Before You Start
- You must be a resident of a country supported by Trade Republic or DEGIRO (most EU countries).
- You need a valid government-issued photo ID (passport or national ID card) for identity verification.
- Have a European SEPA bank account in your name for funding your broker account.
- Decide which UCITS ETF you want to buy (e.g., Vanguard FTSE All-World UCITS ETF – ISIN: IE00BK5BQT80, ticker: VWCE).
- Understand your risk tolerance and investment budget (for this tutorial, we’ll use €500 as an example).
Time needed: 30–60 minutes (including account setup and first ETF purchase)
What you'll need: Smartphone or computer, internet access, photo ID, SEPA bank account, access to Trade Republic or DEGIRO
Looking to invest in ETFs from Europe in 2026? This guide walks you, step by step, through buying your first UCITS ETF—like the popular VWCE—using Trade Republic or DEGIRO. All instructions and examples use euros, and every step is verified for real-world accuracy. You'll learn not just how to buy, but also why each step matters, so you build confidence as an investor.
Step 1: Open and Verify Your Broker Account
What to do:
Choose either Trade Republic or DEGIRO (both support residents in most EU countries). Start the registration process on their website or app:
- Enter your personal details (name, address, date of birth, contact info).
- Complete identity verification with your national ID or passport (usually via a video call or secure upload).
- Link your SEPA bank account for deposits and withdrawals.
Why it matters:
Regulations require all brokers to verify your identity and bank details. This protects you and ensures compliance with EU anti-money laundering laws.
What can go wrong:
Your account application may be delayed or rejected if your ID scan is blurry, your address doesn’t match your ID, or your bank account name differs from your registration details. Double-check all information before submitting.
Pro Tip
If you want a direct comparison of these brokers for European investors, see Trade Republic, DEGIRO, or Interactive Brokers: Which Is Best for European Value Stock Investors in 2026?
Step 2: Fund Your Account with Euros
What to do:
Once your account is approved, log in and locate the Deposit or Fund Account section.
- Trade Republic: Tap Profile → Deposit Money. Use the provided IBAN to transfer funds from your SEPA account. Minimum deposit is typically €10.
- DEGIRO: Go to Deposit/Withdraw Funds → Deposit Money. Select “Bank Transfer” and use the DEGIRO IBAN and reference code provided. Minimum deposit is usually €0.01, but start with at least €100–€500 for your first ETF purchase.
Why it matters:
You can only buy ETFs with settled cash in your broker account. Transfers from a SEPA account are usually free and arrive within 1–2 business days.
What can go wrong:
If you forget to include your unique reference code (especially with DEGIRO), your deposit may be delayed. Always double-check the transfer details.
Pro Tip
Deposit slightly more than your planned investment (e.g., €510 for a €500 ETF purchase) to cover fees and ensure your order isn’t rejected for insufficient funds.
Step 3: Search for Your Chosen ETF (e.g., VWCE)
What to do:
Use the platform’s search function to find your ETF by ISIN (recommended for accuracy):
- VWCE ISIN: IE00BK5BQT80
- Trade Republic: Tap the Search icon, enter “VWCE” or the ISIN, and select the correct ETF (check for “Vanguard FTSE All-World UCITS ETF”).
- DEGIRO: Use the search bar at the top, type “VWCE” or “IE00BK5BQT80”, and confirm the ETF details (name, ISIN, exchange—XETRA is the most common).
Why it matters:
Many ETFs have similar names or multiple listings. Using the ISIN ensures you’re buying the right fund, especially when investing for the long term.
What can go wrong:
Buying the wrong ETF (e.g., a distributing instead of accumulating version) or one listed in a different currency. Always double-check the ISIN, exchange, and fund currency (should be EUR for this tutorial).
Step 4: Choose the Right Order Type
What to do:
After selecting your ETF, you’ll see options to place an order. The two most common order types:
- Market Order: Buys immediately at the best current price.
- Limit Order: Buys only if the price falls to (or below) a price you set.
- Trade Republic: Tap Buy, enter the amount (e.g., €500), and choose Market Order for speed or Limit Order to control your price.
- DEGIRO: Click Buy, set quantity or investment amount, then select Market or Limit order. For beginners, Market Order is usually simplest for liquid ETFs like VWCE.
Why it matters:
Order type affects the price you pay. Market orders are fast but can be slightly more expensive in volatile markets. Limit orders give you more control but may not execute immediately.
What can go wrong:
A Market Order during illiquid hours (outside 9:00–17:30 CET for XETRA) may get a worse price. A Limit Order set too low may never execute.
Pro Tip
For most first-time ETF purchases, a Market Order during main exchange hours is safe and efficient. Only use Limit Orders if you’re confident about pricing and patient enough to wait for fills.
Step 5: Place Your Order and Review Fees
What to do:
Enter your investment amount (e.g., €500), review the order summary, and check the estimated fees:
- Trade Republic: Typically €1 flat fee per ETF purchase. Some ETFs are free via savings plans, but one-off purchases incur the fee.
- DEGIRO: Fees vary by exchange and ETF. VWCE on XETRA is usually €2.00 + €1 external costs, but check the latest DEGIRO fee schedule.
Confirm your order. The platform may prompt you to verify with a PIN or biometric authentication.
Why it matters:
Knowing the exact cost helps you avoid surprises and ensures you invest your intended amount after fees.
What can go wrong:
Neglecting to review fees may eat into your returns, especially for small investments. Placing an order without reviewing can lead to unintentional purchases.
Step 6: Confirm Your First ETF Purchase
What to do:
After placing your order, check your portfolio or transaction history:
- Trade Republic: Tap Portfolio to see your new ETF position. Tap on the ETF for details (number of shares, purchase price, total value).
- DEGIRO: Go to Portfolio to view your ETF holding. Click on the ETF to see execution details (price, quantity, date/time).
Expected outcome:
You should now see your first ETF purchase confirmed with a value close to €500 (minus fees). The number of ETF units may be fractional (e.g., 3.21 shares), which is normal for both platforms.
Why it matters:
Verifying your purchase ensures your order was executed correctly, and you can track your investment’s performance from day one.
What can go wrong:
If your order is not filled (e.g., a Limit Order set too low), you’ll see it as “open” or “pending.” Market Orders during off-hours may be delayed until the next trading session.
Pro Tip
Set a calendar reminder to check your portfolio in a week and again in a month. Monitoring your first investment helps you build good habits and confidence.
Common Mistakes When Buying Your First ETF
- Using the wrong ISIN or ETF variant: Always double-check you’re buying the accumulating (not distributing) and EUR-listed version if that’s your goal.
- Forgetting about fees: Small investments can be disproportionately affected by fixed fees. Know the cost for each trade.
- Placing orders outside exchange hours: This can lead to higher execution prices or delayed orders. Trade during XETRA hours (09:00–17:30 CET) for best results.
- Not funding the account early enough: Transfers can take 1–2 days. Fund your account before you want to invest, especially if markets are volatile.
- Not recording your transactions: Save your trade confirmations for tax and personal records.
- Overcomplicating your first purchase: Keep it simple with a single ETF and a basic Market Order for your first time.
Next Steps: Automate and Diversify
Congratulations! You’ve completed your first ETF purchase with euros on a leading European platform. To build on your progress:
- Consider setting up a monthly savings plan (DCA): Both Trade Republic and DEGIRO offer automated investing. Read How to Automate Your ETF Investing in Europe: Monthly DCA With Trade Republic and DEGIRO for a detailed walkthrough.
- Review your investment goals and risk tolerance annually.
- Explore other asset classes or ETFs once you’re comfortable.
- Keep learning: If you want a hands-off approach, see The Complete 2026 Guide to European Robo-Advisors for alternatives.
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.