Best VPN for Spain: Complete Guide 2026

Spain has become one of Europe's most popular destinations for digital nomads, expats, and remote workers, with vibrant cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, and Seville attracting international professionals. With excellent internet infrastructure, a thriving startup scene, and a Mediterranean lifestyle, Spain offers an ideal environment for remote work.

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, encrypts your internet connection and protects your data while using public WiFi networks common in Spain's cafés, coworking spaces, and public areas. It also allows you to access streaming content from your home country and maintains your online privacy.

In this guide, we look at two VPN providers that work reliably in Spain, NordVPN and Surfshark. Both offer fast servers, strong security features, and excellent performance on Spain's high-quality internet infrastructure.

What a VPN is and how it works in Spain

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 Spain, a VPN serves multiple purposes: it secures your connection on public WiFi networks common in cafés and coworking spaces, protects your privacy online, allows you to access streaming content from your home country, and helps you bypass geographic restrictions.

Here's how it works:

1. Install a VPN app on your device
2. Connect to a server (Spain 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 Spain

Spain has good internet freedom and is part of the EU, but there are still important reasons to use a VPN while in Spain.

Using a VPN in Spain helps you:

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

For digital nomads, expats, and remote workers in Spain, a VPN provides essential security and flexibility.

VPNs that work reliably in Spain

NordVPN: premium speed and security

NordVPN is one of the most reliable VPNs for use in Spain, offering excellent speeds on Spanish fiber networks, servers located in Madrid, and robust security features perfect for remote workers.

Highlights of NordVPN:

• Servers in Spain (Madrid) for local connections
• 6,000+ servers in 60+ countries for global access
• Lightning-fast speeds on Spanish fiber networks
• 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 Spain who need reliable security, fast speeds, and access to both Spanish and international content.

Surfshark: unlimited devices, excellent value

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

Highlights of Surfshark:

• Unlimited device connections on one account
• Servers in Spain (Madrid, Barcelona) for local access
• 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries
• Fast speeds on Spanish 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 Spain.

VPN comparison for Spain

Both NordVPN and Surfshark work excellently in Spain. 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 Spain.

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

Which Spanish streaming services can you access?

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

Spanish streaming platforms:

• RTVE Play - Spanish public broadcaster, free streaming
• Atresplayer - Antena 3, La Sexta, and more
• Mitele - Telecinco and Cuatro content
• Movistar+ - Spanish premium streaming
• Filmin - Independent and classic films
• DAZN Spain - Sports streaming

International streaming with VPN in Spain:

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

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

How to set up a VPN in Spain

Setting up a VPN in Spain is straightforward and works with all Spanish internet providers (Movistar, Orange, 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 Spanish content: Connect to Madrid or Barcelona 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 Spain:

• Connect to Spanish 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
• Spain has excellent fiber infrastructure - expect minimal speed reduction

VPN performance on Spanish internet providers

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

Movistar (Telefónica)

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

Orange Spain

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

Vodafone Spain

• VPN-friendly network
• No restrictions
• Consistent speeds

MásMóvil

• Works perfectly with VPNs
• No connection issues
• Good fiber speeds

Jazztel

• Full VPN compatibility
• Reliable connections

All major Spanish internet providers allow VPN usage without restrictions. Spain's fiber infrastructure ensures minimal speed reduction with premium VPNs.

Using VPN in Spanish coworking spaces and cafés

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

Popular coworking spaces in Spain:

• Utopicus (Madrid, Barcelona, multiple locations)
• Aticco (Barcelona)
• Impact Hub Madrid
• MOB (Barcelona)
• Talent Garden (Barcelona, Madrid)
• OneCoWork (Barcelona)
• The Underground (Valencia)

Popular digital nomad cities:

• Barcelona - Tech hub, beach city
• Madrid - Capital, vibrant startup scene
• Valencia - Lower cost, great quality of life
• Seville - Cultural center, good weather
• Málaga - Costa del Sol, growing tech scene
• Gran Canaria - Island life, year-round sun

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 Spain, even in secure-looking coworking spaces.

VPN for banking and financial services in Spain

If you're an expat or digital nomad in Spain, 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).

Spain's digital nomad visa and VPN usage

Spain introduced a digital nomad visa in 2023, making it even easier for remote workers to live in Spain legally. VPNs are completely legal and widely used by the digital nomad and expat community.

VPN use cases for digital nomads in Spain:

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

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

VPN and EU data regulations (GDPR)

Spain is subject to EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which provides strong privacy protections. However, a VPN adds an extra layer of privacy beyond GDPR compliance.

Additional VPN benefits under GDPR:

• Extra privacy protection beyond legal requirements
• Prevent ISP data collection and logging
• Protect against corporate surveillance
• Shield browsing habits from advertisers
• Secure data when traveling outside EU

While Spain has good privacy laws, a VPN provides additional security for sensitive work and personal data.

Can I use a free VPN in Spain?

Free VPNs are not recommended for use in Spain:

• Unreliable connections that drop frequently
• Slow speeds despite Spain's fast infrastructure
• Data caps that limit usage
• Poor security with questionable privacy policies
• May sell your browsing data to advertisers
• Limited server options
• No customer support
• Often blocked by streaming services

Premium VPNs like NordVPN and Surfshark fully utilize Spain's excellent fiber infrastructure, offer unlimited bandwidth, strong security, and 24/7 support. The affordable monthly cost is worth it for dependable protection.

VPN on different devices in Spain

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

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 Spain and other EU countries

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

Common travel routes from Spain:

• Barcelona/Madrid ↔ Paris, London, Amsterdam
• Madrid ↔ Lisbon
• Barcelona ↔ Rome, Milan
• Valencia ↔ Various European cities

When traveling within EU:

• Connect to Spanish servers to maintain access to Spanish 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

Spanish language support

Both VPNs offer full Spanish language support:

NordVPN:

• Spanish language app interface
• Spanish customer support available
• Spanish payment methods accepted

Surfshark:

• Spanish language interface
• Customer support in Spanish
• Accepts Spanish payment methods

This makes setup and usage easier for Spanish speakers or those more comfortable with Spanish interfaces.

Best Spanish cities for digital nomads

Spain offers excellent cities for remote work:

Barcelona:

• Largest digital nomad community
• Best tech infrastructure
• Beach and mountains
• Expensive but worth it

Madrid:

• Capital city, central location
• Great startup scene
• More affordable than Barcelona
• Excellent public transport

Valencia:

• Third-largest city
• Beach city, good weather
• Much more affordable
• Growing nomad scene

Seville:

• Beautiful historic city
• Lower cost of living
• Great weather
• Smaller but growing community

Málaga:

• Costa del Sol sunshine
• Growing tech hub
• Beach lifestyle
• Good value

All cities have excellent internet infrastructure where VPNs work flawlessly.

Final recommendation: best VPN for Spain 2026

Spain offers excellent internet infrastructure and quality of life, 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 Spain with the fastest speeds on Spanish fiber networks, servers in Madrid, robust security features, and reliability for remote work and streaming.

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

Both work flawlessly on Spain's high-speed networks, offer Spanish language support, 24/7 customer service, and 30-day money-back guarantees. Choose either one and enjoy secure, unrestricted internet access throughout your time in Spain.