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GDPR Compliance Risk

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

QuickBooks logo

GDPR-Compliant Alternative to QuickBooks

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

Manage finances, track expenses, and generate invoices with ease. Designed for small to medium-sized businesses, QuickBooks simplifies accounting tasks and financial management.

Why You Need a GDPR-Compliant Alternative to QuickBooks

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

CLOUD Act Exposure

US authorities can access your data stored by QuickBooks, 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 QuickBooks

European services with full GDPR compliance and EU data residency

sevDesk logo

sevDesk

🇩🇪

by sevDesk

This German software provides intuitive accounting and invoicing solutions for SMBs, featuring automated bookkeeping and real-time financial insights. With its open-source capabilities, sevDesk allows businesses to customize their financial management processes while ensuring compliance with local regulations.

EU-BasedGDPR Compliant
Migration:●●●2-4 hours

Why switch?

  • GDPR compliance ensures data protection in the EU.
  • Custom workflow automation for tailored processes.
  • Local regulation compliance simplifies EU operations.

Consider

  • Migration from QuickBooks may disrupt operations.
  • Missing integrated payroll processing feature.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit sevDesk
Lexoffice logo

Lexoffice

🇩🇪

by Lexoffice

Lexoffice simplifies accounting and invoicing for SMBs with its intuitive German platform. It offers automated bookkeeping, real-time financial insights, and easy invoice management. A key differentiator is its direct integration with German banks, ensuring seamless financial transactions and updates.

EU-BasedGDPR Compliant
Migration:●●●2-4 hours

Why switch?

  • GDPR compliance ensures data privacy in the EU.
  • Direct German bank integration simplifies transactions.
  • Automated bookkeeping reduces manual entry time.

Consider

  • Migration from QuickBooks can be time-consuming.
  • Lexoffice lacks integrated payroll processing.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Lexoffice
Holded logo

Holded

🇪🇸

by Holded

Holded offers a Spanish cloud-based platform designed for SMBs, providing intuitive accounting and invoicing solutions. It enables users to manage finances with features like automated bank reconciliation and real-time financial reporting. A standout feature is its integration with popular e-commerce platforms, enhancing business operations.

EU-Based
Migration:●●●2-4 hours

Why switch?

  • EU servers ensure GDPR compliance for data security
  • Integration with e-commerce platforms enhances sales tracking
  • Cloud-based platform offers easy access for SMBs

Consider

  • Migration from QuickBooks may require time and resources
  • Learning curve for users familiar with QuickBooks interface
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Holded
Exact Online logo

Exact Online

🇳🇱

by Exact Online

Exact Online is a Dutch cloud-based accounting and invoicing solution tailored for SMBs, offering real-time financial insights and automated tax compliance. It stands out with its integration capabilities, seamlessly connecting with CRM and ERP systems to streamline business operations.

EU-BasedGDPR Compliant
View DetailsCompare
Visit Exact Online

Quick GDPR Compliance Comparison

ServiceHQ LocationGDPR NativeEU Data CentersCLOUD Act FreePricing
🇺🇸QuickBooks
United StatesNoPartialNo-
🇩🇪sevDeskDEYesYesYes-
🇩🇪LexofficeDEYesYesYes-
🇪🇸HoldedESYesYesYes-
🇳🇱Exact OnlineNLYesYesYes-

Frequently Asked Questions

Is QuickBooks GDPR compliant?

QuickBooks is a US-based service operated by Intuit. 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 QuickBooks?

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 QuickBooks?

The top GDPR-compliant alternatives to QuickBooks include sevDesk, Lexoffice, Holded. These European services store your data in EU data centers and are fully subject to GDPR protections.

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

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

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

Related Pages

Migration Resources

Last updated: February 18, 2026