TL;DR
How to set up internet in your European rental. ISP options, contract terms, average speeds, and tips for avoiding long broadband contracts across major European countries.
Internet connectivity is one of the first things to sort out when moving into a European rental, yet the process varies enormously across countries. Some markets let you activate fibre within 48 hours with no contract; others lock you into 24-month agreements with a 3-week installation wait. This guide covers what to expect in each major market, how to avoid common traps, and what speeds you can realistically expect.
Germany
German broadband contracts are notoriously long. The standard term is 24 months, with automatic renewal for another 12 months if you do not cancel 3 months before the end date. Since December 2021, renewed contracts can be cancelled with 1 month notice, but the initial 24-month commitment still stands. Major providers include Telekom (most extensive fibre/DSL network), Vodafone (dominant cable provider after acquiring Unitymedia), O2/Telefonica, and 1&1. Average speeds: 50 to 250 Mbps for most plans; fibre (Glasfaser) up to 1 Gbps in covered areas, but coverage remains patchy outside major cities.
Tip: check whether your building has a Kabelanschluss (cable connection, usually Vodafone) or relies on DSL (usually Telekom). Cable is often faster but shared bandwidth in large buildings can cause slowdowns during peak hours. Some landlords include a basic internet package in the Nebenkosten (utilities); check your lease before ordering a separate line.
France
France has excellent fibre coverage, especially in cities. The four main ISPs are Orange (formerly France Telecom, best coverage), Free (cheapest, aggressive pricing), SFR, and Bouygues Telecom. Free's Freebox plans start from around EUR 20/month with no commitment, making it the go-to for renters who want flexibility. Orange and SFR typically offer 12-month commitments with better customer service.
Installation usually takes 1 to 2 weeks. You will need a French bank account (RIB) for direct debit and your rental address. Fibre availability can be checked on the ARCEP coverage map. In Paris and Lyon, most buildings have fibre pre-installed, and activation can happen within days.
Netherlands
Dutch internet is among the fastest in Europe, with average speeds above 100 Mbps. Major providers: KPN, Ziggo (cable, Vodafone-owned), T-Mobile, and budget options like Budgetthuis and Online.nl. Contract terms are typically 1 or 2 years, but since 2020, providers must allow cancellation with 1 month notice after the initial term (no auto-renewal into another fixed period).
Ziggo dominates in many buildings because the cable infrastructure was installed decades ago. If your building has Ziggo cable, you can usually activate within 2 to 3 days. KPN fibre requires a separate installation that can take 1 to 3 weeks. Many Dutch rentals, especially in newer buildings, include a basic internet connection in the service charges (servicekosten).
Spain
Spanish internet has improved dramatically. Fibre coverage now exceeds 80% of households, one of the highest rates in Europe. Major providers: Movistar (Telefonica, best coverage), Orange, MasMovil/Yoigo (best value), and Vodafone. Contracts are typically 12 months with early termination fees of EUR 100 to 200. MasMovil and its sub-brands (Pepephone, Yoigo) offer month-to-month fibre plans from EUR 25/month, ideal for renters.
You will need your NIE (foreigner ID number) to set up an account. Installation takes 3 to 7 days in cities. In rural Spain, fibre coverage drops significantly; satellite internet (Starlink) or 4G/5G home routers may be the only options.
Italy
Italian broadband is improving but remains uneven. Cities like Milan and Rome have widespread fibre (FTTH); smaller cities and the south often rely on slower FTTC (fibre to the cabinet) or ADSL. Major providers: TIM (widest coverage), Vodafone, Fastweb (best for fibre in cities), Wind Tre, and Iliad (new entrant, competitive pricing). Contracts range from month-to-month (Iliad, Fastweb Easy) to 24 months (TIM, Vodafone).
You will need your codice fiscale to sign up. Installation can take 2 to 4 weeks, sometimes longer in smaller towns. If your building is not fibre-ready, TIM or Vodafone can install a 4G/5G home router within days as a bridge solution.
United Kingdom
The UK has a competitive broadband market with many providers. BT (widest fibre coverage via Openreach), Virgin Media O2 (cable, fastest speeds), Sky, TalkTalk, and budget providers like Plusnet and NOW Broadband. Contract terms are 12, 18, or 24 months. Since Ofcom's 2020 rules, you can exit contracts penalty-free if you move to an address where your provider cannot deliver the same service.
Average speeds: 30 to 100 Mbps on standard fibre; up to 1 Gbps on Virgin Media's Gig1 or BT's Full Fibre. Activation takes 5 to 14 days. In shared houses (HMOs), the landlord may already provide internet as part of the rent; check before ordering your own.
Portugal
Portugal's fibre network is extensive in urban areas. Major providers: MEO (Portugal Telecom, best coverage), NOS, and Vodafone. Contracts are typically 24 months with significant early termination fees. NOS and Vodafone offer some 12-month options. Fibre plans with 200 to 500 Mbps typically cost EUR 30 to 45/month.
Digital nomads in Lisbon and Porto can often find rentals with internet included. For digital nomad visas, having a Portuguese address with a broadband contract can serve as proof of residence.
Tips for All Countries
Before signing any broadband contract, check whether your lease includes internet in the utilities. Ask your landlord or previous tenant which provider and speed they had. Use the building's existing infrastructure where possible to avoid installation fees and delays. Consider a 4G/5G mobile router as a bridge while waiting for fixed-line installation. Read the cancellation terms carefully: some countries allow penalty-free exit when moving, others do not.