The day I moved to the Netherlands and tried to watch BBC iPlayer, I got that dreaded “not available in your region” message. Ten years on, I still use a VPN almost daily – for streaming British telly, accessing my UK bank account without getting flagged, and protecting my data on cafe WiFi. It is one of those expat essentials nobody tells you about until you need it. Here are the VPNs I actually recommend to my clients in 2026.
Quick Comparison: Best VPNs for Expats in the Netherlands
| VPN | Best For | Monthly Price | Servers | Devices | Streaming | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | Overall best for expats | EUR 3.49-12.99 | 6,400+ in 111 countries | 10 | Excellent | Very Fast |
| Surfshark | Best value | EUR 2.19-15.45 | 3,200+ in 100 countries | Unlimited | Excellent | Fast |
| ExpressVPN | Easiest to use | EUR 6.67-12.95 | 3,000+ in 105 countries | 8 | Excellent | Very Fast |
| CyberGhost | Best for streaming | EUR 2.19-12.99 | 11,500+ in 100 countries | 7 | Good | Fast |
| ProtonVPN | Best for privacy | EUR 0-9.99 | 4,800+ in 110 countries | 10 | Good | Fast |
| Mullvad | Maximum anonymity | EUR 5.00 flat | 700+ in 46 countries | 5 | Limited | Fast |
Prices reflect the best available rate (usually 2-year plan) as of early 2026. Monthly rates are higher.
Why Expats in the Netherlands Need a VPN
1. Access Home Country Streaming Content
This is the number one reason expats use a VPN. When you move to the Netherlands, your streaming libraries change. Netflix shows you Dutch content. BBC iPlayer blocks you entirely. Hulu does not work outside the US. A VPN lets you connect to a server in your home country and access your familiar content.
Common streaming access issues for expats:
- US: Hulu, HBO Max, US Netflix library, Peacock
- UK: BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, Channel 4, UK Netflix library
- Australia: Stan, 9Now, 10 Play
- Germany: German Netflix, ARD/ZDF Mediathek
- Any country: Local sports broadcasts, regional news
2. Secure Public WiFi
The Netherlands is full of free WiFi, from NS trains and stations to cafes, coworking spaces, libraries, and even some city centers. While convenient, public WiFi is a security risk. Anyone on the same network can potentially intercept your data. A VPN encrypts your connection, making it safe to use public WiFi for banking, email, and other sensitive activities.
This is especially relevant when you first arrive. You may spend significant time in hotels, Airbnbs, and cafes while searching for housing, all on unfamiliar WiFi networks.
3. Access Home Banking and Financial Services
Many banks flag or block logins from foreign IP addresses. If your home country bank sees you logging in from a Dutch IP address, it may lock your account as a security precaution. A VPN lets you connect through your home country, avoiding these issues.
This is particularly important during the transition period when you are still using your home country bank accounts alongside your new Dutch bank. For setting up Dutch banking, see my guide to the best bank accounts for expats in the Netherlands.
4. Privacy from ISPs and Data Collection
While the Netherlands has relatively strong privacy laws under the GDPR, your internet service provider (ISP) can still see your browsing activity. A VPN prevents this by encrypting all your traffic, meaning your ISP sees only that you are connected to a VPN, not what you are doing.
5. Bypass Regional Price Differences
Some online services, including flights, hotels, and software subscriptions, show different prices based on your location. A VPN lets you compare prices from different regions, potentially saving money.
Detailed VPN Reviews
1. NordVPN – Best Overall for Expats
NordVPN is our top recommendation for expats in the Netherlands. It consistently ranks among the fastest VPNs, reliably unblocks streaming services, and has a strong track record on privacy.
Why expats love it:
- Streaming: Reliably unblocks Netflix (15+ regions), BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and most other major platforms
- Speed: Among the fastest VPNs tested, with minimal impact on Dutch internet speeds. You will not notice a difference when streaming in 4K
- Dutch servers: Multiple server locations in the Netherlands for when you want a local connection with added privacy
- Home country servers: 6,400+ servers across 111 countries means your home country is almost certainly covered
- Security: AES-256 encryption, kill switch, no-logs policy (independently audited multiple times), Threat Protection feature blocks ads and malware
- Ease of use: Clean, intuitive apps for all platforms
Pricing (2026):
- 2-year plan: ~EUR 3.49/month
- 1-year plan: ~EUR 4.99/month
- Monthly: ~EUR 12.99/month
Limitations:
- 10 simultaneous device connections (enough for most people, but families may want more)
- Slightly more expensive than Surfshark on the cheapest plan
My verdict: The best all-around VPN for expats. If you want reliability, speed, and streaming access, NordVPN is the safe choice.
Try NordVPN Risk-Free with a 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
2. Surfshark – Best Value for Expats
Surfshark offers nearly everything NordVPN does at a lower price point, plus the major advantage of unlimited simultaneous device connections.
Why expats love it:
- Unlimited devices: Connect every device in your household with one subscription. Ideal for families or if you have many devices
- Streaming: Excellent at unblocking Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, and more. Nearly as reliable as NordVPN
- Price: One of the cheapest premium VPNs available
- CleanWeb: Built-in ad and malware blocker
- Multi-hop: Route your connection through two VPN servers for extra privacy
- GPS spoofing on Android: Useful for location-based apps that detect VPN use
Pricing (2026):
- 2-year plan: ~EUR 2.19/month
- 1-year plan: ~EUR 3.99/month
- Monthly: ~EUR 15.45/month
Limitations:
- Speeds are slightly slower than NordVPN on some distant servers
- Newer company with a shorter track record than NordVPN
My verdict: The best value VPN. If unlimited devices and low cost are priorities, Surfshark is an outstanding choice.
3. ExpressVPN – Easiest to Use
ExpressVPN is the premium option known for its polished user experience and consistently fast speeds. It is ideal for expats who want something that just works without any tinkering.
Why expats love it:
- Speed: Consistently among the fastest VPNs, with servers optimized for streaming
- Ease of use: The most intuitive interface of any VPN. Connect in one click
- Streaming: Reliably unblocks all major streaming platforms
- Router app: The best VPN router app available, useful for protecting smart TVs and other devices that do not support VPN apps natively
- TrustedServer technology: Servers run on RAM only, meaning data is wiped on every reboot
Pricing (2026):
- 1-year plan: ~EUR 6.67/month
- 6-month plan: ~EUR 9.99/month
- Monthly: ~EUR 12.95/month
Limitations:
- Significantly more expensive than NordVPN and Surfshark
- Only 8 simultaneous connections (recently increased from 5)
- Fewer servers than NordVPN or CyberGhost
My verdict: The best choice if ease of use and reliability are your top priorities and you do not mind paying a premium.
4. CyberGhost – Best for Dedicated Streaming
CyberGhost has the largest server network of any VPN and offers servers specifically optimized for streaming particular services.
Why expats love it:
- Streaming-optimized servers: Dedicated servers labeled for specific services (Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, etc.) take the guesswork out of which server to connect to
- Huge server network: 11,500+ servers in 100 countries
- Long money-back guarantee: 45 days (most VPNs offer 30)
- Affordable long-term plans
Pricing (2026):
- 2-year plan: ~EUR 2.19/month
- 6-month plan: ~EUR 6.99/month
- Monthly: ~EUR 12.99/month
Limitations:
- Speeds can be inconsistent on distant servers
- Only 7 simultaneous connections
- Streaming reliability is slightly below NordVPN and Surfshark
- Owned by Kape Technologies, which has a mixed privacy reputation
My verdict: A good budget option if streaming is your primary concern and you like having clearly labeled streaming servers.
5. ProtonVPN – Best for Privacy-Focused Expats
ProtonVPN comes from the same Swiss company behind ProtonMail and is built with a privacy-first philosophy. It is the best choice for expats who prioritize privacy above all else.
Why expats love it:
- Swiss jurisdiction: Switzerland has some of the strongest privacy laws in the world, outside EU and US jurisdictions
- Open source: All apps are open source and independently audited
- Free tier available: The only reputable VPN with a genuinely usable free plan (limited to 3 countries, slower speeds, 1 device)
- No-logs policy: Strict and independently verified
- Secure Core: Route traffic through privacy-friendly countries before reaching your destination server
- Integrates with Proton ecosystem: ProtonMail, Proton Drive, Proton Calendar
Pricing (2026):
- Free: EUR 0 (limited features)
- 2-year plan: ~EUR 4.49/month
- 1-year plan: ~EUR 5.99/month
- Monthly: ~EUR 9.99/month
Limitations:
- Streaming support is improving but still less reliable than NordVPN or Surfshark
- Free tier is very limited (3 countries, no streaming, slower speeds)
- Fewer servers than the top competitors
My verdict: The best VPN for privacy purists. If you value open-source software and privacy credentials over streaming reliability, ProtonVPN is the right choice.
6. Mullvad – Maximum Anonymity
Mullvad is a unique VPN focused entirely on anonymity. You do not even need an email address to sign up; you receive a random account number.
Why expats love it:
- No personal data required: Sign up with just a randomly generated account number
- Flat pricing: EUR 5/month, no long-term commitment tricks
- Pay with cash: You can literally mail cash to their office in Sweden for maximum anonymity
- Open source and audited
- WireGuard native: Built-in WireGuard support for maximum speed
Pricing (2026):
- EUR 5.00/month (flat rate, no discounts for longer terms)
Limitations:
- Only 5 simultaneous connections
- Poor at unblocking streaming services (not their focus)
- No dedicated mobile apps (uses WireGuard app on mobile)
- Fewer servers and countries than competitors
- No customer support chat
My verdict: For privacy maximalists only. If streaming access matters to you, look elsewhere. If you want the most private VPN possible, Mullvad is unmatched.
VPN Comparison by Use Case
| Use Case | Best Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Streaming home content | NordVPN | Most reliable for unblocking Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu |
| Best value / families | Surfshark | Unlimited devices, cheapest premium option |
| Simple and reliable | ExpressVPN | Best interface, consistently fast |
| Privacy above all | ProtonVPN | Swiss-based, open source, free tier |
| Budget streaming | CyberGhost | Labeled streaming servers, affordable |
| Maximum anonymity | Mullvad | No personal data needed, flat rate |
How to Set Up a VPN in the Netherlands
Setting up a VPN takes less than five minutes.
Step 1: Choose and Subscribe
Pick a VPN from our recommendations. We suggest starting with NordVPN for the best all-around experience or Surfshark for the best value.
Step 2: Download and Install
Download the VPN app for your device:
- Desktop: Download from the VPN provider’s website
- Mobile: Download from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android)
- Browser: Install the browser extension for quick access
- Smart TV / streaming device: Check if your device supports VPN apps, or set up the VPN on your router
Step 3: Connect to a Server
- For home country streaming: Connect to a server in your home country
- For Dutch privacy: Connect to a Netherlands server
- For banking access: Connect to a server in the country where your bank is based
Step 4: Configure for Convenience
- Auto-connect: Enable auto-connect so the VPN activates whenever you join a WiFi network
- Kill switch: Enable the kill switch, which cuts your internet if the VPN connection drops, preventing unprotected browsing
- Split tunneling: If available, use split tunneling to route only specific apps through the VPN (for example, streaming through VPN, work apps direct)
Tips for Using a VPN as an Expat in the Netherlands
For Streaming
- If a streaming service detects your VPN and blocks it, try switching to a different server in the same country. VPN providers constantly rotate IP addresses to stay ahead of blocks.
- For the most reliable streaming experience, use the VPN provider’s desktop or mobile app rather than the browser extension.
- If you use a smart TV that does not support VPN apps, consider installing the VPN on your router. NordVPN and ExpressVPN both offer easy-to-follow router setup guides.
For Online Banking
- Connect to your home country server before opening your banking app or website.
- Some banks use additional detection beyond IP addresses. If you are still blocked, try clearing your browser cookies or using an incognito window.
- Consider setting up a Wise account for international transfers. Wise works globally without VPN issues and offers far better exchange rates than traditional banks. See our guide to the best bank accounts for expats.
For Work
- If your employer uses a corporate VPN, check whether it conflicts with your personal VPN. Most modern VPNs handle this gracefully with split tunneling.
- Some Dutch companies and coworking spaces may block VPN traffic on their networks. In this case, try connecting on port 443 (HTTPS port) or using the VPN’s obfuscation mode.
For Public WiFi Safety
The Netherlands has extensive public WiFi, especially on NS trains, in Albert Heijn stores, at libraries, and at train stations. Always enable your VPN before connecting to any public WiFi network. The auto-connect feature handles this automatically.
Our Final Recommendation
For most expats in the Netherlands, I recommend NordVPN. It offers the best combination of speed, streaming reliability, privacy, and ease of use. At around EUR 3.49 per month on the two-year plan, it costs less than a single koffie verkeerd per month.
If budget is your primary concern or you have a large household with many devices, Surfshark is the better choice, offering unlimited connections at an even lower price.
Whatever you choose, getting a VPN set up should be one of your first steps as an expat. It keeps you connected to home, protects your privacy on Dutch public WiFi, and ensures you can access your financial accounts without issues.
Get NordVPN – Our #1 Pick for Expats in the Netherlands
For more on getting set up in the Netherlands, see our complete relocation guide, my guide to the best SIM cards for expats, and our best internet providers in the Netherlands guide — a fast, reliable home connection pairs well with a VPN for the full streaming and privacy setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to use a VPN in the Netherlands?
Yes. Using a VPN is completely legal in the Netherlands. The Netherlands has strong digital privacy laws, and there are no restrictions on VPN usage. However, using a VPN to engage in illegal activities remains illegal regardless of the VPN. Accessing geo-restricted content with a VPN may violate the terms of service of some streaming platforms, but this is a civil matter, not a criminal one.
Can I use a VPN to watch my home country Netflix from the Netherlands?
Yes, in most cases. A good VPN lets you connect to a server in your home country, making it appear as though you are browsing from there. This typically unlocks your home Netflix library, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and other geo-restricted platforms. NordVPN and Surfshark are the most reliable options for bypassing Netflix geo-restrictions in 2026.
Will a VPN slow down my internet speed in the Netherlands?
Slightly, but with a premium VPN the difference is often negligible. The Netherlands has some of the fastest internet in Europe, so even with a 10-20% speed reduction from a VPN, you will still have more than enough bandwidth for HD and 4K streaming. Premium VPNs like NordVPN and ExpressVPN typically reduce speeds by only 5-15% when connecting to nearby servers.
Do I need a VPN for online banking while in the Netherlands?
It depends on your bank. Some banks in certain countries block access from foreign IP addresses as a security measure. A VPN allows you to connect through a server in your home country, making it appear as though you are accessing your bank from home. This is particularly common with banks in the US, UK, and Australia. If you have trouble accessing your home banking app, try connecting to a VPN server in your home country first.
Which VPN is best for streaming from the Netherlands?
NordVPN and Surfshark are the most reliable for streaming in 2026. Both consistently unblock Netflix (multiple regions), BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video from their respective home regions. NordVPN has a slight edge in reliability, while Surfshark offers better value with unlimited simultaneous connections.
Should I use a free VPN in the Netherlands?
We strongly advise against free VPNs. Most free VPNs monetize by logging and selling your browsing data, which defeats the entire purpose of using a VPN. They also typically have very slow speeds, limited server locations, and data caps that make streaming impossible. The one exception is ProtonVPN's free tier, which has a strict no-logs policy but limits you to servers in 3 countries with slower speeds. For a few euros per month, a paid VPN like Surfshark provides dramatically better performance and privacy.
Can I use a VPN on all my devices?
Yes. All VPNs in this guide offer apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and most also support Linux, smart TVs, routers, and browser extensions. Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous device connections. NordVPN allows 10 devices. ExpressVPN allows 8 devices. This means you can protect your laptop, phone, tablet, and streaming device with a single subscription.
