Before You Start
- Valid ID and proof of address for account verification
- Bank account in the Eurozone for deposits/withdrawals
- Basic understanding of ETFs and investment risk
- Access to a smartphone (for Trade Republic) or web browser (for DEGIRO)
- Minimum €1 to €50 starting capital (varies by platform and ETF)
Time needed: 20–30 minutes (excluding account verification)
What you'll need: Trade Republic and/or DEGIRO account, internet access, bank details
Thematic ETFs let you invest in trends like artificial intelligence, clean energy, or cybersecurity—without picking individual stocks. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to buy thematic ETFs in Europe step-by-step using two of the most popular brokers: Trade Republic and DEGIRO. We’ll walk through real examples, platform-specific instructions, and what to watch out for in 2026.
For a broader comparison of European investing apps, see our Ultimate Guide to European Investing Apps: Best Choices for Every Type of Investor in 2026.
Step 1: Understand Thematic ETFs and Why UCITS Compliance Matters
What to do: Before buying, clarify what a thematic ETF is and why UCITS compliance is essential for European investors.
- Thematic ETFs focus on sectors or megatrends (e.g., robotics, green energy, digitalisation).
- UCITS-compliant ETFs meet EU standards for investor protection, liquidity, and transparency. These are the only ETFs most European brokers offer to retail clients.
Why it matters: Non-UCITS ETFs may not be available to you and could carry extra risks or tax complications.
What can go wrong: Accidentally buying a non-UCITS ETF can lead to regulatory or tax issues, or your order might not go through at all.
Pro Tip
Always check for “UCITS” in the ETF name or factsheet before investing. Both Trade Republic and DEGIRO clearly label UCITS status.
Step 2: Open and Fund Your Account
What to do: If you haven’t already, create and verify your account on Trade Republic or DEGIRO (or both). Deposit euros from your linked bank account.
- Trade Republic: App-based, available in most EU countries. Minimum deposit: €1.
- DEGIRO: Web and app-based, available across Europe. Minimum deposit: €0.01 (but some banks require €1+ for transfers).
Why it matters: You can’t buy ETFs until your account is verified and funded. Verification may take a few hours or up to 2 days.
What can go wrong: Incorrect personal data, mismatched bank details, or incomplete KYC documents can delay setup.
Pro Tip
If you want to automate your investments, look for recurring investment or savings plan features. See our guide to automating investments in Europe.
Step 3: Search for Thematic ETFs
What to do: Use the platform’s search to find thematic ETFs. Example trends for 2026:
- iShares Global Clean Energy UCITS ETF (ISIN: IE00B1XNHC34)
- Lyxor MSCI Disruptive Technology ESG Filtered UCITS ETF (ISIN: LU2023678282)
- VanEck Morningstar US Sustainable Wide Moat UCITS ETF (ISIN: IE00BQQP9H09)
How-to for each broker:
- Trade Republic: Tap Search (magnifying glass icon) → Type part of the ETF name or ISIN → Tap the ETF from results.
- DEGIRO: Use the top search bar → Enter ETF name or ISIN → Click the correct product.
Why it matters: Many ETFs have similar names. Always confirm the ISIN (unique identifier) and UCITS label.
What can go wrong: Choosing the wrong ETF (e.g., non-UCITS, USD-denominated, or accumulating vs. distributing) can result in unexpected performance or tax treatment.
Pro Tip
On DEGIRO, use the “Trackers” or “ETF” filter and set “UCITS” as a keyword to narrow results to compliant funds.
Step 4: Review ETF Details and Fees
What to do: Before buying, check:
- UCITS compliance in the ETF title
- Ongoing charges (TER), assets under management, and distribution policy (accumulating or distributing)
- Trading fees for your platform
Trading fees (2026):
- Trade Republic: €1 flat per trade (free for savings plans)
- DEGIRO: €2 per ETF trade (plus €1 handling fee). Some ETFs are on the “Core Selection” and can be bought once per month commission-free—check the list before trading.
Why it matters: Fees eat into your returns. Small, frequent trades can add up—consider savings plans or commission-free ETFs if available.
What can go wrong: Overlooking fees or buying ETFs with very low liquidity (low trading volume) can lead to poor pricing or higher costs.
Pro Tip
Use the ETF factsheet (linked on both platforms) to check the latest assets, performance, and holdings. Don’t rely solely on the app summary.
Step 5: Place Your Order (Trade Republic Example)
What to do: Buy your chosen ETF on Trade Republic:
- Tap your ETF in the search results.
- Tap Buy.
- Enter your investment amount (minimum €1).
- Choose Market Order (executes immediately at current price) or Limit Order (executes only at your specified price).
- Review order summary and swipe to confirm.
Expected outcome: You should see a confirmation screen with your ETF units purchased and the total € amount (including the €1 fee).
Why it matters: Market orders are fastest but can have minor price slippage. Limit orders protect you from unexpected price moves but may not execute if the market doesn’t reach your limit.
What can go wrong: Entering an amount below the ETF’s minimum unit size can cause order rejection. Double-check your order before confirming.
Pro Tip
Trade Republic lets you set up a monthly savings plan (min. €1/month) for many ETFs, with no commission—ideal for cost-averaging into thematic trends.
Step 6: Place Your Order (DEGIRO Example)
What to do: Buy your chosen ETF on DEGIRO:
- Click your ETF in the search results.
- Click Buy.
- Set the number of units (DEGIRO usually requires whole units; check the ETF’s price for minimum investment).
- Choose Market or Limit order.
- Review the cost, commission, and total amount.
- Click Place Order to confirm.
Expected outcome: Your order should appear in the “Transactions” tab. Once executed, you’ll see the ETF in your portfolio with the invested € amount.
Why it matters: DEGIRO does not support fractional shares for ETFs—your minimum investment is the price of one full unit (e.g., €30–€100 for many thematic ETFs).
What can go wrong: Insufficient funds or attempting to buy fractional units will cause order errors.
Pro Tip
Check if your ETF is in DEGIRO’s “Core Selection” for one free trade per month. Otherwise, factor in the €2–€3 commission per order.
Step 7: Monitor and Manage Your Investments
What to do: After purchase, track your ETF’s performance in the app/website. Consider periodic reviews and rebalancing.
- Trade Republic: Tap Portfolio to see current value and performance.
- DEGIRO: Go to Portfolio tab for holdings and returns.
Why it matters: Thematic ETFs can be volatile. Regular monitoring helps you stay aligned with your investment goals and risk tolerance.
What can go wrong: Neglecting your portfolio may lead to overexposure to a single theme or missing the need for rebalancing.
Pro Tip
Review your portfolio at least quarterly. For practical tips, see our article on simple rebalancing strategies for European investors.
Common Mistakes When Buying Thematic ETFs in Europe
- Ignoring UCITS status: Only buy ETFs labelled as “UCITS” for regulatory safety and tax simplicity.
- Overtrading: Frequent small trades rack up fees—use savings plans or commission-free options where possible.
- Chasing trends blindly: Research the underlying holdings and risks. Thematic ETFs can be more volatile than broad-market ETFs.
- Forgetting currency risk: Even Euro-denominated ETFs may hold assets in other currencies, affecting returns.
- Not checking minimum investment: DEGIRO requires whole units; Trade Republic allows as little as €1 via fractional shares.
Next Steps
- Explore more about choosing the right broker in our detailed Trade Republic vs. DEGIRO vs. Interactive Brokers comparison.
- Learn how to buy specific ETFs, like CSPX, in our step-by-step CSPX ETF guide.
- If you’re just starting, see our Beginner’s Guide to Setting Up Your First Investing App in Europe.
- Consider automating your thematic ETF investments with scheduled plans—see our automation guide for more.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research and consider consulting a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.