Strategic GDPR essays explain why EU hosting helps. This piece is the operational counterpart: a Sofia (Bulgaria) checklist you can run before and after cutover. EuroVDC infrastructure sits in Sofia—EU territory—useful for residency talks, but useless if access, backups and contracts stay vague.
Apply the checklist on web hosting or isolated cloud server workloads.
Scope: what this checklist is (and is not)
It is not legal advice and not a “GDPR certified hosting” claim. It is a practical sequence for teams putting personal data on Sofia hosts: map data, sign processor terms, harden access, prove restores and write location accurately in notices. Counsel still owns lawful basis and DPIA depth.
Sofia practical checklist
- Data map: List app DB, logs, backups, tickets and mail that hold personal data.
- Roles: Confirm you are controller; host is processor for infrastructure personal data they process on your behalf.
- DPA / AVV: Execute the provider agreement covering Article 28 duties before production go-live.
- Access: SSH keys, MFA on panels, least-privilege DB users, no shared root passwords in chat.
- Encryption in transit: HTTPS on every public endpoint; prefer TLS for admin and mail submission.
- Backups: Encrypted where feasible, retention defined, restore tested quarterly—not only “backup enabled.”
- Subprocessors: Know who touches tickets, DNS or anti-abuse; disclose where your notices require it.
- Incident path: Who notices breach signals, who decides notification, how fast you can rotate secrets.
- Privacy copy: State Sofia/EU processing location truthfully—no “German DC” if the rack is Sofia.
- Exit: Export formats and delete/return process documented for vendor change.
Hosting product choice under the checklist
| Workload | Sofia fit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brochure / small CMS | Web hosting | Lower ops; still need HTTPS + backups |
| App with personal data at scale | Cloud (KVM) | Stronger isolation, root, custom controls |
| Strict single-tenancy contract | Dedicated evaluation | When virtual multi-tenant is not enough |
EU location is shared across products. Isolation and your configuration decide residual risk.
Common Sofia migration mistakes
- Moving production before the DPA is signed.
- Leaving HTTP admin panels “temporarily.”
- Backups in an undocumented third country “for convenience.”
- Copy-pasting privacy text that claims the wrong city.
- Skipping restore drills until the first ransomware scare.
EuroVDC approach
Use Sofia as the geographic default for EU-oriented stacks. Start simple on web hosting; put sensitive or custom apps on cloud. Complete the checklist above so “we host in the EU” is backed by contracts and controls—not slogans.
Frequently asked questions
Does Sofia hosting make me GDPR compliant?
No. It supports EU residency narratives. Compliance still needs lawful processing, a DPA, security measures and retention discipline.
Is Bulgaria / Sofia in the EU for GDPR?
Yes. Bulgaria is an EU member state; Sofia datacentre location is within the EU for geographic purposes.
What should I finish before DNS cutover?
DPA signed, HTTPS working, access hardened, backup restore tested and privacy location wording updated.
Shared hosting or cloud for personal data apps?
Both can be in Sofia. Prefer cloud when you need stronger isolation, custom hardening or higher data volume.
Do I need German hosting for German customers?
Usually EU hosting suffices unless a contract or sector rule demands Germany specifically—ask counsel for edge cases.
How do I start with EuroVDC?
Pick Sofia web hosting or cloud, complete the checklist, then migrate with controlled TTL and verified restores.
