Step-by-Step: How to Buy US Stocks from Europe in 2026

Wondering how to buy US stocks from Europe in 2026? The process is more accessible than ever, but you must navigate European regulations, currency conversion, and tax rules. This guide walks you through every step, using real EUR-based examples and platform screens for Trade Republic and DEGIRO—two of the most popular brokers for European investors.

Step 1: Choose a Broker That Offers US Stocks to Europeans

What to do: Select a brokerage that (a) is legally available in your country, (b) provides access to US stocks, and (c) complies with European regulations like PRIIPs.

• Trade Republic: Simple mobile-first interface, zero-commission trading, available in most EU countries.
• DEGIRO: Web-based, low fees, wide international coverage, including US exchanges.

Why it matters: Not all brokers allow EU residents to access US stocks due to EU regulations (especially PRIIPs for ETFs and KIDs for stocks). Using a registered EU broker ensures legal compliance and investor protection.

What can go wrong: Using a non-EU broker may lock your funds, cause tax headaches, or even violate local law. Some brokers block access to US ETFs due to missing KIDs (Key Information Documents).

Step 2: Register and Verify Your Account

What to do: Complete the broker’s onboarding process. This generally involves:

• Filling in your personal information
• Uploading your ID and proof of address
• Completing a short investor questionnaire (risk profile)

Trade Republic: Download the app, tap "Sign Up," and follow the prompts for ID verification (using your phone camera). Approval usually takes less than 24 hours.

DEGIRO: Register on the website, upload documents, and link your bank account. Verification may take 1–2 business days.

Why it matters: EU law (AML, KYC) requires brokers to verify your identity. This protects both you and the broker from fraud and money laundering.

What can go wrong: Blurry photos or mismatched addresses delay approval. Make sure your documents are up to date and your name matches your bank account.

Step 3: Fund Your Brokerage Account in EUR

What to do: Transfer euros from your bank account to your broker. Both Trade Republic and DEGIRO accept EUR transfers from accounts in your name.

Trade Republic: Tap "Profile" → "Deposit" to see your unique IBAN. Use a SEPA transfer from your bank. Funds usually appear within 1–2 business days.

DEGIRO: Go to "Deposit/Withdraw" → "Deposit Money" and follow the SEPA transfer instructions. DEGIRO requires the first deposit to come from your verified bank account for security reasons.

Why it matters: Funding in EUR avoids unnecessary conversion fees. You can only buy US stocks once your account is funded.

What can go wrong: Sending funds from a joint or third-party account may result in delays or rejections. Always use your personal bank account, and double-check the IBAN.

Step 4: Understand EUR/USD Conversion and Withholding Tax

What to do: Learn how your broker handles currency conversion and US dividend tax withholding before you buy.

• Currency conversion: Both Trade Republic and DEGIRO convert EUR to USD automatically when you buy a US stock. You’ll pay a small conversion fee (typically 0.25%–0.30%).
• US dividend withholding tax: US dividends are subject to a 30% default withholding tax. Most EU brokers let you submit a W-8BEN form to reduce this to 15% under the US-EU tax treaty.

Trade Republic: The EUR amount is converted to USD at the time of purchase, and you see the total including the FX fee before confirming.

DEGIRO: EUR is converted to USD automatically; you can see the current FX rate in the order preview.

Why it matters: Currency movements affect your returns. Also, submitting the W-8BEN form ensures you don’t overpay US taxes on dividends.

What can go wrong: Forgetting to submit the W-8BEN means you pay 30% tax on US dividends instead of 15%. Exchange rates can fluctuate—always check the rate before confirming a trade.

Step 5: Place Your First US Stock Trade (with Platform Screens)

What to do: Search for a US-listed stock and place a buy order. Here’s how it works on both platforms, using Apple Inc. (AAPL) as an example and a €500 investment.

On Trade Republic

1. Open the app and tap the magnifying glass to search for "Apple" or "AAPL".
2. Select "Apple Inc." from the results.
3. Tap "Buy".
4. Enter the amount in EUR (e.g., €500). The app shows the estimated number of shares and the current EUR/USD rate including fees.
5. Review the order summary—check the FX fee and the total EUR amount.
6. Swipe to confirm purchase.

You should now see your Apple shares in your portfolio, with the value in EUR.

On DEGIRO

1. Log in and enter "AAPL" or "Apple" in the search bar.
2. Click on "Apple Inc." in the US (NASDAQ) section.
3. Click "Buy".
4. Enter the number of shares or the EUR amount you wish to invest (use the calculator to estimate shares based on the current price and FX rate).
5. Choose "Market" or "Limit" order (limit is safer for volatile stocks).
6. Review the order summary—ensure the conversion rate and fees are visible.
7. Click "Place Order".

Your order will execute instantly during US market hours. You’ll see the new shares and the EUR equivalent in your portfolio overview.

Sample calculation: If the Apple share price is $200 and the EUR/USD rate is 1.10, €500 buys approximately 2.27 shares (after a 0.25% FX fee). Expect to see a small rounding difference due to partial shares (Trade Republic supports fractional shares; DEGIRO does not as of 2026).

Step 6: Review Fees and Confirm Your Trade

What to do: Always check the final fee breakdown before confirming. Typical fees include:

• Trade Republic: €1 per trade (all-in, including FX fees for most trades)
• DEGIRO: €2–€3 per US stock trade + 0.25% currency conversion fee

Both platforms show the total EUR amount and all fees in the order preview. After execution, you receive a trade confirmation by email and in your account dashboard.

Expected outcome: Your portfolio now shows your US stock holdings, valued in EUR. You can track performance and dividends directly in the app or web interface.

Step 7: Report Your US Stock Holdings for Taxes

What to do: Keep track of your trades and dividends for your country’s tax authorities. In most EU countries, you must declare:

• Capital gains (when you sell US shares)
• Dividends received (even if US tax was withheld)

Both brokers provide annual tax statements in EUR, which you can use for your tax return. You may be able to claim a foreign tax credit for the 15% US withholding tax already paid.

Why it matters: Failing to report foreign assets can result in fines. Each country has different rules—consult your local tax office or a tax advisor if unsure.

What can go wrong: Missing the tax deadline or underreporting income can trigger audits and penalties. Always download your annual statements and keep digital backups.

Common Mistakes When Buying US Stocks from Europe

• Not submitting the W-8BEN form, resulting in higher US dividend tax
• Overlooking currency conversion fees, which can erode returns
• Using a broker that does not comply with PRIIPs, risking blocked trades
• Failing to declare holdings and dividends to your tax authority
• Sending funds from a third-party account, which delays setup
• Assuming all brokers support fractional shares (e.g., DEGIRO does not as of 2026)

Next Steps

• Explore additional US stocks or ETFs (check for KIDs if buying ETFs)
• Consider setting up a recurring investment plan (“Savings Plan” in Trade Republic)
• Review your broker’s educational resources for advanced trading features
• Monitor exchange rates if you plan large or regular investments
• Stay updated on tax law changes in your country regarding foreign investments

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.