Are you going on a trip soon and want to access Outlook, Teams, or OneDrive while you're away? Then it's good to know that restrictions may apply when you're working abroad. These restrictions depend on your location and the type of device you're using.

🌍 Working from abroad: what do you need to know?

In short:

DeviceAccess from abroad Need extra help?

Foundation laptop (Windows)

✅ Always accessible

❌ No VPN required

Private Windows laptop (BYOD)

✅ After registration in the Netherlands

⚠️ VPN required for initial registration from abroad

MacBook, phone, tablet (Foundation or personal)

❌ Blocked

🔑 VPN required
 

🔒 Why this restriction?

Our Microsoft 365 environment (Outlook, Teams, OneDrive) uses geoblocking: this means that logging in from some countries is blocked for security reasons.

This block mainly applies to unmanaged devices (such as private phones or laptops). Foundation laptops are prepared for this and always have access.

✅ What can you do?

📌 Foundation laptop abroad

• No restrictions.
• No VPN required.
• Advice: preferably use a foundation laptop during your stay abroad.

💻 Private Windows laptop (BYOD)

• You can register your device in the foundation's Microsoft environment.
• Advantage: worldwide access to Microsoft 365, just like on a foundation laptop.
• Please note: after registration, the foundation may technically obtain administrative rights to your laptop.

📍 Important:

• Register before leaving the Netherlands.
• Already abroad and not yet registered? Then you will temporarily need a VPN connection to the Netherlands.

📱 MacBook, phone, or tablet

• Direct access from abroad is blocked.
• ✅ Solution: use a VPN that connects via a Dutch server.

🔑 What is a VPN?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) ensures that your internet traffic runs through a server in the Netherlands. This makes it appear as if you are in the Netherlands — even if you are abroad. This is necessary to access Microsoft 365 from blocked devices or locations.

🛠️ How do you use a VPN?

1. Choose a VPN service that allows you to set the Netherlands as your location.
2. Free or limited options:
   • ProtonVPN – please note: the Netherlands is only available in the paid version
   • Windscribe – free up to a data limit, the Netherlands is available
   • TunnelBear – free up to a data limit, check if the Netherlands is offered
3. Download and install the VPN app on your laptop, phone, or tablet.
4. Start the app, select ‘Netherlands’ as the server location, and connect.
5. Once the VPN is active, you can log in to Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Teams, OneDrive, etc.).

❓ Questions or need help?

Feel free to contact the IT department. We are happy to help you work safely and be prepared — even across borders.

The countries from which you are currently allowed to work are:

• Belgium
• Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba
• Curaçao
• Denmark
• Germany
• Finland
• France
• Ireland
• Iceland
• Italy
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Monaco
• Norway
• Austria
• Portugal
• Sint Maarten
• Spain
• United Kingdom
• Sweden
• Switzerland