Many online services and major streaming platforms are geo-restricted, and can’t be accessed outside of a specific country. If you want to watch your favorite Dutch content and access important services like online banking while overseas, you’ll need a Netherlands IP address. The easiest way to do this is by using a VPN which makes it appear as if you’re browsing from your home country, even when traveling abroad.
VPNs also protect your privacy online and keep you safe from possible hackers. Normally, your Internet Service Provider (ISP), network administrator, employer, and sometimes even the government can see what you do online. However, VPNs enhance your privacy by encrypting your internet traffic. This means that even if your traffic is intercepted, these snoopers won’t be able to tell what you’re doing.
In this article, we’ll list the best VPNs for getting a Dutch IP address, along with details of their features and a step-by-step guide on how to use them. But in case you only have time for a quick glance, here’s a short summary.
The best VPNs to get a Netherlands IP address:
- NordVPN: Our top choice for getting a Dutch IP address. This VPN veteran provides a secure and private service. Has a wide network of reliable servers to choose from, strong security protocols, and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Netherlands IP. - Surfshark: Our top budget VPN choice for a Netherlands IP address. Provides exceptional high speeds, a fantastic set of security tools, and impressive streaming capabilities. This zero-logs VPN has no connection limits.
- IPVanish: Fast server speeds and strong security. Operates a zero-logs policy and doesn’t impose a connection limit. Popular with torrenters.
- ExpressVPN: Reliable and fast servers dotted all over the globe. Apps are easy to use and secure. Servers in three cities in Holland are ideal for gaining a Netherlands IP address.
- CyberGhost: Beginners find their apps easy to use, and our testing revealed some of the fastest servers for HD streaming.
- PrivateVPN: Impressive unblocking of popular streaming platforms. Servers in Holland to give you a Netherlands IP address.
- PureVPN: The cheapest VPN to get a Dutch IP from abroad. Easy to use and provides robust encryption. Torrenting is allowed but port forwarding costs extra.
- ProtonVPN: Tusted and reliable VPN with many advanced features. Ideal for torrenting or bypassing censorship in Holland. Has 24/7 live chat support
VPNs often claim to keep you safe and private online but many VPNs (especially free ones) leak information.
We regularly test the top 70 VPNs for security and this list only includes VPNs which keep you anonymous and don't track your activity. Plus we only recommend VPNs which offer a full-money back guarantee allowing you to try them risk free.
WANT TO TRY THE TOP VPN RISK FREE?
NordVPN is offering a fully-featured risk-free 30-day trial if you sign up on this page. You can use the VPN rated #1 for gaining a Netherlands IP address with no restrictions for a month—great if you're going on a short trip.
There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn't right for you, and you'll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.
How to get a Netherlands IP address with a VPN
Getting a Netherlands IP address is very simple, even if you’ve never used a VPN before. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll be browsing your favorite Dutch content in no time.
Here’s how to change your IP address to the Netherlands with a VPN:
- First of all, sign up for one of the VPN services below (we recommend NordVPN).
- Download and install the relevant version of the app for your device.
- Connect to any of the available servers in the Netherlands.
- Finally, try accessing a geo-blocked site. Content should load almost instantly, but if it doesn’t, try clearing your cache and cookies before refreshing the page.
- That’s it! You’re now browsing with a Dutch IP address and should be able to access all your favorite content from home.
It’s important to run through the steps above well in advance if you’re looking to stream a particular live event. This way, if your VPN doesn’t work as expected, you’ll have time to get help from the customer support team and might not have to miss any of your shows.
Best VPN for getting a Netherlands IP address – at a glance
We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for gaining a Netherlands IP address.
No value | NordVPN | Surfshark | IPVanish | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | PrivateVPN | PureVPN | Proton VPN |
Website | NordVPN.com | Surfshark.com | IPVanish.com | ExpressVPN.com | Cyberghost.com | PrivateVPN.com | PureVPN.com | ProtonVPN.com | Ranking for Netherlands | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | Servers In Holland | 200+ | 65+ | 3 cities | 300+ | 45+ | 100+ | Avg Speed (Europe) | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 20 Mbps | 324 Mbps | 100+ Mbps | Total number of servers | 6,000+ | 3,200 | 2,200+ | Undisclosed | 11,000+ | 200+ | 6,500+ | 3,800 | Simultaneous Connections | 10 | Unlimited | Unlimited | 8 | 7 | 10 | 10 | Free: 1, VPN Plus: 10 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best deal (per month) | $2.99 74% off 2 year plans + 3 EXTRA months | $1.99 87% OFF + 4 months free | $6.49 Best MONTHLY deal | $4.99 SAVE: 61% + 4 months free on 2 year plans | $2.19 SAVE 83% on the 2 year plan + 2 months free! | $2.00 Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free | $1.99 85% off the 5-yr standard plan | $4.49 SAVE 55% on a 2-year plan |
What’s the best VPN for getting a Netherlands IP address?
With so many different VPNs to choose from and new ones appearing all the time, it can be difficult to accurately compare one service to another or choose the best one for a given purpose. That’s why, when researching the best VPNs for getting a Netherlands IP address, we only considered those fitting all of the criteria below:
- Has at least one server in Holland
- Provides high speeds and a reliable VPN connection
- Does not log any information which could identify you
- Uses powerful encryption and includes several other security options
- Offers apps for all of the most widely-used devices
We go into more detail about these criteria in the out methodology section below. For now, let’s take a closer look at the VPNs that will help you access all your favorite content from anywhere in the world.
Here’s our list of the best VPNs for gaining a Netherlands IP address.Â
1. NordVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
NordVPN is our number one choice for gaining a Netherlands IP address. It has a huge network, with more than 5,000 servers throughout 60 countries, with over 200 in Holland alone. This VPN offers reliable, high-speed connections and can easily access major streaming platforms, including Netflix Netherlands, from anywhere in the world. With up to six connections permitted, NordVPN lets you protect most of your devices at once.
This service boasts a huge array of features designed to enhance your online privacy. There is 256-bit AES encryption, an app-specific kill switch, and protection against DNS, WebRTC, IPv6, and port forwarding leaks. Users can also take advantage of NordVPN’s ad-blocking, malware-scanning, Tor over VPN, and multi-hop features. This service doesn’t log any personally identifiable information. 24/7 live chat means support is available whenever you need it.
NordVPN has apps for Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, and Linux as well as Amazon Fire TV. It also has Chrome, Firefox, and Edge extensions. NordVPN can be manually installed on select wireless routers.
NordVPN speed test data
No value | NordVPN |
Website | NordVPN.com | Average Connection Speed - North America (USA) | 354 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK) | 262 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong) | 284 Mbps |
---|---|
Best deal (per month) | $2.99 74% off 2 year plans + 3 EXTRA months |
Pros:
- Wide network of reliable global servers
- Over 200 Dutch servers
- Fast connections
- Numerous security features
- Keeps no logs
- Reliably access popular streaming sites and restricted platforms
Cons:
- Quite expensive if you only opt for a one month plan
Our score:
BEST VPN FOR HOLLAND:NordVPN is our #1 choice. It makes it easy to access Dutch content safely with numerous servers in Holland, high speeds, and ample privacy options. A risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee is included.
Here’s our full NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Surfshark is our top budget pick and an exceptional choice for anyone looking to get a Dutch IP address. It’s known for its consistently high speeds and solid streaming abilities, so whether you’re looking to watch Netflix, NPO, or AT5, you shouldn’t have any issues. To sweeten the deal even further, this provider allows you to connect all of your devices at the same time.
It’s one of the most security-focused VPNs on the market too, with its own anti-censorship NoBorders mode, plus 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, tracker-blocking, and leak protection built-in. Surfshark follows a strict zero-logs policy and accepts a variety of cryptocurrencies, meaning it’s possible to sign up near-anonymously. If you need any help, the support desk is reachable 24/7 over email and live chat.
Surfshark has its own Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and Fire TV apps. It can also be manually configured to work with select wireless routers. Browser extensions can be found for Chrome and Firefox.
Surfshark speed test data
No value | Surfshark |
Website | Surfshark.com | Average Connection Speed - North America (USA) | 521 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK) | 702 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong) | 561 Mbps |
---|---|
Best deal (per month) | $1.99 87% OFF + 4 months free |
Pros:
- Some of the highest speeds we’ve seen
- Works great with most streaming services
- Takes privacy and security very seriously
- Doesn’t keep any logs
- Has no connection limit
Cons:
- Settings menu could be tidier
Our score:
BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is the best low-cost option. It’s quick, reliable, and able to securely access a whole host of Dutch services abroad. What’s more, it boasts a strong commitment to privacy and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full Surfshark review.
3. IPVanish
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.IPVanish.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
IPVanish boasts high-speed servers, lightweight apps for a wide range of devices, and access to more than 2,000 servers in 60 countries. There are around 70 to choose from in the Netherlands, each of which allows P2P traffic. This service permits any number of simultaneous connections, meaning it’s ideal for people looking to protect all of their devices with a single account.
This VPN keeps you safe with DNS and IPv6 leak protection, as well as a kill switch and 256-bit encryption. However, IPVanish also includes several more advanced security features like OpenVPN obfuscation and LAN traffic blocking. To guarantee your online privacy, IPVanish keeps no logs at all. Need help? You can contact support 24/7 via live chat.
IPVanish has apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV/ Firestick. It also works with Linux systems and select routers but must be configured manually.
IPVanish speed test data
No value | IPVanish |
Website | IPVanish.com | Average Connection Speed - North America (USA) | 277 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK) | 237 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong) | 352 Mbps |
---|---|
Best deal (per month) | $6.49 Best MONTHLY deal |
Pros:
- Fast connections
- Numerous Dutch servers
- Advanced privacy options
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Popular with torrenters and Kodi users
Cons:
- Lacks some advanced features
- Based in the US, a Five Eyes member
Our score:
BROWSE SAFELY ANYWHERE:IPVanish takes your privacy seriously, is fast enough for HD streaming, and enables you to get a Dutch IP address for every one of your devices. There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee included with annual plans.
Read our full IPVanish review.
4. ExpressVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ExpressVPN is a secure, reliable service with more than 3,000 servers across 94 countries, including three city locations in the Netherlands (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague). This VPN is ideal for streaming as it’s able to bypass regional restrictions on services like Netflix Netherlands and NPO Start with ease and is fast enough to stream live HD video without any interruptions.
This service uses 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch (in desktop apps), and IPv6 and DNS leak protection to keep online activities private at all times. ExpressVPN doesn’t log any personally identifiable information, but you can pay with Bitcoin if you’d like to sign up almost completely anonymously. Customer support is available 24/7 over live chat in case of any issues.
ExpressVPN apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. You can also find an Amazon Fire TV app and Chrome, Firefox, and Edge extensions. It even offers custom firmware which makes it easy to install on supported routers.
ExpressVPN speed test data
No value | ExpressVPN |
Website | ExpressVPN.com | Average Connection Speed - North America (USA) | 319 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK) | 303 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong) | 278 Mbps |
---|---|
Best deal (per month) | $4.99 SAVE: 61% + 4 months free on 2 year plans |
Pros:
- Unblocks popular Dutch streaming services
- Servers in 94 countries, including Holland
- Consistent, high-speed connections
- Comprehensive security features
- Allows anonymous registration
Cons:
- A little more expensive than rivals
- Streaming servers aren’t labeled
Our score:
STRONG PERFORMER:ExpressVPN is a great choice for getting a Netherlands IP address. It’s fast, secure, prioritizes your privacy, and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
5. CyberGhost
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
CyberGhost currently has more than 9,000 servers worldwide, spanning 90+ countries. It offers 300+ high-speed servers in Holland and is able to stream content from platforms including Netflix, NPO 1, and AT5 flawlessly. Up to seven simultaneous connections are allowed, making CyberGhost a strong choice for anyone looking to protect their whole household.
This VPN’s security features include automatic ad-blocking, malware-scanning, and an always-on kill switch in every app. CyberGhost’s 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and refusal to log any identifying information mean that your activities cannot be traced back to you, even if requested by the government. This service is very user-friendly, but if you need help, support is available 24/7 over live chat.
CyberGhost offers Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, and Fire TV apps. It also has browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. Manual installation is required for Linux-based systems and select network routers.
CyberGhost speed test data
No value | CyberGhost |
Website | Cyberghost.com | Average Connection Speed - North America (USA) | 449 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK) | 269 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong) | 167 Mbps |
---|---|
Best deal (per month) | $2.19 SAVE 83% on the 2 year plan + 2 months free! |
Pros:
- Vast network of over 9,000 global servers and 300+ in Holland
- Fast and unthrottled speeds
- Works with various geo-locked online services
- Comprehensive security
- 45-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Lack of customization could be an issue for advanced users
- Doesn’t work reliably in China
Our score:
STRESS-FREE PROTECTION:CyberGhost is fast and easy to use, with powerful security and privacy features enabled as standard. It also comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full CyberGhost review.
6. PrivateVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
PrivateVPN might not have as many servers as some of its rivals (around 200across 60+ countries, with just one in the Netherlands), but it makes up for it with above-average speeds and strong unblocking ability. This VPN is fast enough to stream 4K content on platforms like Netflix without any noticeable buffering. Further, it allows up to ten connections so you can protect all of your most commonly used devices simultaneously.
This VPN uses 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks to keep your only activity private. PrivateVPN has a strict no-logging policy, although you can choose to pay with Bitcoin for added peace of mind. Live chat is available 22 hours per day, and the staff will happily install or configure the software for you remotely if you need help.
PrivateVPN offers apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Fire TV devices. It also works on Linux and select wireless routers but must be manually installed.
PrivateVPN speed test data
No value | PrivateVPN |
Website | PrivateVPN.com | Average Connection Speed - North America (USA) | 94 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK) | 57 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong) | 62 Mbps |
---|---|
Best deal (per month) | $2.00 Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free |
Pros:
- Very high speeds
- Privacy-focused and keeps no logs
- Good streaming ability
Cons:
- Live chat isn’t available 24/7
- Smaller server network
Our score:
FLAWLESS STREAMING:PrivateVPN is faster than most, unblocks popular Dutch services like AT5, and takes your privacy seriously. Its plans all include a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full PrivateVPN review.
7. PureVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.PureVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 31 DAYS
PureVPN stands out as an excellent, budget-friendly choice for users in the Netherlands who require a reliable VPN service. It operates servers in over 65 countries, including the Netherlands, making it easy to access Dutch streaming platforms such as NPO Start, Ziggo Go, Videoland, Pathé Thuis, and Kijk, whether from abroad or within restricted networks like those at workplaces or educational institutions. Additionally, PureVPN enables access to international platforms like Netflix US and sites censored by the Dutch government.
Equipped with the WireGuard protocol, PureVPN offers exceptional speeds that are ideal for HD streaming, gaming, torrenting, and secure video calls. This makes it a powerful tool for Dutch residents looking to circumvent government censorship and surveillance, especially when traveling to restrictive countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and China.
PureVPN also boasts robust security features, including AES encryption, a strict no-logging policy, a kill switch, DNS leak prevention, and obfuscation. These features ensure safe and anonymous web use, shielding users from government tracking and protecting against hackers on public WiFi networks.
While the live chat support may have room for improvement, this minor issue does not detract from the VPN’s overall effectiveness and reliability. PureVPN offers a 31-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try it risk-free on your devices. This makes it a highly recommended, affordable VPN option for those in the Netherlands.
PureVPN speed test data
Pros:
- Fast WireGuard protocol is ideal for streaming
- Independently audited no-logging policy
- Dutch IP works to access local TV streams from abroad
Cons:
- Customer support can be slow to respond
- Additional charge for port forwarding
Our score:
FANTASTIC VALUE:PureVPN is the cheapest VPN to get a Dutch IP from abroad. It is easy to use and provides robust encryption. Includes a kill switch to protect your web visits from surveillance. Torrenting is allowed, but port forwarding costs extra. 31-day money-back guarantee.
Find out more in our PureVPN review.
8. ProtonVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.ProtonVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland, a country known for its robust privacy laws. It offers robust online privacy, making it highly suitable for tech enthusiasts in the Netherlands. Known for its strong commitment to privacy, this VPN enforces a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited, ensuring it stands as a reliable choice for those looking to avoid government surveillance in Holland.
Equipped with features like AES encryption, DNS leak protection, multi-hop connections, obfuscation, and Tor over VPN, ProtonVPN excels in circumventing government censorship and accessing websites restricted in workplaces or educational institutions.
It provides Dutch IP addresses, and in our evaluations, it effectively allowed access to Dutch streaming services such as NLZiet, Kijk, and NPO Start. Additionally, its extensive network spanning 85 countries enables seamless streaming of global content, including Netflix and BBC iPlayer from the UK.
While it supports split tunneling and port forwarding, enhancing its utility for torrenting within Holland, ProtonVPN is priced higher than some competitors. Nonetheless, given its superior speed and comprehensive feature set, ProtonVPN merits consideration. It offers a 30-day risk-free trial, providing an excellent opportunity to test its capabilities in the Netherlands.
ProtonVPN speed test data
No value | Proton VPN |
Website | ProtonVPN.com | Average Connection Speed - North America (USA) | 390 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK) | 306 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong) | 295 Mbps |
---|---|
Best deal (per month) | $4.49 SAVE 55% on a 2-year plan |
Pros:
- Fast servers for HD streaming and torrenting
- Works to watch Dutch streaming services abroad and multiple Netflix regions
- Abundance of advanced features, including port forwarding
Cons:
- A touch expensive
- May not be the most user-friendly option for beginners
Our score:
FULLY FEATURED:ProtonVPN is a trusted and reliable VPN with many advanced features. It is perfect for users who want to torrent or bypass censorship in Holland. Servers are available in over 85+ countries, including Holland. Works to watch Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and many other popular services. Has 24/7 live chat support and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Find out more in our ProtonVPN review.
Methodology: Finding the best VPNs for getting a Netherlands IP address
While there are hundreds of VPNs on the market, not all of them are suitable for this task. In fact, many can’t even be relied on to keep your internet traffic private. That’s why we thoroughly vet any potential recommendations using the criteria laid out below:
- Dutch servers: If a VPN doesn’t have servers in the Netherlands, it can’t get you a Dutch IP address. Ideally, there’d be multiple Dutch servers to choose from in several different cities to maximize choice.
- Performance: If your speeds are too slow, you won’t actually be able to do very much while connected. We run numerous speed tests to ensure that the VPNs we recommend are fast enough for gaming, live streaming, and torrenting.
- Streaming abilities: Those looking specifically for a Dutch IP address are usually trying to stream Dutch TV while on vacation abroad. Our international team of researchers tests prospective recommendations with services like Netflix, AT5, and NPO Start to see how well they work.
- Security and privacy: At a baseline, we require VPNs to have 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy. Still, we prefer providers that go above and beyond with more advanced security features like traffic obfuscation.
- Value for money: We evaluate each provider against similarly-priced competitors to see if it’s really worth what it charges. We’ll also consider any free trials or money-back guarantees that are on offer, as well as the frequency of seasonal discounts.
- Ease of use: Digital privacy should be for everyone, which is why we only endorse VPNs that are simple and straightforward to use. Providers gain bonus points for other user-first initiatives like allowing unlimited connections and providing 24/7 support.
- Device compatibility: Getting a Dutch IP address is just the beginning. You should be able to use your VPN on all of your devices. Because of this, we test each provider on all major platforms, including Windows, MacOS, Android, and IOS. We also look at how many simultaneous device connections are supported.
Believe it or not, this is actually just one small part of a more extensive testing process. If you’re interested, we have a whole post that explains exactly how we put VPNs through their paces.
Using a VPN to gain a Netherlands IP address: FAQs
Can I get a Netherlands IP address with a free VPN?
While free VPNs can seem appealing at first glance, we advise against using one. To begin with, these services usually don’t have enough servers to support all of their users, which means you’ll likely experience extremely slow speeds. This makes regular browsing frustrating and streaming nearly impossible, with frequent, extended periods of buffering if the video even plays at all. Further, free VPNs often struggle to bypass the strict geo-restriction measures used by popular services like Netflix or BBC iPlayer.
International server networks are incredibly expensive to build and maintain, so how do free services do it? You’ll find that they almost always have large, intrusive ads, but some free VPNs go even further, using tracking cookies to monitor which sites you visit and how often. This information is collected over a period of time, and once enough has been gathered, it’s sold to advertisers. VPNs are intended to help you increase your online privacy, but by acting in this way, free services take control out of your hands.
Finally, there are the security risks free services pose. In the past, we’ve seen well-known free VPNs like Hola abuse their users’ trust, and smaller services aren’t necessarily any safer. In fact, one analysis of 283 free VPN apps found that over 80% were vulnerable to IPv6 leaks, nearly 40% included malware, and most worrying of all, 18% used no encryption whatsoever.
For these reasons, we recommend against using free VPNs. The best way to protect yourself online is to use a trustworthy VPN with a proven record of standing up for its users’ privacy. If you’re worried about the cost, consider making use of the discount codes listed in this article or choosing a VPN with a free trial period or money-back guarantee.
Are there any Internet restrictions in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands is a country that enjoys free and open internet. The internet is used by around 96.5 percent of citizens, and censorship of the internet is almost non-existent. This makes Holland one of the most well-connected countries in the world.Â
That said, the Dutch Intelligence and Security Services Act was passed in 2017. It provides the government with sweeping new surveillance powers. These powers allow the government to track users online and to place them under surveillance for reasons of national security. That surveillance legislation, which was highly opposed and voted against in a referendum, means that internet users must protect their web connection with a VPN in order to gain privacy.Â
Finally, despite having very little online censorship, it is worth noting that Dutch ISPs are legally obliged to block The Pirate Bay, which means it is only accessible with a VPN.Â
Will a VPN let me watch Dutch TV from abroad?
Most geo-locked services just look at the user’s IP address to see if they’re in a supported country or not. However, when you connect to a VPN, you’re assigned a temporary IP address from the country of the server you chose. Once connected, you’re able to use the internet as though you were actually in that location. This means that with a Dutch IP address, you’ll be able to stream content from services like Netflix Netherlands, AT5, and NPO Start without any issues.
It’s worth noting, however, that some services restrict access in other ways. For example, some require you to provide a payment method linked to a local address, while others won’t let you sign up without a local phone number. If you usually live in Holland and are abroad temporarily, you can still sign up, but otherwise, it’s likely to be very difficult.
What else is a Dutch IP address useful for?
Automated fraud prevention alerts are increasingly common with services such as online banking. These are designed to let you know when your account has been accessed from abroad but, annoyingly, they can’t tell the difference between a security breach and users who are simply on vacation. This means that you could find yourself unable to access your account without spending valuable time verifying your identity. By connecting to a VPN server in your home country, though, you greatly reduce the chance of triggering the automated alert.
When traveling, you’re far more likely to use public wifi networks. The problem is that these are notoriously insecure, always almost monitored, and might block access to certain entirely legitimate websites. With a VPN, you prevent anyone from seeing what you do online and also completely bypass any company- or government-imposed internet restrictions.
Will I get into trouble for using a VPN in the Netherlands?
Currently, there’s no law against using a VPN in the Netherlands (or, indeed, most of the world). However, you can still be charged with any crimes you commit while connected. In other words, connecting to a VPN does not make illegal activity such as online harassment or copyright violation acceptable. If there’s any doubt as to the legality of using a VPN where you are, we strongly encourage you to research local laws before connecting.Â