Before You Start
- Be at least 18 years old and a resident of a supported European country
- Have a valid passport or national ID (for identity verification)
- Access to your bank account for SEPA transfers
- Basic understanding of ETFs and investment risks
Time needed: 30–60 minutes for initial setup, 10 minutes for your first ETF purchase
What you'll need: Smartphone or computer, internet access, personal identification, a bank account, and a small amount of EUR (e.g., €100+)
Ready to buy your first ETF as a European investor? In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to buy an ETF on DEGIRO—from account setup to your first purchase, using the popular Vanguard FTSE All-World UCITS ETF (VWCE) as our example. Every step is explained, with actionable details and EUR-based examples.
Step 1: Open and Verify Your DEGIRO Account
What to do: Visit the official DEGIRO website and click “Open an Account.” Fill in your personal details, upload your ID, and connect your European bank account (SEPA zone only).
- Email verification: Check your inbox for a verification email and follow the link.
- ID verification: Upload a clear photo or scan of your passport or national ID card.
- Bank connection: You’ll need to make a small transfer (as little as €0.01) from your personal bank account to link it for withdrawals and deposits.
Why it matters: European regulations (MiFID II, AMLD) require KYC (Know Your Customer) checks. Linking your bank ensures that only you can deposit and withdraw funds, protecting your assets.
What can go wrong: Common issues include blurry ID uploads, mismatched names (ensure your DEGIRO and bank account names match), or unsupported residency. Contact DEGIRO support if you’re stuck.
Pro Tip
Use your full legal name and ensure your address matches your official documents for a smoother verification process.
Step 2: Fund Your DEGIRO Account in EUR
What to do: Once your account is open and verified, log in and navigate to “Deposit/Withdraw.” Select “Deposit,” choose “Bank Transfer (SEPA),” and follow the instructions. Transfer your desired amount (e.g., €500) from your linked bank account to your DEGIRO IBAN reference.
Why it matters: DEGIRO only allows trading with cleared funds. Bank transfers within SEPA are typically free and arrive within 1–2 business days.
What can go wrong: Depositing from an unlinked or third-party account will be rejected. Double-check the DEGIRO reference code in your transfer description, or your funds may be delayed.
Pro Tip
Start with a modest amount (e.g., €100–€500) to get comfortable. You can always add more once you’re confident with the platform.
Step 3: Search for a UCITS ETF (e.g., VWCE)
What to do: In your DEGIRO dashboard, use the search bar at the top. Enter the ETF’s name or ISIN—for VWCE, type “VWCE” or “IE00BK5BQT80”. Select Vanguard FTSE All-World UCITS ETF (EUR Accumulating) from the list. Confirm the listing is on the XETRA or Euronext exchange and denominated in EUR.
Why it matters: UCITS ETFs are specifically designed for European investors, meeting strict EU regulations for investor protection and tax efficiency. VWCE is a popular “all-in-one” ETF suitable for euro-based portfolios.
What can go wrong: Some ETFs have similar names or multiple listings in different currencies. Always double-check the ISIN and currency: for VWCE, it should be IE00BK5BQT80 and traded in EUR.
Pro Tip
To learn more about the differences between accumulating and distributing ETFs, see our comprehensive guide on ETF distribution policies.
Step 4: Place a Buy Order for Your ETF
What to do: On the ETF’s profile page, click “Buy.” You’ll see an order form with these fields:
- Quantity: Number of shares (e.g., 1 or 2). VWCE trades around €110–€120 per share in 2026, so plan your amount accordingly.
- Order Type: Choose “Limit” (recommended for beginners) or “Market.” For a limit order, specify the maximum price you’re willing to pay per share (e.g., €120.00).
- Validity: Choose “Day” (order expires end of day) or “GTC” (Good Till Cancelled).
Review the order details, check the estimated cost including DEGIRO’s low commission (typically €2.00 + 0.03%, but check DEGIRO’s official fee schedule). Click “Place Order.”
Why it matters: Limit orders protect you from sudden price spikes. Market orders execute instantly but may fill at a higher price in volatile markets.
What can go wrong: Placing a market order during high volatility could result in a purchase above your target price. If your limit order is too low, it may not execute at all.
Pro Tip
Check trading hours for your chosen exchange (e.g., XETRA: 09:00–17:30 CET) to ensure prompt execution.
Expected outcome: After execution, you should see “VWCE” listed in your portfolio, with the number of shares and current EUR value. For example, if you bought 2 shares at €119 each, your portfolio will show approximately €238 invested in VWCE (excluding fees).
Step 5: Check and Safely Store Your ETF Investment
What to do: Go to the “Portfolio” tab to verify your ETF holding. Click on VWCE to see details: purchase price, current value, and performance. Your assets are held in a segregated custody account by DEGIRO’s custodian, separate from DEGIRO’s own balance sheet.
Why it matters: Segregated custody protects your investments if DEGIRO encounters financial trouble. You can sell or transfer your ETFs at any time.
What can go wrong: If you don’t see your ETF after 1–2 business days, check for pending orders or contact support. Always enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for extra account security.
Pro Tip
Download monthly account statements and keep records for tax reporting. Each EU country has different rules on ETF taxation.
Common Mistakes When Buying ETFs on DEGIRO
- Buying the wrong ETF: Always double-check the ISIN and currency. For global diversification, verify you’re buying the correct UCITS version (e.g., VWCE, not VWRL or a US-domiciled ETF).
- Ignoring fees: Small commissions add up, especially for frequent trades. DEGIRO’s “core selection” includes some free ETFs, but VWCE is usually not included.
- Using market orders blindly: In volatile markets, market orders can fill at unexpected prices. Use limit orders to control your entry price.
- Not diversifying: Don’t put all your funds into a single ETF unless you’ve researched its composition. For a broader portfolio, see our ETF portfolio blueprint for 2026.
- Forgetting tax implications: Each country taxes ETF gains differently. Keep detailed records and consult local tax guidelines.
Next Steps: Growing Your ETF Portfolio
Congratulations—your first ETF investment is complete! To build a robust, long-term portfolio, consider:
- Automating monthly contributions for euro-cost averaging
- Adding bond ETFs for stability—see how to pick the best bond ETFs for Europeans
- Reviewing your asset allocation and rebalancing annually (see our ETF rebalancing guide)
- Staying informed about ETF distributions (see the latest VWCE payout update)
- Reading up on dividend traps in high-yield ETFs before chasing returns
For a simple, automated approach using just three funds, check out our step-by-step EUR ETF portfolio guide.
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.