Step-by-Step: How to Buy a UCITS ETF in 2026 Using Trade Republic or DEGIRO

If you’re looking for a practical guide on how to buy UCITS ETF Europe, you’re in the right place. This tutorial walks you through every stage—from setting up your account, to picking a real ETF (like VWCE), to placing your first order on Trade Republic and DEGIRO—with clear EUR-based examples and actionable tips for EU investors. You’ll also learn how to avoid common mistakes and understand the “why” behind each step.

Not sure which broker fits you? See our comparison of top brokers for tax-optimized ETF investing.

Step 1: Choose Your Platform and Register

What to do: Decide between Trade Republic and DEGIRO, then create your brokerage account.

• Trade Republic: Download the Trade Republic app (Android/iOS), tap “Sign Up”, and follow the prompts for email, phone, and identity verification (video-ID or photo-ID process).
• DEGIRO: Go to DEGIRO’s website, click “Open an Account”, and complete the online registration with your email, phone, and identity documents.

Why it matters: You need a verified broker account to access European stock exchanges and buy ETFs. European brokers like Trade Republic and DEGIRO are regulated and provide access to UCITS ETFs, which are specifically designed for EU investors and meet strict regulatory standards.

What can go wrong: Registration can be delayed if your ID scan is unclear or your personal information doesn’t match your bank records. Double-check your documents and make sure your name and address are consistent.

Step 2: Fund Your Account

What to do: Transfer EUR from your EU bank account to your broker account.

• Trade Republic: In the app, tap “Profile” → “Deposit”, copy your personal IBAN, and make a SEPA transfer from your bank. Minimum deposit is typically €10.
• DEGIRO: Log in, click “Deposit/Withdraw”, and follow the instructions to transfer EUR via SEPA. Minimum deposit is €0.01, but €50+ is recommended for your first ETF trade.

Why it matters: You can’t buy ETFs until your account is funded. SEPA transfers within the EU are usually free and arrive within 1 business day.

What can go wrong: Sending money from a third-party or joint account can cause delays or rejections. Always transfer from an account in your own name.

Step 3: Search for a UCITS ETF (e.g., VWCE)

What to do: Use the broker’s search tool to find your chosen ETF. For this tutorial, we’ll use Vanguard FTSE All-World UCITS ETF (VWCE), a popular EUR-denominated ETF.

• VWCE’s ISIN (unique identifier): IE00BK5BQT80

• Trade Republic: Tap “Search”, type “VWCE”, and select “Vanguard FTSE All-World UCITS ETF”.
• DEGIRO: Use the top search bar, enter “VWCE” or the ISIN, and select the ETF from the results (ensure it lists “XETRA” as the exchange and “EUR” as the currency).

Why it matters: UCITS ETFs are structured for EU investors, offering regulatory protection and tax efficiency. Always confirm you’re picking the correct ISIN; many ETFs have similar names but different legal structures or currencies.

What can go wrong: Accidentally choosing a non-UCITS or non-EUR ETF can lead to tax or regulatory issues. Always double-check the ISIN and “UCITS” in the product name.

Step 4: Review the ETF Details

What to do: Check the ETF facts before you buy:

• ISIN: Must match your research (e.g., IE00BK5BQT80 for VWCE).
• Exchange: Prefer XETRA (EUR) for broad liquidity and low spreads.
• Ongoing Charges: For VWCE, the total expense ratio (TER) is 0.22% per year.
• Distribution: “Accumulating” means dividends are reinvested (no payouts); “Distributing” means you receive cash dividends.

Why it matters: Even a small mismatch (wrong ISIN or currency) can affect your returns or tax situation.

What can go wrong: Some platforms show multiple listings for the same ETF (different exchanges/currencies). Always choose the EUR version on a major EU exchange (e.g., XETRA).

Step 5: Place Your Order (Buy the ETF)

What to do: Choose your order type, enter the amount, and confirm the trade.

• Trade Republic:
  • On the ETF page, tap “Buy”.
  • Enter the amount in EUR (e.g., €100).
  • Select “Market Order” (executes at current price) or “Limit Order” (executes at your set price).
  • Confirm the purchase with your PIN/biometrics.
• DEGIRO:
  • Click “Buy” on the ETF page.
  • Choose between “Market” (executes immediately) and “Limit” (you set the price) orders.
  • Enter the number of shares or total EUR amount (DEGIRO may round to whole shares).
  • Confirm and review the order summary before submitting.

Why it matters: Market orders are quick but can suffer from price swings in volatile periods. Limit orders give you more control but may not execute immediately.

What can go wrong: Placing a large market order during low liquidity (e.g., outside XETRA trading hours) can result in a worse price (“slippage”).

Step 6: Check Costs and Confirm Your Purchase

What to do: Review the transaction costs before submitting:

• Trade Republic: Charges a fixed €1 fee per trade (as of 2026). ETF savings plans (monthly auto-invest) are often free for select ETFs.
• DEGIRO: ETF trades from the “core selection” (includes VWCE) are commission-free once per month; other ETFs cost €2–€3 per trade + small external fees (€0.50–€1).

Expected outcome: You should now see your first ETF purchase confirmed in your portfolio, with a value close to your invested amount minus fees (e.g., you invest €100, Trade Republic shows €99 invested after €1 fee).

Why it matters: Understanding costs helps you avoid unnecessary charges and optimize your investment returns.

What can go wrong: Ignoring fees can erode your returns, especially if you trade often or invest small amounts.

Step 7: Store and Track Your Investment

What to do: After your order executes, check your portfolio overview:

• Trade Republic: Tap “Portfolio” to see your ETF position, current value, and performance.
• DEGIRO: Click “Portfolio” to track your holdings, value, and profit/loss.

Why it matters: Regularly reviewing your portfolio helps you stay on top of your investments, dividends, and performance.

What can go wrong: Forgetting to check your holdings could mean missing corporate actions, distributions, or changes in ETF status (e.g., closures, mergers).

Common Mistakes When Buying UCITS ETFs in Europe

• Buying non-UCITS or non-EUR ETFs: Always verify ISIN and product type. Non-UCITS ETFs may not be available to EU investors or can cause tax headaches.
• Misusing order types: Placing large market orders outside trading hours can result in poor pricing. Use limit orders if you want price protection.
• Overlooking fees: Frequent trading or using non-core ETFs on DEGIRO can rack up costs.
• Ignoring tax implications: Different ETFs have different tax treatments. Keep records and consult your national tax authority or advisor.
• Not cross-checking ETF details: Always double-check ISIN, exchange, and currency to avoid buying the wrong ETF.

Next Steps

Congratulations—you’ve made your first UCITS ETF purchase as a European investor! If you want to deepen your knowledge, read our complete beginner’s guide to investing in European ETFs or explore ETF comparisons like IWDA vs. CSPX for building a diversified portfolio.

Remember to:

• Review your portfolio regularly for rebalancing needs.
• Consider automating investments via savings plans (Trade Republic) or regular manual purchases (DEGIRO).
• Stay informed about changes in ETF regulation and tax rules in your country.

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.