Before You Start
- You must be a resident of a European Economic Area (EEA) country with valid identification.
- Your child should have a valid birth certificate or national ID (for account opening, if applicable).
- Access to a European broker that offers UCITS ETFs and tax-advantaged accounts (e.g., Trade Republic, DEGIRO, Scalable Capital, or your local bank’s investment platform).
- Basic understanding of ETF investing (see our 2026 European ETF Guide if you need a primer).
Time needed: 2–4 hours for setup, then 15 minutes per month for maintenance
What you'll need: Your ID, your child’s ID or birth certificate, €100+ to start (more is fine), a smartphone or computer, and access to online banking
Investing early for your child can make a huge difference—whether you want to help with university costs, their first home, or simply build a nest egg. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to create a tailored child ETF portfolio in Europe for 2026, using EUR, modern brokers, and tax-smart wrappers. Every step is actionable, platform-specific, and tested by real European investors.
Step 1: Decide on the Right Account Type
What to do: Choose between a custodial/child account (where you invest on your child’s behalf) or investing in your own name, earmarked for your child. Where possible, use tax-advantaged wrappers (like the French Plan d’Epargne en Actions (PEA Jeune), German Junior Depot, or UK Junior ISA).
- Check your country’s options for minor accounts or tax-free investment wrappers.
- If available, open a child investment account at a broker like Trade Republic, DEGIRO, or your local bank.
- Have your documents ready—most platforms require proof of relationship (birth certificate) and both parents’ approval for minors.
Why it matters: Tax-advantaged wrappers can significantly boost long-term returns by reducing or deferring taxes on dividends and capital gains. Child accounts also ensure assets are clearly earmarked.
What can go wrong: Not all brokers support child accounts, and tax rules vary by country. If you invest in your own name, assets may be counted as yours for tax or financial aid purposes later. Always check local rules.
Pro Tip
In Germany, a Junior Depot at comdirect or Consorsbank allows you to invest tax-efficiently for your child. In France, the PEA Jeune enables children 18–25 to invest tax-free up to €20,000.
Step 2: Define the Investment Goal and Timeline
What to do: Clarify the purpose (e.g., university at age 18, home deposit at 25, or long-term nest egg) and when the money will be needed. This determines your risk tolerance and asset mix.
- Shorter-term (