📶 Can I use my neighbour's wi-fi?

Quick answer

No — connecting to your neighbour's wi-fi without permission is an offence, even if their network is open or unsecured. You then gain unauthorized access to a computer system: unlawful access (hacking), art. 550bis of the Criminal Code. It doesn't matter whether there was a password — what counts is that you knew you were not authorized. No special purpose is required; merely connecting is already enough for the basic form ('external hacking'). If your neighbour deliberately shares their wi-fi, there is of course no offence — but note: the subscriber stays legally responsible for what happens over that connection, and reselling is usually forbidden by the provider's terms. The penalties are not symbolic: 3 months to 1 year's imprisonment and a fine that, after the surcharges (×10 since 1 February 2026), rises sharply.

📋 The rules

Without permission on someone's wi-fi: unlawful access (art. 550bis §1 Criminal Code)
An open or unsecured network does not count as permission — decisive: you knew you were not authorized
For the basic form ('external hacking'), no special purpose is required; connecting is enough
Neighbour shares deliberately? Then no offence — but the subscriber stays responsible
Using the connection to go further onto the internet falls under the aggravated form (art. 550bis §3)
On repeat within 5 years, the penalties are doubled (§8)

🔓 Exceptions

Using a free or public guest network (café, library …) is allowed: access there is expressly provided
Letting your own housemates or guests onto your network is no problem

⚠️ Penalties & fines

Unlawful access (art. 550bis §1) is punished with 3 months to 1 year's imprisonment and/or a fine with a base amount of €26 to €25,000. Since 1 February 2026 criminal fines are multiplied by the surcharges ×10, so the real amount rises to about €260 to €250,000. Someone who performs extra acts once inside (such as surfing further) or causes damage falls under a heavier penalty (§3).

📎 Official sources

Last verified: 2026-06-20

❓ Frequently asked

Can I use my neighbour's open wi-fi?

No. Using a network without a password without permission is also unlawful access (art. 550bis). The fact that it was open does not count as an invitation.

What if my neighbour shares their wi-fi with me?

Then there is no offence, because you are authorized. But the subscriber stays responsible for what happens over the connection, and reselling is usually not allowed under the provider's terms.

How heavy are the penalties?

For the basic form, 3 months to 1 year in prison and a fine with a base amount of €26 to €25,000. After the surcharges (×10 since 1 February 2026), that rises to about €260 to €250,000.

Can I use the free wi-fi in a café?

Yes. A public or guest network where access is expressly offered may be used — there you are indeed authorized.

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