Before You Start
- At least one parent or legal guardian must have valid identification and proof of residence in an EU/EEA country.
- Your child must have a valid birth certificate and, in some countries, a tax identification number (TIN).
- Check your country’s rules for the minimum age for junior accounts and required documentation.
- Research which brokers allow junior accounts for your country of residence.
- Have access to a stable internet connection and a secure device for registration.
Time needed: 1–2 hours for setup, plus time for research and document collection.
What you'll need: Parent ID, child’s ID/birth certificate, proof of address, email address, bank account in EUR.
Setting up a junior investment account in Europe is one of the most powerful moves you can make for your child's financial future. This guide provides a step-by-step process for parents in the EU, with actionable instructions for popular brokers like DEGIRO, Trade Republic, and Interactive Brokers. You’ll also get country-specific notes, EUR-based examples, and key tax considerations for 2026.
If you’re interested in the bigger picture of family wealth and financial independence, see The 2026 Blueprint: How to Achieve Financial Independence as a European Family.
Step 1: Understand Junior Investment Account Types in the EU
What to do: Decide which type of junior account fits your family’s goals and local regulations.
- Custodial Accounts (most common): Assets are held in the child’s name, but a parent/guardian manages them until the child reaches the age of majority (typically 18 or 21, depending on the country).
- Trust Accounts: Less common and more complex, these are often used for larger sums or special inheritance planning.
- Tax-Advantaged Accounts: Some countries (e.g., France’s Plan d'Épargne en Actions Jeune, Belgium’s Junior Investment Account) offer special tax incentives.
Why it matters: The account type affects tax treatment, who controls the assets, and when your child gains access.
What can go wrong: Choosing the wrong account type could mean higher taxes, less flexibility, or loss of parental control at a critical age.
Pro Tip
Check if your country offers a tax-advantaged junior account—these can save thousands in taxes over time. If not, a standard custodial brokerage account is widely available.
Step 2: Compare Broker Options Available in Europe (2026 Edition)
What to do: Research which online brokers support junior accounts in your country and compare their features.
- DEGIRO: Available in most EU countries. As of 2026, allows junior accounts (minimum age: 0, parent as legal representative). See their official Help Center.
- Trade Republic: Now offers junior accounts in Germany, Austria, France, Spain, and the Netherlands. Minimum deposit: €1. See official support.
- Interactive Brokers (IBKR): Supports junior accounts for most EU residents. Allows multi-currency and fractional investing. Minimum initial deposit: €0. See official documentation.
Why it matters: Not all brokers support junior accounts, and fees, investment products, and user experience vary widely.
What can go wrong: Some brokers refuse non-resident applications or have hidden fees for minors. Always confirm eligibility before starting registration.
Pro Tip
Test each broker’s app or demo account yourself before opening a real junior account. This ensures you’re comfortable managing investments for your child.
Step 3: Gather Required Documents
What to do: Prepare all documents needed for account opening.
- Parent/legal guardian ID (passport or national ID card)
- Child’s birth certificate or national ID
- Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement, or government letter, usually less than 3 months old)
- Tax Identification Numbers (TIN) for both parent and child (required in many EU countries and by all brokers)
- Bank account details (in EUR, in the parent’s or child’s name)
Why it matters: Missing or mismatched documents are the most common reason for account rejection or delays.
What can go wrong: Some countries require additional forms (e.g., proof of parental authority, translated documents). Always check your broker’s country-specific requirements before applying.
Pro Tip
If you’re divorced or separated, some brokers require consent from both parents. Prepare this in advance to avoid delays.
Step 4: Register and Verify Your Junior Account
What to do: Complete the broker’s application process for a junior account.
- DEGIRO: Visit degiro.eu, click “Open an Account”, select “Junior Account” and follow the prompts. Upload all documents and complete video identification if prompted.
- Trade Republic: Open the app, tap “Profile”, then “Add Child Account”. Upload documents, record a short video selfie, and link your EUR bank account.
- Interactive Brokers: Go to interactivebrokers.eu, select “Individual” → “Minor Account”, and follow the step-by-step application. Use the secure upload portal for documents.
Why it matters: Proper verification is required by EU anti-money laundering laws. Delays here can stall your investment plan.
What can go wrong: Poor photo quality, expired documents, or typos in names cause most rejections. Triple-check before submitting.
Pro Tip
Use a scanner or high-resolution camera for document uploads—avoid dark or blurry photos.
Step 5: Fund the Account and Set Up an Investment Plan
What to do: Transfer EUR to the new junior account and start investing for your child’s future.
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Minimum Deposit Examples (2026):
- DEGIRO: €0 minimum, but transfer at least €100 for your first investment.
- Trade Republic: €1 minimum for savings plans.
- Interactive Brokers: €0 minimum, but consider €50+ for ETF purchases.
- Investment Plan Example: Set up a monthly ETF savings plan in EUR.
Trade Republic: In the app, tap “Portfolio” → “Savings Plan” → “Select ETF”. For example, choose “iShares Core MSCI World UCITS ETF (IE00B4L5Y983)”, set amount to €25/month, and confirm.
DEGIRO: Go to “Products” → “ETFs” → Search for “Vanguard FTSE All-World UCITS ETF (IE00B3RBWM25)”. Place a buy order for €100 and select “Custody” account type.
Interactive Brokers: From the dashboard, search for “Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets UCITS ETF (IE00BTJRMP35)”, enter amount (e.g., €50), and select “Buy”.
Expected outcome: You should now see your first ETF purchase or savings plan confirmed in your child’s portfolio, with a value of approximately your invested amount in EUR.
Pro Tip
Automate monthly transfers from your bank to the junior account to build wealth consistently—compound growth works best with regular contributions.
Step 6: Learn About Taxation and Reporting Rules (Country-Specific)
What to do: Check your country’s tax laws for junior accounts and investment income.
- Germany: Each child has a tax-free allowance for investment income (€1,200 in 2026). Income above this is taxed at the child’s rate.
- France: The Plan d'Épargne en Actions Jeune offers tax benefits. Otherwise, interest/dividends may be taxed at 12.8% (flat tax).
- Netherlands: Parents must declare the child’s assets on their own wealth tax return until the child turns 18.
- Belgium: No capital gains tax for individuals, but dividends may be taxed.
- General EU rule: Parents are usually responsible for reporting and paying any taxes due on the account.
Why it matters: Failing to report income or exceeding gift thresholds can trigger audits, fines, or loss of tax benefits.
What can go wrong: Tax laws change frequently. Always check with your tax authority or a professional for the latest rules.
Pro Tip
Keep a digital folder with annual account statements and all tax forms. This will save you hours during tax season and in case of an audit.
Step 7: Review and Update Your Plan Annually
What to do: Check your child’s investment account, contributions, and asset allocation at least once per year.
- Adjust savings amounts as your financial situation changes.
- Rebalance the portfolio if needed (e.g., shift from equities to bonds as your child nears adulthood).
- Track progress against your long-term goals (e.g., university fund, first home, travel).
Why it matters: Regular reviews keep your plan on track and help avoid costly mistakes or missed opportunities.
What can go wrong: Neglecting the account may result in suboptimal returns, excess risk, or missed tax deadlines.
Pro Tip
Involve your child in annual reviews once they’re old enough—this builds financial literacy and a sense of ownership.
Common Mistakes When Opening Junior Investment Accounts
- Choosing a broker that doesn’t serve your country or doesn’t support junior accounts
- Forgetting to report investment income on annual tax returns
- Investing in products with high fees or complex structures
- Not updating beneficiary or custodial information after life events (e.g., divorce, relocation)
- Missing out on country-specific tax advantages due to lack of research
Next Steps
- For a deeper dive into building tax-efficient portfolios for kids, read Investing for Kids: Setting Up Tax-Efficient Junior Portfolios in Europe for 2026.
- Want to optimize your family’s FIRE journey? See FIRE for Parents in Europe: Balancing Family Life With Financial Independence Goals.
- If you’re budgeting as a dual-income household, check out Budgeting for FIRE: How Dual-Income Households Can Maximize Savings in 2026.
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.