Best VPN for Portugal: Complete Guide 2026

Portugal has become one of Europe's most popular destinations for digital nomads, expats, and remote workers, particularly in vibrant cities like Lisbon and Porto. While Portugal offers excellent internet infrastructure and a welcoming environment for international professionals, using a VPN remains important for privacy, security, and accessing content.

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, encrypts your internet connection and allows you to access content from around the world while protecting your online privacy. Whether you're streaming international content, accessing banking securely, or working remotely from a Portuguese café, a VPN provides essential security and freedom.

In this guide, we look at two VPN providers that work reliably in Portugal, NordVPN and Surfshark. Both offer fast servers, strong security features, and reliable connections throughout Portugal's major cities and tourist destinations.

What a VPN is and how it works in Portugal

A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet, routing your connection through secure servers around the world. This protects your data from hackers, ISPs, and third parties while allowing you to access content from different countries.

In Portugal, a VPN serves multiple purposes: it secures your connection on public WiFi networks common in cafés and coworking spaces, protects your privacy from data tracking, and allows you to access streaming content from your home country or international libraries.

Here's how it works:

1. Install a VPN app on your device
2. Connect to a server (Portugal for local content, your home country for familiar content, or anywhere else)
3. Browse, stream, and work with complete privacy and security
4. Your real IP address and location are hidden

Why you may need a VPN in Portugal

Portugal is a safe country with good internet freedom, but there are still several important reasons to use a VPN while in Portugal.

Using a VPN in Portugal helps you:

• Secure your connection on public WiFi in cafés, coworking spaces, and hotels
• Access streaming services from your home country (Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, etc.)
• Protect sensitive work data when working remotely
• Bypass geographic restrictions on banking and financial services
• Access Portuguese content when traveling outside Portugal
• Prevent ISP tracking and maintain privacy online
• Secure online shopping and protect payment information
• Access better deals on flights and hotels by changing your virtual location

For digital nomads, expats, and tourists in Portugal, a VPN provides essential security and flexibility.

VPNs that work reliably in Portugal

NordVPN: premium security and speed

NordVPN is one of the most reliable VPNs for use in Portugal, offering excellent speeds on Portuguese networks, servers located in Portugal, and robust security features perfect for remote workers and digital nomads.

Highlights of NordVPN:

• Servers in Portugal (Lisbon) for local connections
• 6,000+ servers in 60+ countries for global access
• Lightning-fast speeds on Portuguese internet providers
• Military-grade encryption
• No-log policy independently audited
• Works seamlessly on public WiFi networks
• Perfect for remote work and video calls
• 24-hour live chat support
• 30-day money back guarantee

Best for: Digital nomads, remote workers, and expats in Portugal who need reliable security, fast speeds, and access to both Portuguese and international content.

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Surfshark: unlimited devices, excellent value

Surfshark provides reliable performance in Portugal with unlimited simultaneous connections, making it perfect for digital nomads with multiple devices or families living in Portugal.

Highlights of Surfshark:

• Unlimited device connections on one account
• Servers in Portugal (Lisbon) for local access
• 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries
• Fast speeds on Portuguese networks
• CleanWeb blocks ads and malware
• Affordable long-term pricing
• Works on all devices
• 30-day money back guarantee

Best for: Families, digital nomads with multiple devices, or budget-conscious users who want reliable VPN protection in Portugal.

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VPN comparison for Portugal

Both NordVPN and Surfshark work excellently in Portugal. See the quick comparison below to choose the best fit for your needs.

NordVPN is ideal if you want the fastest speeds, most server options, and premium security features for remote work in Portugal.

Surfshark is better if you have multiple devices, want unlimited simultaneous connections, and prefer budget-friendly pricing.

Which Portuguese streaming services can you access?

With a VPN, you can access Portuguese streaming services when traveling abroad, or access international content while in Portugal:

Portuguese streaming platforms:

• RTP Play - Portuguese public broadcaster, free streaming
• TVI Player - Portuguese commercial TV
• SIC - Portuguese TV network content
• Sport TV - Portuguese sports streaming
• Eleven Sports Portugal - Sports content

International streaming with VPN in Portugal:

• Netflix (access your home country's library)
• Hulu (US only, access with US server)
• BBC iPlayer (UK content with UK server)
• Disney+ (available in Portugal, access other regions)
• HBO Max (available in Portugal)
• Amazon Prime Video (access different regional libraries)

Connect to Portuguese servers to watch Portuguese content abroad, or connect to international servers to access content from other countries while in Portugal.

How to set up a VPN in Portugal

Setting up a VPN in Portugal is straightforward and works with all Portuguese internet providers (MEO, NOS, Vodafone, etc.).

Step-by-step setup:

1. Choose and subscribe to a VPN
   • Select NordVPN or Surfshark
   • Complete subscription on their website
   • Create your account
2. Download and install
   • Download the app for your device (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, etc.)
   • Install the application
   • Log in with your credentials
3. Connect to a server
   • For local Portuguese content: Connect to Portugal server
   • For your home country content: Connect to your home country
   • For international content: Choose any country
4. Start browsing securely
   • Your connection is now encrypted
   • Browse, stream, and work with complete privacy
   • Switch servers anytime

Pro tips for Portugal:

• Connect to Portuguese servers for fastest speeds when accessing local content
• Use split tunneling to route some traffic through VPN and some directly
• Enable auto-connect for automatic protection on public WiFi
• Keep the VPN app updated for best performance

VPN performance on Portuguese internet providers

Both NordVPN and Surfshark work excellently with all major Portuguese ISPs:

MEO (Portugal Telecom)

• Excellent VPN compatibility
• No VPN blocking
• Fast speeds maintained

NOS

• Full VPN support
• Reliable connections
• Good performance on fiber

Vodafone Portugal

• VPN-friendly network
• No restrictions
• Consistent speeds

NOWO

• Works perfectly with VPNs
• No connection issues

All major Portuguese internet providers allow VPN usage without restrictions. You can expect minimal speed reduction with premium VPNs like NordVPN and Surfshark.

Using VPN in Portuguese coworking spaces and cafés

Portugal's digital nomad scene is thriving, especially in Lisbon and Porto. Many nomads work from coworking spaces, cafés, and public locations where a VPN is essential.

Popular coworking spaces in Portugal:

• Second Home Lisboa (Lisbon)
• Selina Secret Garden (Lisbon)
• Porto i/o (Porto)
• IDEA Spaces (Multiple locations)
• Cowork Central (Lisbon)

Why VPN is crucial for coworking:

• Public WiFi networks are vulnerable to attacks
• Protect sensitive client data and business information
• Secure access to company networks and files
• Prevent password theft on shared networks
• Maintain privacy in shared spaces

Always connect to your VPN before joining any public WiFi network in Portugal, even in secure-looking coworking spaces.

VPN for banking and financial services in Portugal

If you're an expat or digital nomad in Portugal, you likely maintain banking relationships in multiple countries. A VPN helps you access these services securely.

Benefits for international banking:

• Securely access your home country bank accounts
• Bypass geographic restrictions on financial services
• Protect banking credentials on public networks
• Access investment platforms that may be restricted by location
• Secure cryptocurrency transactions

Note: Some banks may flag logins from unusual locations. If your bank blocks access through VPN, contact them to whitelist your account for international access, or temporarily disconnect from VPN for banking (only on secure private networks).

Portugal's digital nomad visa and VPN usage

Portugal's digital nomad visa (Temporary Stay Visa for Remote Work) has made the country even more attractive for remote workers. VPNs are completely legal and widely used by the digital nomad community in Portugal.

VPN use cases for digital nomads in Portugal:

• Accessing work systems securely from Portuguese locations
• Maintaining connections to home country services
• Secure video conferencing and file sharing
• Protecting intellectual property and client data
• Accessing region-specific work platforms

There are no restrictions on VPN usage in Portugal, and it's considered a standard security tool for remote workers and digital nomads.

Can I use a free VPN in Portugal?

Free VPNs are not recommended for use in Portugal:

• Unreliable connections that drop frequently
• Slow speeds that make streaming and video calls difficult
• Data caps that limit usage
• Poor security with questionable privacy policies
• May sell your browsing data to advertisers
• Limited server options
• No customer support

Premium VPNs like NordVPN and Surfshark offer fast, reliable connections, unlimited bandwidth, strong security, and 24/7 support. The affordable monthly cost is worth it for dependable protection while living or traveling in Portugal.

VPN on different devices in Portugal

Both NordVPN and Surfshark work on all devices commonly used in Portugal:

Computers: Windows, Mac, LinuxMobile devices: iPhone, iPad, Android phones and tabletsSmart TVs: Android TV, Samsung, LGStreaming devices: Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, ChromecastRouters: Configure VPN for whole-home protectionBrowsers: Chrome, Firefox extensions available

NordVPN allows 6 simultaneous connectionsSurfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections

For digital nomads who carry laptops, phones, tablets, and other devices, Surfshark's unlimited connections can be particularly valuable.

Traveling between Portugal and other EU countries

If you're traveling between Portugal and other European countries, a VPN helps maintain access to your content and services.

Common travel routes from Portugal:

• Porto/Lisbon ↔ Spain (Madrid, Barcelona)
• Lisbon ↔ London, Paris, Amsterdam
• Porto ↔ Germany (Berlin, Munich)

When traveling:

• Connect to Portuguese servers to maintain access to Portuguese content
• Connect to your destination country's servers for local content
• Keep VPN active for security on airport and hotel WiFi
• EU roaming policies may affect streaming access - VPN helps maintain consistency

Final recommendation: best VPN for Portugal 2026

Portugal offers excellent internet infrastructure and freedom, making it ideal for digital nomads and remote workers. A VPN enhances this experience by providing security, privacy, and unrestricted access to global content.

NordVPN is the top choice for Portugal with the fastest speeds on Portuguese networks, servers in Lisbon, robust security features, and reliability for remote work and streaming.

Surfshark is ideal for digital nomads and families in Portugal who want unlimited device connections, excellent value pricing, and reliable performance across all Portuguese internet providers.

Both work flawlessly on Portuguese networks, offer 24/7 support, and provide 30-day money-back guarantees. Choose either one and enjoy secure, unrestricted internet access throughout your time in Portugal.