Before You Start
- Valid EU/EEA passport or ID and proof of address (utility bill, bank statement)
- Bank account in your name (EUR-denominated preferred)
- Basic understanding of investment risks
- Comfort with online banking and identity verification
Time needed: 30–60 minutes for setup, less than 10 minutes per trade
What you'll need: Smartphone or computer, internet access, access to DEGIRO, Interactive Brokers, or Trade Republic
US tech giants like Apple, Google (Alphabet), and Microsoft remain at the heart of global innovation. As a European investor, you can access these stocks—but the process involves a few unique steps (think: currency conversion, tax forms, and platform choice). This guide shows you exactly how to buy US stocks from Europe in 2026, with tested, actionable instructions for DEGIRO, Interactive Brokers, and Trade Republic.
For a broader overview, see our step-by-step guide to buying US stocks from Europe. This article goes deep on US tech stocks, with platform-specific walkthroughs, tax tips, and EUR-based examples.
Step 1: Choose Your Broker (DEGIRO, Interactive Brokers, Trade Republic)
What to do: Select a broker that allows EU/EEA residents to access US stock markets. DEGIRO, Interactive Brokers, and Trade Republic are all regulated, widely available to Europeans, and offer direct trading in US shares.
- DEGIRO: Low fees, simple interface, broad market access. Register here.
- Interactive Brokers: Advanced platform, best for large trades or frequent investing. Register here.
- Trade Republic: App-based, commission-free trading, ideal for beginners. Register here.
Why it matters: Not all brokers offer access to US stocks or support for EU residents. Choosing a regulated, reputable broker keeps your investments safe and compliant.
What can go wrong: Some brokers charge hidden fees, offer poor currency conversion rates, or restrict US stock access for certain nationalities. Always check fee schedules and supported markets before signing up.
Pro Tip
Check if your chosen broker supports fractional shares. This lets you buy, for example, €50 of Apple—even if the full share costs over $150.
Step 2: Complete Registration and Verify Your Identity
What to do: Sign up on your chosen broker’s website or app. You’ll be asked for:
- Personal details (name, date of birth, nationality)
- Proof of identity (passport, national ID)
- Proof of address (bank statement, utility bill—usually no older than 3 months)
- Tax identification number (TIN)—for anti-money laundering and tax reporting
Why it matters: EU financial regulations (MiFID II, AMLD) require brokers to verify your identity and tax status. This protects you and prevents fraud.
What can go wrong: If your documents are blurry, expired, or do not match your registration details, your account may be rejected or delayed. Make sure your address matches your bank account and ID.
Step 3: Fund Your Account in EUR
What to do: Once your account is approved, transfer euros from your bank account to your broker. Each platform has slightly different steps:
- DEGIRO: Go to "Deposit/Withdraw" → "Deposit Funds". You’ll get a unique IBAN for your account. Make a SEPA transfer from your bank. Funds usually arrive same or next business day.
- Interactive Brokers: In Client Portal, select "Transfer & Pay" → "Transfer Funds" → "Make a Deposit". Choose "Bank Wire (SEPA)" and follow the instructions. Minimum deposit: typically €2,000, but this can vary.
- Trade Republic: Tap "Account" → "Deposit". Use the provided IBAN for SEPA transfer. Funds usually arrive within 1–2 business days.
Why it matters: Depositing in EUR avoids extra conversion fees at this stage. Most brokers offer EUR accounts for EU residents.
What can go wrong: Depositing from a third-party account (not in your name) can cause delays or rejection due to anti-money laundering rules. Always use your own bank account.
Pro Tip
If your broker charges high FX fees, consider using a multi-currency service (like Wise or Revolut) to convert EUR to USD at better rates, then fund your account in USD. Check your broker’s policy first.
Step 4: Complete the W-8BEN Form (US Tax Compliance)
What to do: Before you can buy US stocks, you must fill out the W-8BEN form. This notifies the US IRS that you’re a non-US investor, so you pay only 15% withholding tax on US dividends (not 30%).
- DEGIRO: You’ll be prompted to complete the W-8BEN electronically during account setup or before your first US stock purchase.
- Interactive Brokers: In Client Portal, go to "Settings" → "Account Settings" → "Tax Forms" → "W-8BEN". Complete the form online.
- Trade Republic: The W-8BEN is typically handled automatically during your onboarding. Double-check in "Account" → "Tax Information".
Why it matters: Without this form, you’ll pay double withholding tax on US dividends. Brokers are required to collect it for legal compliance.
What can go wrong: Incorrect or incomplete forms may block you from trading US stocks or result in higher tax withholding. Double-check your tax ID and residency status.
Step 5: Convert EUR to USD (If Needed)
What to do: US stocks are priced in USD, but most European brokers let you buy them with EUR. Here’s how each platform handles currency:
- DEGIRO: Converts EUR to USD automatically at the time of purchase, charging a small FX fee (typically 0.25% per trade as of 2026).
- Interactive Brokers: Lets you hold both EUR and USD. Convert EUR to USD in advance via "Convert Currency" for the best rates (often below 0.05%).
- Trade Republic: Handles currency conversion automatically when you buy US shares, with the FX fee included in the quoted price (typically 0.5%).
Example: If Apple trades at $175 and you buy 1 share, and the EUR/USD rate is 1.10, you’ll pay about €159.10 plus your broker’s FX fee.
Why it matters: FX fees can eat into your returns, especially on larger trades. Interactive Brokers usually offers the lowest FX costs for frequent/conscious investors.
What can go wrong: Not accounting for FX fees may lead to unexpected costs. Buying during volatile currency swings can also affect your effective price.
Pro Tip
With Interactive Brokers, you can set up currency conversion when rates are favourable, then buy US stocks from your USD balance later.
Step 6: Search and Buy US Tech Stocks
What to do: Use your broker’s search or trade function to find the stock you want. Examples:
- Apple Inc. (AAPL)
- Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL or GOOG)
- Microsoft Corp. (MSFT)
Platform-specific steps:
- DEGIRO: Use the search bar, enter the ticker (e.g., "AAPL"), select the NASDAQ listing, click "Buy", enter the number of shares or EUR amount, choose order type (market or limit), and confirm.
- Interactive Brokers: In Client Portal or TWS, search for the ticker, select the NASDAQ or NYSE listing, click "Buy", set quantity (you can use fractional shares), choose order type, review FX conversion if prompted, and submit the order.
- Trade Republic: Tap "Search", enter the stock name or ticker, tap the stock, choose "Buy", enter amount in EUR or number of shares, review the summary (including FX rate and fees), and swipe to confirm.
Expected outcome: You should see your new US stock appear in your portfolio within seconds (Trade Republic) or minutes (DEGIRO/Interactive Brokers). The value will be shown in EUR.
Why it matters: Confirming the ticker and exchange avoids buying the wrong share class (e.g., Alphabet has both GOOGL and GOOG).
What can go wrong: Placing a market order during volatile hours may result in unexpected prices. Double-check the ticker and review your order before confirming.
Step 7: Monitor, Report, and Understand Taxes
What to do: After purchase, monitor your holdings in your broker’s app or web portal. For tax purposes, keep records of all trades, dividends, and FX conversions.
- Dividend tax: US dividends are taxed at 15% withholding (with W-8BEN), credited automatically. You may owe additional tax in your home country—report this per your national rules.
- Capital gains: Profits from selling US stocks are taxed only in your home country—no US capital gains tax for EU investors.
Why it matters: Failing to report foreign income can lead to penalties. Keep annual statements from your broker for tax filing.
What can go wrong: Some brokers do not provide tax reports tailored for your country. You may need to calculate and declare gains manually.
Pro Tip
Set up portfolio notifications in your broker’s app to track price changes, dividend payments, or large FX moves automatically.
Common Mistakes When Buying US Stocks from Europe
- Forgetting to complete the W-8BEN form, resulting in double US dividend withholding
- Ignoring FX fees, which reduce your effective returns
- Using market orders during US pre-market/after-hours, leading to poor execution prices
- Buying the wrong share class (e.g., GOOGL vs. GOOG)
- Not keeping tax records for local reporting
- Assuming all brokers are equally cheap—fees vary widely!
Next Steps
You’ve now completed a real, step-by-step purchase of US tech stocks from Europe. To deepen your skills, explore platform-specific guides like our Interactive Brokers tutorial for Europeans or learn about core ETF strategies in IWDA ETF Explained: A Core Building Block for European Investors. For motivation and tips on avoiding common pitfalls, see why European investors quit their ETF plans early.
Remember: Always review your broker’s fee schedule and tax reporting guides. Investing in US stocks from Europe is straightforward—but success comes from staying informed and disciplined.
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.