2025 GDPR Compliance Checklist for Startups

Your Startup's Legal Foundation

Launching a startup in the EU? Here's your complete compliance checklist to avoid costly fines and legal issues.

For official GDPR text and guidance, see:

Phase 1: Before Launch (Week 1–2)

Essential Documents

Data Protection Setup

Phase 2: First 6 Months

Vendor Management

Team Compliance

Phase 3: Ongoing Compliance

Quarterly Reviews

Annual Tasks

Most Common Startup Mistakes

1. "We're too small for GDPR to matter"

Wrong. GDPR applies to ALL businesses processing EU customer data, regardless of size.

2. "We'll add privacy policy later"

Wrong. You need it BEFORE collecting any personal data (even email addresses).

3. "Copy-pasting privacy policies is fine"

Wrong. Your policy must accurately reflect YOUR data practices. Generic templates often miss crucial details.

4. "We don't need DPAs with vendors"

Wrong. Any vendor processing personal data on your behalf requires a DPA.

Real Costs of Non-Compliance

Essential Documents You Need

Before you launch your business or collect any customer data, you must have these legal documents in place:

1. Privacy Policy

Your Privacy Policy must explain how you collect, use, store, and protect personal data. It's legally required under GDPR Articles 13-14 before you collect even a single email address.

2. Cookie Consent Banner

If your website uses any cookies or tracking technologies (analytics, marketing pixels, chat widgets), you need a compliant cookie banner that blocks non-essential cookies until users consent.

3. Terms of Service

Your Terms of Service define the legal relationship between you and your users. It protects your business by setting clear rules, limiting liability, and establishing dispute resolution procedures.

4. Data Processing Agreements (DPAs)

Every third-party vendor that processes customer data on your behalf (email services, payment processors, CRM tools, hosting providers) requires a signed DPA under GDPR Article 28.

Why DIY Legal Documents Put You at Risk

Many startups try to save money by:

The problem: Generic templates don't reflect YOUR specific data practices. If your Privacy Policy doesn't accurately describe what you actually do with customer data, it's worthless in an audit—and regulators will fine you anyway.

Get Professional Legal Documents

Don't wait until you receive a compliance audit notice or customer complaint. Set up your legal foundation today with expert-drafted documents customized for your business.

Our Website Compliance Bundle (€799) includes:

Why choose our bundle:

Start Your Compliance Journey Today

Protect your startup, your customers, and your reputation. Get the legal foundation you need to launch with confidence.

Ready to get started? Our Website Compliance Bundle (€799) gives you everything you need to be GDPR compliant from day one.