Watching TV abroad: the EU portability regulation explained
Can you watch your Hungarian subscription on holiday or a business trip? What Regulation (EU) 2017/1128 guarantees and what to watch out for outside the EU.
In short
- Since 1 April 2018, Regulation (EU) 2017/1128 has ensured that subscribers can use paid online content services as at home during a temporary stay in another EU member state.
- The provider may verify which member state you live in; the regulation is not intended for permanent stays abroad.
- Outside the EU, content availability is limited by licence agreements, and mobile roaming may cost extra.
What does the regulation say?
Regulation (EU) 2017/1128 concerns the cross-border portability of online content services in the internal market. In essence, if you subscribe to a paid online content service in your member state of residence, you can use it in the same way during a temporary stay in another EU member state.
- the same content and the same features are available as at home;
- the provider may not charge extra for this;
- however, the provider is not obliged to ensure the same quality as at home if the internet connection abroad does not allow it;
- free services may voluntarily opt in to the rules.
Who does it apply to, and when?
The regulation applies to subscribers resident in an EU member state who are temporarily staying in another member state – for example on holiday, a business trip or a study trip. It sets no limit expressed in days, but it is not intended for subscribers to use their home service permanently in another country.
How does the provider verify your residence?
The provider may verify your member state of residence when the contract is concluded and renewed. It may use no more than two of the means listed in the regulation, for example:
- an identity card or other document confirming residence,
- payment details, such as the country of the bank card or bank account,
- the place where a set-top box or similar device is installed,
- an internet or telephone service contract at your place of residence,
- a postal address, or a check based on the IP address.
Watching TV outside the European Union
Outside the EU, the portability regulation does not apply. Whether a channel or programme is available is determined by the provider's licence agreements; certain content often cannot be watched abroad.
Practical tips before you travel
- Update the app at homeThat way you do not have to download a large update over hotel Wi‑Fi.
- Sign in in advanceCheck that your account works on the devices you are taking with you.
- Watch your mobile dataWithin the EU, mobile roaming generally works at domestic rates, but fair use limits may apply. See: data usage.
- Allow for hotel internetShared Wi‑Fi is often slow; playback may be more stable at a lower picture quality.
Please note: this article is general information and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and regulatory practice may change; for a specific case, consult a legal professional or the competent authority.
Frequently asked questions
Can I watch my subscription on holiday in Croatia?
Croatia is a member of the European Union, so the portability regulation applies to paid online content services during a temporary stay, subject to the residence verification conditions.
What counts as a temporary stay?
The regulation does not set a limit in days; a stay is temporary if it lasts for a limited period and is not a permanent relocation of your residence.
What about outside the EU, for example Serbia or Turkey?
The regulation does not apply there; content availability depends on the provider's licence agreements, and some channels may not be watchable.
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