by LibreOffice
Free office suite – the evolution of OpenOffice. Compatible with Microsoft .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx. Updated regularly, community powered.
EU-BasedOpen SourceSelf-HostableSource AvailableGDPR Compliant
free
GDPR Compliance Risk
Microsoft 365 is a US-based service subject to the CLOUD Act. EU organizations using this service risk non-compliance with GDPR data transfer requirements.
GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Microsoft 365
🇺🇸Microsoft · US-based · Subject to CLOUD Act
Microsoft's cloud productivity suite including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and OneDrive for businesses and individuals.
Why You Need a GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Microsoft 365
Since the landmark Schrems II ruling in 2020, transferring personal data to US-based services like Microsoft 365 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 office suites is the most straightforward solution. Below are the best GDPR-compliant alternatives to Microsoft 365, all headquartered in Europe with data stored in EU data centers.
CLOUD Act Exposure
US authorities can access your data stored by Microsoft 365, 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 Microsoft 365
European services with full GDPR compliance and EU data residency
by OnlyOffice
ONLYOFFICE offers a secure online office suite highly compatible with MS Office formats. Connect it to your web platform for document editing and collaboration or use as a part of ONLYOFFICE Workspace.
GDPR CompliantEU-BasedOpen SourceSelf-Hostable
freemium
by Collabora Online
CollaborativeOpen-SourceDocumentEditing Controlled by You Collabora Online is a powerful online document editing suite. Integrate into your own infrastructure or access via one of our trusted hosting partners. Try the FREE Demo https://www.collaboraonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Writer-Overview-005-720p.mp4 Secure Collaboration Customisable Integrations Document Support & Interoperability Connect Everywhere Peace of Mind Open Source Secure Collaboration View and edit your documents as […]
GDPR CompliantISO 27001SOC 2Open SourceSelf-Hostable
freemium
CryptPad
🇫🇷by CryptPad
CryptPad is a secure, collaborative office suite designed to protect your privacy while enabling seamless teamwork. With end-to-end encryption, CryptPad ensures that only you and your collaborators can access your documents, making it an ideal choice for privacy-conscious users. Its real-time collaborative editing feature allows multiple users to work on documents simultaneously, enhancing productivity without compromising security. Key features include GDPR-compliant data handling, customizable templates, and version history tracking, all hosted within the EU to ensure data sovereignty. CryptPad is open source and community-driven, offering transparency and flexibility to its users. It is perfect for individuals, teams, and organizations that prioritize data privacy and need a reliable platform for document creation and sharing. CryptPad's pricing model includes a free tier with optional paid plans for additional storage and features, making it accessible for both personal and professional use.
GDPR CompliantEU-BasedOpen SourceSelf-HostableEU-hosted
freemium
by Infomaniak
Complete collaborative office suite from Switzerland. Includes email, calendar, contacts, video conferencing, cloud storage (kDrive), and online document editing. A privacy-focused alternative to Google Workspace.
GDPR CompliantISO 27001Swiss hostedEU-BasedGreen HostingOpen SourceEU-hosted
paid
Quick GDPR Compliance Comparison
| Service | HQ Location | GDPR Native | EU Data Centers | CLOUD Act Free | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
🇺🇸Microsoft 365 | United States | No | Partial | No | - |
| 🇩🇪LibreOffice | DE | Yes | Yes | Yes | free |
| 🇱🇻OnlyOffice | LV | Yes | Yes | Yes | freemium |
| 🇬🇧Collabora Online | GB | Yes | Yes | Yes | freemium |
| 🇫🇷CryptPad | FR | Yes | Yes | Yes | freemium |
| 🇨🇭Infomaniak kSuite | CH | Yes | Yes | Yes | paid |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Microsoft 365 GDPR compliant?
Microsoft 365 is a US-based service operated by Microsoft. 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 Microsoft 365?
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 Microsoft 365?
The top GDPR-compliant alternatives to Microsoft 365 include LibreOffice, OnlyOffice, Collabora Online. These European services store your data in EU data centers and are fully subject to GDPR protections.
How do I migrate from Microsoft 365 to a GDPR-compliant alternative?
Most migrations involve three steps: (1) Export your data from Microsoft 365 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 Microsoft 365?
Since the Schrems II ruling (2020), EU organizations face significant legal risk when using US cloud services like Microsoft 365. 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.
Other GDPR Alternatives in Office Suites
Related Pages
Some links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. This helps support our mission to promote European alternatives. Our recommendations are based on objective criteria.
Last updated: January 26, 2026