Before You Start
- Valid EU/EEA residency and a bank account in EUR for deposits
- Fully registered account with Trade Republic and/or DEGIRO
- Access to your online/mobile banking for setting up recurring transfers
- Basic understanding of ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds) and investment risks
Time needed: 30–60 minutes
What you'll need: Smartphone or computer, ID for verification, online banking access
Automatic ETF investing is one of the simplest ways to build long-term wealth in Europe. By setting up recurring investments, you remove emotion from the process, benefit from euro cost averaging, and save time. This tutorial will walk you through automating ETF investments using Trade Republic and DEGIRO—two of the most accessible brokers for European investors in 2026. We’ll cover how to pick the right funds, set up recurring deposits, and avoid common pitfalls. If you want to compare more options, see our Best Automated Investment Apps for European FIRE Seekers: 2026 Comparison.
Step 1: Choose Your ETF(s)
What to do: Decide which ETF(s) you want to invest in before setting up automation.
Why it matters: Picking the right ETF is crucial—automatic investing amplifies both gains and mistakes. In Europe, focus on UCITS ETFs for tax efficiency and regulatory protection.
- Popular core choices: MSCI World UCITS ETF (e.g., iShares Core MSCI World UCITS ETF, ISIN: IE00B4L5Y983), Vanguard FTSE All-World UCITS ETF (ISIN: IE00B3RBWM25).
- Cost example: iShares Core MSCI World UCITS ETF typically has a Total Expense Ratio (TER) of 0.20% per year.
- Where to find info: Use your broker’s search, or justETF for EUR-based filtering.
Pro Tip
Always check that your chosen ETF is accumulating (reinvests dividends) if you want compounding, or distributing (pays out dividends) if you prefer regular income. This is clearly listed on justETF and broker platforms.
What can go wrong: Picking a non-UCITS ETF or one not available on your broker can block automation or lead to tax headaches. Double-check ISIN and availability before proceeding.
Step 2: Register and Fund Your Broker Account
What to do: Complete registration and deposit EUR funds into your Trade Republic or DEGIRO account.
Why it matters: Brokers require identity verification and a funded account to start investing. Delays here can hold up your automation setup.
- Trade Republic: Open the app or web platform, complete KYC (passport/ID upload, selfie), and connect your EUR bank account for SEPA deposits.
- DEGIRO: Register online, upload required identification, and link your EUR bank account. DEGIRO supports manual and recurring SEPA transfers.
- Minimum deposit: Trade Republic: €1, DEGIRO: typically €0, but check for your country.
Pro Tip
For fastest funding, use SEPA Instant Transfer (if available), which credits your account in minutes—useful for starting your automation without delay.
What can go wrong: Name mismatches between your bank and broker account can cause deposit rejections. Always use your own account and double-check IBAN details.
Step 3: Set Up Automatic Deposits
What to do: Arrange for EUR to be deposited into your broker account on a regular (e.g., monthly) schedule.
Why it matters: Automation only works if there’s always enough cash in your broker account to fund the ETF purchases.
- Trade Republic: Supports automatic direct debit (Lastschrift) from your EUR bank account. In the app: Tap Profile → Bank Connection → Set Up Direct Debit → Authorise recurring EUR withdrawal (choose monthly/biweekly/weekly and amount, e.g., €200/month).
- DEGIRO: Does not support in-app direct debit (as of 2026). Instead, set up a standing order (Dauerauftrag) from your online banking to your DEGIRO IBAN. Reference your DEGIRO account number. Example: Monthly standing order for €200, execution date 2 days before planned ETF purchase.
Expected outcome: You should see regular EUR deposits in your broker account, matching your chosen schedule.
What can go wrong: Insufficient balance in your bank account will cause failed transfers. Schedule deposits 2–3 days before your planned ETF purchase date to avoid missed buys.
Step 4: Create an ETF Savings Plan (Trade Republic)
What to do: Set up a recurring ETF purchase (savings plan) in Trade Republic.
Why it matters: Savings plans automate ETF buying—no need to log in each month.
- In the Trade Republic app or web platform, tap Portfolio → Savings Plan → New Savings Plan.
- Search for your chosen ETF by name or ISIN (e.g., "iShares Core MSCI World", IE00B4L5Y983).
- Select the ETF, tap Create Savings Plan.
- Enter the amount (minimum €1, e.g., €200/month), pick the frequency (monthly, biweekly, weekly), and select the execution day (e.g., 3rd of each month).
- Confirm and review the summary.
Fees: Trade Republic offers €0 commission on savings plans, but a spread (typically