines the signing process, allowing for easy integration with various applications and compliance with EU regulations. Ideal for businesses seeking to enhance document management and reduce paper usage.

EU-BasedISO 27001GDPR CompliantEU-hosted
Migration:●●●2-4 hours

Why switch?

  • Scrive is ISO 27001 certified, ensuring strong security practices.
  • Data is stored on EU servers, enhancing GDPR compliance.
  • Scrive offers advanced features for electronic signatures in EU markets.

Consider

  • Migration from DocuSign to Scrive may require data export/import efforts.
  • Some users may find Scrive's interface less intuitive than DocuSign's.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Scrive
Yousign logo

Yousign

🇫🇷

by Yousign

Yousign is an electronic signature solution developed by a European company, designed to streamline the signing process for documents. It allows users to create, send, and sign documents securely online, ensuring compliance with EU regulations. Yousign enhances efficiency for businesses and individuals alike.

EU-BasedISO 27001GDPR CompliantEU-hosted
Migration:●●●2-4 hours

Why switch?

  • Yousign is fully GDPR compliant, ensuring EU data protection standards.
  • Yousign servers are located in the EU, reducing data transfer risks.
  • ISO 27001 certification indicates strong information security practices.

Consider

  • Migrating documents from DocuSign to Yousign may require manual effort.
  • Yousign may lack some advanced features found in DocuSign's ecosystem.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Yousign
SignRequest logo

SignRequest

🇳🇱

by SignRequest

SignRequest is a European electronic signature solution that enables users to easily sign and manage documents online. It offers features like document tracking, team collaboration, and integration with various applications. Designed for businesses of all sizes, SignRequest ensures secure, legally binding signatures in compliance with EU regulations.

EU-BasedGDPR CompliantEU-hosted
Migration:●●●2-4 hours

Why switch?

  • SignRequest is GDPR compliant, ensuring data protection in the EU.
  • Data is stored on EU servers, enhancing compliance with local laws.
  • SignRequest offers optional end-to-end encryption for added security.

Consider

  • Migration from DocuSign may require manual data transfer and setup.
  • Some advanced features in DocuSign may not be available in SignRequest.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit SignRequest
Skribble logo

Skribble

🇨🇭

by Skribble

Skribble is a European digital platform designed for creating and signing legally binding electronic documents. It offers a user-friendly interface for drafting contracts, agreements, and forms, ensuring compliance with EU regulations. The service includes secure storage and easy access to signed documents, streamlining workflow for businesses and individuals.

EU-BasedISO 27001Swiss hostedGDPR Compliant
Migration:●●●2-4 hours

Why switch?

  • Skribble's servers are located in the EU, ensuring data sovereignty.
  • Skribble is fully compliant with GDPR, enhancing user data protection.
  • Skribble offers e-signatures that are legally binding in the EU.

Consider

  • Migrating documents from DocuSign to Skribble may require manual effort.
  • Skribble may lack some advanced features found in DocuSign.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Skribble

Quick GDPR Compliance Comparison

ServiceHQ LocationGDPR NativeEU Data CentersCLOUD Act FreePricing
🇺🇸DocuSign
United StatesNoPartialNo-
🇸🇪ScriveSEYesYesYes-
🇫🇷YousignFRYesYesYes-
🇳🇱SignRequestNLYesYesYes-
🇨🇭SkribbleCHYesYesYes-

Frequently Asked Questions

Is DocuSign GDPR compliant?

DocuSign is a US-based service operated by DocuSign. 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 DocuSign?

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 DocuSign?

The top GDPR-compliant alternatives to DocuSign include Scrive, Yousign, SignRequest. These European services store your data in EU data centers and are fully subject to GDPR protections.

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

Most migrations involve three steps: (1) Export your data from DocuSign 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 DocuSign?

Since the Schrems II ruling (2020), EU organizations face significant legal risk when using US cloud services like DocuSign. 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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Related Pages

Migration Resources

Last updated: February 6, 2026