If you’ve been wondering about Surfshark’s ownership, you’re not alone. Many folks get a bit nervous about VPNs and their origins, and for good reason. There are indeed some VPN services out there that have hidden ties to China, and that can be a real problem for your privacy. But when it comes to Surfshark, you can rest easy knowing it’s not a Chinese company.

Surfshark was founded in 2018 by Vytautas Kaziukonis. It actually started out registered in the British Virgin Islands, which is a popular spot for privacy-focused companies. But on October 1, 2021, Surfshark made a smart move and relocated its headquarters to the Netherlands. Why the Netherlands? Well, it’s a fantastic location for a privacy company because it has no laws requiring companies to log or hold onto user data. Plus, it strictly follows GDPR requirements, which is a huge win for user privacy.

Now, you might have heard about Surfshark joining forces with another big name in the VPN world. In early 2022, Surfshark merged with Nord Security, which is the parent company of the popular NordVPN. Even with this merger, both Surfshark and NordVPN continue to operate as separate brands, keeping their own distinct services and infrastructure. Nord Security itself is based in Lithuania, further solidifying Surfshark’s European roots. So, no worries about Surfshark being Chinese. it’s definitely a European player committed to your online freedom.

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Surfshark’s European Roots and Ownership Structure

Let’s break down Surfshark’s origins and current setup to truly understand why it has no ties to China. It’s a journey that started in 2018 and has evolved quite a bit since then, always keeping user privacy at its core.

Where Surfshark Started

Surfshark kicked off its operations in 2018, launching its first VPN application for iOS devices. Initially, the company was registered in the British Virgin Islands BVI. The BVI is a common jurisdiction for VPN companies because it has favorable privacy laws, meaning it doesn’t force companies to collect or store user data. This was a good starting point for a VPN provider focused on privacy.

The Move to the Netherlands

Fast forward to October 1, 2021, and Surfshark made a significant change, moving its official headquarters to the Netherlands. This wasn’t just a random choice. it was a strategic decision to further strengthen its privacy commitments. The Netherlands is well-regarded for its strong stance on digital rights and privacy. Critically, Dutch law doesn’t impose mandatory data retention requirements on VPN providers, which allows Surfshark to maintain its strict no-logs policy. On top of that, the Netherlands adheres to the General Data Protection Regulation GDPR, which is a comprehensive set of privacy and data protection laws in the European Union. These factors make the Netherlands an ideal base for a privacy-oriented company like Surfshark. The company also has offices in Lithuania, Poland, and Germany.

The Nord Security Merger

In early 2022, something pretty big happened in the VPN world: Surfshark announced a merger with Nord Security. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because Nord Security is the parent company behind NordVPN, another hugely popular VPN service. Now, when you hear “merger,” you might picture one company completely swallowing the other. But in this case, it was more like forming a powerful cybersecurity alliance. NordVPN vs Surfshark: The Ultimate VPN Showdown (2025)

Both Surfshark and NordVPN continue to operate independently, maintaining their separate brands, services, and infrastructures. The idea behind this merger was to allow for shared technical knowledge and enable more focused market diversification, essentially creating a cybersecurity powerhouse. Nord Security, the holding company, is based in Lithuania. So, while they’re now under the same umbrella, Surfshark retains its distinct identity and commitment to user privacy, all firmly rooted in Europe.

This structure means that Surfshark is definitively not a Chinese company. Its ownership and operational base are transparently European, focusing on jurisdictions known for robust privacy protections, which is a stark contrast to the data policies in China.

Understanding VPN Ownership and Why It Matters

When you’re picking a VPN, knowing who owns the company is a big deal. It’s not just about curiosity. it’s about trust and security. You’re essentially routing all your internet traffic through their servers, so you want to be sure they’re not going to compromise your data or privacy.

The Importance of a VPN’s Jurisdiction

A VPN company’s legal jurisdiction—where it’s officially based and operates—is super important. Different countries have different laws regarding data retention, surveillance, and privacy. For example, some countries might require companies to log user data for a certain period, or to share that data with government authorities if requested. Supercharge Your Network: Setting Up Surfshark VPN on OpenWrt

This is why you often see VPN companies choosing locations like the British Virgin Islands where Surfshark started, Panama where NordVPN is incorporated, or the Netherlands where Surfshark is now based. These jurisdictions are generally known for their more privacy-friendly laws, meaning they don’t have mandatory data retention laws or are outside the direct influence of major surveillance alliances like the “5, 9, or 14 Eyes” intelligence-sharing agreements.

If a VPN is based in a country with strict surveillance laws, even if they promise a “no-logs” policy, there might be legal pressure on them to comply with government requests. This is a primary concern when evaluating VPNs.

The Problem with Chinese-Owned VPNs

This brings us to why people often ask if “Surfshark is a Chinese company” or “which VPNs are owned by China.” China has some of the world’s most aggressive internet censorship and surveillance, often referred to as the “Great Firewall.” The Chinese government heavily polices internet usage and requires companies operating within its borders to comply with stringent data laws, including potentially handing over user data.

A VPN owned by a Chinese company, or one with direct ties to China, could be legally compelled to: Is surfshark vpn ok

Log user data: Despite any “no-logs” claims, local laws might force them to record your online activities.
Share data with authorities: The Chinese government could demand access to user information.
Contain backdoors: There’s always a risk that a VPN developed or controlled by a Chinese entity could have hidden vulnerabilities or backdoors built in, allowing surveillance.

Several investigations have actually uncovered VPNs that are secretly owned by Chinese firms, often using shell companies and opaque ownership structures to hide their true origins. Some of these identified VPNs, with links to Chinese companies like Qihoo 360 which is classified as a Chinese military company by the US Department of Defense, include:

Turbo VPN
VPN Proxy Master
Thunder VPN
Snap VPN
Signal Secure VPN no relation to the Signal messaging app

These findings highlight why it’s absolutely crucial to do your homework and choose a VPN provider with transparent ownership and a strong, privacy-friendly jurisdiction. Surfshark, with its clear European ownership and Dutch base, avoids these critical issues.

Does Surfshark VPN Work in China?

we’ve established that Surfshark isn’t owned by China, which is great for your privacy. But a very common follow-up question is, “Does Surfshark work in China?” Navigating the internet in China is notoriously difficult due to the “Great Firewall,” which heavily restricts access to many international websites and services.

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The good news is, yes, Surfshark can work in China. However, it’s not always a straightforward plug-and-play situation. The Great Firewall is constantly being updated to detect and block VPN traffic, making it a cat-and-mouse game for VPN providers.

How Surfshark Tries to Bypass the Great Firewall

Surfshark has specifically designed features to help users in restrictive environments like China:

NoBorders Mode: This is a fantastic feature designed specifically for regions with heavy internet censorship. When you’re in China, the Surfshark app is supposed to detect network restrictions and automatically switch to NoBorders mode. This mode then gives you a list of servers that are optimized to bypass these restrictions. It’s like having a secret pathway to the open internet.
Camouflage Mode Obfuscation: This feature is a must. It makes your VPN traffic look like regular, unencrypted internet traffic. This is super important because Chinese authorities use deep packet inspection DPI to identify and block typical VPN traffic patterns. By making your connection appear normal, Camouflage Mode helps you fly under the radar.
WireGuard Protocol: Surfshark supports the WireGuard protocol, which is known for its speed and security. For better success in China, especially if you’re having trouble with the app, some users recommend setting up a manual WireGuard connection. Surfshark often provides guides and customer support to help you with this more advanced setup.
MultiHop Double VPN: While not exclusive to China use, MultiHop connects you through two VPN servers in different countries. This adds an extra layer of encryption and anonymity, making it even harder to trace your online activity, which can be beneficial in highly surveilled regions.

Important Tips for Using Surfshark in China

If you’re planning to travel to China and want to use Surfshark, here are some crucial tips:

Download and Install Before You Go: This is perhaps the most important piece of advice. The Surfshark website and app stores might be blocked within mainland China. So, make sure you download and install the Surfshark app on all your devices phone, laptop, tablet before you even set foot in the country.
Enable NoBorders Mode: Once you’re in China, make sure to enable NoBorders mode in the app settings. This will guide you to the servers most likely to work.
Try Different Servers and Protocols: The Great Firewall’s effectiveness can vary, so if one server isn’t working, try another. Similarly, if your current VPN protocol like OpenVPN isn’t connecting, try switching to a different one.
Consider Manual Setup: As mentioned, if the app itself is struggling, a manual WireGuard connection might be more reliable. Be prepared to follow Surfshark’s instructions for this setup.
Have a Backup Plan: No VPN can guarantee 100% uptime in China due to the government’s persistent efforts to block them. It’s always a good idea to have a backup VPN service installed, just in case.
Server Locations Near China: While Surfshark has servers worldwide, connecting to servers in nearby countries like Hong Kong, Japan, or even Taiwan can sometimes offer better speed and stability for users in China due due to regional connectivity.

Despite the challenges posed by the Great Firewall, Surfshark remains one of the VPNs that frequently works in China, thanks to its dedicated features and continuous efforts to adapt to the changing censorship .

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How to Spot a Potentially Shady VPN Provider

Since we’re talking about trust and ownership, it’s a good idea to know what red flags to look for when choosing any VPN, not just when considering if “Surfshark is Chinese.” There are some tell-tale signs that might indicate a VPN provider isn’t as transparent or secure as they claim.

Vague or Hidden Ownership Information: If you can’t easily find out who owns the VPN company, where it’s based, or its parent company, that’s a huge red flag. Legitimate companies are usually transparent about this. Many shady VPNs, especially those with links to less privacy-friendly regions, often use shell companies or unclear corporate structures to hide their true owners.
Unrealistic Promises Especially Free VPNs: Be very cautious of “free VPNs,” particularly those that promise unlimited bandwidth, top-tier security, and work flawlessly everywhere, including China. Developing and maintaining a robust VPN service with a global network of servers is expensive. If a service is free, you have to ask: how are they making money? Often, it’s by compromising your privacy, selling your data, or displaying intrusive ads. A study found that many free mobile VPNs on app stores were secretly owned by Chinese companies and posed security risks.
Lack of Audits and Transparency Reports: Reputable VPNs often undergo independent third-party audits of their no-logs policy, security infrastructure, and apps. They also typically publish transparency reports, detailing any government requests for data and how they responded, usually by having no data to provide. If a VPN hasn’t done any of this, or keeps all its operations shrouded in secrecy, it’s harder to trust their claims. Surfshark, for instance, has passed external audits by firms like Cure53.
Sketchy Privacy Policy: Always read the privacy policy, even if it’s boring! Look for clear language about what data they collect or, ideally, don’t collect, how long they keep it, and if they share it with anyone. If the policy is vague, contradictory, or seems to give them a lot of leeway with your data, steer clear.
Aggressive Advertising or Unsolicited Installations: If a VPN seems to pop up everywhere, especially in ways that feel intrusive or suspicious, it might be part of a larger, less ethical network. Some “free” VPNs have even been found to install without clear user consent or to contain malware.
Poor Security Features or Protocols: A trustworthy VPN should offer strong encryption like AES-256, a variety of modern VPN protocols OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2, a Kill Switch, and DNS leak protection. If these features are absent or seem poorly implemented, it’s a sign the VPN isn’t taking your security seriously.

By keeping these points in mind, you can make a more informed decision and choose a VPN provider that genuinely prioritizes your privacy and security, like Surfshark with its established European base and transparent operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Surfshark really owned by Nord Security?

Yes, Surfshark merged with Nord Security, the parent company of NordVPN, in early 2022. Both Surfshark and NordVPN continue to operate as independent brands and services, but they are now under the same holding company, Nord Security, which is based in Lithuania.

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Is Surfshark a US company?

No, Surfshark is not a US company. It was initially registered in the British Virgin Islands, then moved its headquarters to the Netherlands on October 1, 2021. Nord Security, its parent company, is based in Lithuania.

Which VPNs are owned by China?

While Surfshark is not owned by China, some other VPNs have been identified with links to Chinese companies. These often include free mobile VPN apps that operate with opaque ownership structures. Examples that have been cited in various reports include Turbo VPN, VPN Proxy Master, Thunder VPN, Snap VPN, and Signal Secure VPN.

Can Surfshark be used in China?

Yes, Surfshark can be used in China, though connecting can sometimes be tricky due to the Great Firewall. Surfshark offers features like NoBorders mode and Camouflage mode to help bypass censorship. It’s crucial to download and set up Surfshark before arriving in China, as its website may be blocked there. Unlocking Ultimate Protection: How Many Devices Can You Really Connect with Surfshark VPN?

Is Surfshark working in China in 2025?

Yes, current reports and tests indicate that Surfshark continues to work in mainland China in 2025. However, the effectiveness of any VPN in China can fluctuate due to the Great Firewall’s continuous updates. Using NoBorders mode or setting up a manual WireGuard connection often improves success rates.

Why did Surfshark move its headquarters to the Netherlands?

Surfshark moved its headquarters to the Netherlands on October 1, 2021, to strengthen its commitment to user privacy. The Netherlands was chosen because it has no legal obligations for companies to log or retain user data and adheres to strong GDPR requirements, making it a privacy-friendly jurisdiction.

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