Relocating to Central or Southeastern Europe? Whether you’re settling in the Croatian countryside, a high-rise in Budapest, or a seaside spot in Montenegro, one thing remains essential: smooth streaming. This comprehensive Netflix guide for expats will walk you through everything you need to know to subscribe, pay, watch, and even work for Netflix across 12 popular European relocation destinations.
❓ Why Netflix Works Differently by Region
Netflix customizes its service depending on your location, with differences in:
- Pricing and plan availability
- Language settings, subtitles, and dubs
- Content library (due to licensing rules)
- Payment and account-sharing rules
- Job availability if you’re looking to work with Netflix
📏 How to Subscribe to Netflix in Your New Country
Subscribing to Netflix in the Balkans and Central Europe follows the same 5-step flow:
- Visit your local Netflix site (e.g., netflix.com/hr for Croatia).
- Enter your email and click “Get Started.”
- Confirm the email code.
- Pick your plan (Basic, Standard, Premium, or Ad-supported where available).
- Choose a payment method.
Country-by-Country Quick Sheet
| Country | Currency | Ad Tier? | Local URL | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montenegro | EUR/USD | Yes | netflix.com/me | Offers Croatian UI option |
| Serbia | EUR/USD | Yes | netflix.com/rs | Prices show in USD, billed in EUR |
| Croatia | EUR | Yes | netflix.com/hr | Most expensive in the region |
| Albania | EUR/GBP | Yes | netflix.com/al | Defaults to English; change profile language |
| Slovenia | EUR | Yes | netflix.com/si | Cheaper via A1 telecom bundles |
| Greece | EUR | Yes | netflix.com/gr | Price hike effective since 2024 |
| Hungary | HUF | No | netflix.com/hu | Cheapest Premium plan in the region |
| Austria | EUR | Yes | netflix.com/at | Bundled often with A1 broadband |
| Romania | EUR | No | netflix.com/ro | 3-month promos via Orange RO |
| Bulgaria | BGN/USD | Yes | netflix.com/bg | Up to 24 months free via A1 BG |
| Poland | PLN | Not yet | netflix.com/pl | Gift cards widely available |
| Czech Republic | CZK | Not yet | netflix.com/cz | Cheapest extra member fee |
| Slovakia | EUR | Not yet | netflix.com/sk | Similar pricing to CZ |
💳 How to Pay for Netflix Locally
Paying for Netflix in your new home country is usually simple, but some methods work better than others depending on your card, location, and setup.
Common Methods:
| Method | Works In | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Local Credit/Debit | All 12 | Must support 3-D Secure. Card country must match account country. |
| PayPal | PL, CZ, SI, AT | Must set billing address to match local country. |
| Netflix Gift Cards | PL, HU, HR, BG, AT | Currency of gift card must match your billing region. |
| Telco Bundles | BG, RO, HR, SI, AT | Up to 24 months free in Bulgaria via A1; 3 months free in Romania via Orange. |
| VPN + Foreign Card | Anywhere | Violation of Netflix ToS; can trigger playback restrictions. |
🌟 Can You Get Netflix for Free?
In short: legally, only via telecom bundles.
What’s Legit:
- A1 Bulgaria/Slovenia: 6–24 months of Basic plan free with mobile or internet contracts.
- Orange Romania: 3 months free with Fiber/Love bundles.
- T-Mobile US, Verizon: Some expats with U.S. lines still enjoy Netflix on mobile plans.
What’s Risky or Illegal:
- Buying or selling hacked credentials
- Sharing “extra member” slots with strangers online
- VPN payment loopholes to get cheaper regional rates
Netflix actively monitors for unusual activity and enforces regional rules.
📍 What Plans Cost (July 2025)
| Country | Basic | Standard | Premium | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Croatia | €5.99 | €9.99 | €12.99 | Priciest in region |
| Bulgaria | €4.99 | €7.99 | €9.99 | Same since 2024 |
| Serbia | €4.99 | €7.99 | €9.99 | Regional discount since 2023 |
| Slovenia | €4.99 | €7.99 | €9.99 | |
| Romania | €5.99 | €10.99 | €13.99 | Guest slot: €3.99 |
| Hungary | 2 890 Ft | 3 990 Ft | 5 090 Ft | Guest slot: 1 190 Ft |
| Czech Republic | 239 Kč | 309 Kč | 379 Kč | Extra member: 99 Kč |
| Poland | 33 zł | 49 zł | 67 zł | Guest slot: 13 zł |
Ad-supported tiers are only live in selected countries; still no rollout in Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, or Romania as of July 2025.
🔎 Subtitles, Dubbing & Language
Netflix supports 33 subtitle and 36 audio languages platform-wide. The UI is localized in all 12 countries listed.
| Language | Interface | Subtitles | Dubbing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hungarian | Yes | Yes | Widespread |
| Polish | Yes | Yes | Widespread |
| Czech | Yes | Yes | Patchy |
| Slovak | Yes | Yes | Patchy |
| Bulgarian | Yes | Yes | Occasional |
| Romanian | Yes | Yes | Moderate |
| Croatian, Serbian, Slovenian | Yes | Yes | Sparse |
Tip: Set profile language under Account > Profile > Language to trigger subtitle defaults.
🎥 Local Content & Trending Titles
Most Balkan & CEE countries have libraries of 6,800–7,300 titles, ~5–10% fewer than the U.S.
Strong Local Originals:
- The Paper (Croatia)
- High Water (Poland)
- Balaton Noir (Hungary, 2024)
- Spy/Master (Romania)
Trending (as of July 7, 2025):
- Squid Game: The Challenge
- The Old Guard 2
- The Days (Japanese drama)
🔐 Account Sharing & Extra Members
Netflix has rolled out its paid-sharing enforcement across Europe. Charges apply when adding someone outside your household.
| Country | Extra Member Price |
|---|---|
| Poland | 13 zł |
| Czechia | 99 Kč |
| Romania | €3.99 |
| Balkans (e.g. Serbia, Croatia) | UI appears but billing not enforced yet (expected 2025) |
🌏 Netflix on the Go: EU Portability
Thanks to EU rules, you can stream your home country’s library for up to 30 days while traveling within the EU. After that, Netflix may require you to confirm your primary residence (e.g., via SMS or Wi-Fi).
No VPN is needed for EU portability, but one may still be useful for accessing U.S. or UK libraries.
👥 Group Watching & Netflix Party
| Tool | Use Case | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Teleparty | Watch with friends remotely | Chrome/Edge plugin syncs playback + chat |
| DIY Mobile | Phones/tablets | Use group call + manual countdown |
| Extra Member | Permanent sharing | Pay per added member, per country rules |
💼 Want to Work at Netflix in Europe?
Netflix has ~520 EMEA roles open as of July 2025. Hiring hubs include:
- Amsterdam HQ: tech, marketing, legal
- Warsaw: localization, policy, content ops
- Budapest: growing studio operations
- Berlin, Madrid, London: content & partnerships
In-demand Roles
- Security Engineers, Gen-AI R&D, CDN architects
- Post-production, localization, dubbing
- HR, Public Policy, Legal, and Finance
Internships
12-week paid programs in summer.
Tips:
- Read Netflix’s Culture Memo.
- Don’t submit duplicate applications.
- Language skills = big plus for content/localization roles.
🚀 Checklist for Expats
- Create a local profile with your preferred language.
- Compare telco bundles (A1, Orange, etc.) before paying direct.
- Stick to legit payment methods to avoid account blocks.
- Use a VPN only for accessing non-EU libraries.
- Explore local originals – some are hidden gems!
Whether you’re a temporary visitor or a long-term expat, Netflix in Central and Southeastern Europe can offer a seamless experience—once you understand the quirks. From pricing to subtitles, gift cards to jobs, this guide has you covered for 2025 and beyond.
🎦 Best Netflix Alternatives in Central & Southeast Europe
Here’s a rundown of the best regional alternatives as of July 2025.
Region-wide Giants
| Service | Available In | Price (approx.) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disney+ | All 12 countries | €8.99 / €11.99 | Huge library incl. Star & Marvel; full CEE rollout complete. |
| Max (HBO/Discovery) | BG, HR, CZ, HU, ME, RO, RS, SK, SI, PL, GR | €5.99+ | Prestige drama, Discovery docs, Eurosport. |
| SkyShowtime | AL, BG, HR, CZ, HU, ME, PL, RS, SK, SI | €5.99–€6.99 | Paramount+ & Peacock originals at budget pricing. |
| Amazon Prime Video | All countries | From €2.50 (PL) | Low-cost global films & series; Prime perks where available. |
| Apple TV+ | All countries | €9.99 | Premium originals; smaller but high-quality catalogue. |
Local Favorites by Country
Montenegro
- EON TV: United Group’s top regional OTT.
- Max & SkyShowtime fully live.
Serbia
- EON TV, SuperStar Video Klub (Telekom Srbija): local dramas & thrillers.
- Disney+, Max, SkyShowtime all available direct.
Croatia
- Voyo (Nova TV): Croatian shows, telenovelas.
- EON TV, SkyShowtime, Max supported.
Albania
- Disney+ direct.
- Local telco platforms: Tring TV, Albtelecom TV (live-TV focused).
Slovenia
- Voyo: bundled in A1 broadband deals.
- EON TV, Disney+, Max, SkyShowtime all accessible.
Greece
- Cosmote TV Streaming, Vodafone TV: bundle-based Max access.
- ERTFLIX: public AVOD platform (free).
- ANT1+: popular with Greek-language drama fans.
Hungary
- RTL+ Hungary, Cinego: local content & arthouse.
- SkyShowtime, Max, Disney+ direct.
Austria
- Joyn AT, ORF TVthek: free live and catch-up.
- Sky X: flexible OTT with movies & sports.
- Full global coverage.
Romania
- AntenaPLAY, Voyo RO (via Orange), SkyShowtime, Max, Disney+.
Bulgaria
- Voyo BG, A1 Xplore TV, EON BG.
- Global majors fully active.
Poland
- Player.pl: biggest local SVOD.
- Canal+ online, SkyShowtime, Disney+, Max.
- Viaplay exits in 2025; sports shift to Canal+.
Czech Republic & Slovakia
- Voyo CZ/SK, OnePlay (new 2025 rebrand).
- SkyShowtime, Disney+, Max, Amazon all present.
Pro Tips for Expats
- Start with a global service (Disney+ or Max) for big titles.
- Add a local streamer (Voyo, RTL+, Player.pl) for language-specific shows.
- Bundle smart: A1 (BG, HR, SI, AT) and Orange RO often waive Netflix or SVOD fees for months.
- Ditch dead weight: Viaplay is exiting Poland; Max and Canal+ take over key sports.
- Explore free AVOD: Joyn (AT), ERTFLIX (GR), and ORF TVthek offer full libraries at no cost.
With the right combination, expats can enjoy a streaming setup that’s even better than home—tailored to your language, interests, and wallet.