Before You Start
- Valid EU/EEA government-issued ID (passport, ID card, or residence permit)
- EU/EEA bank account in your name
- Smartphone (for app-based brokers like Trade Republic)
- Basic English (platforms/US stocks info usually in English)
- Understand that all investing involves risk, including currency risk
Time needed: 1–2 hours for account setup, then 5–10 minutes per trade
What you'll need: Access to a supported broker (Trade Republic, DEGIRO, or Interactive Brokers), internet connection, €100+ for your first investment
Want to access the world’s biggest stock market from Europe? Whether you’re interested in Apple, Microsoft, or the S&P 500, buying US stocks from Europe in 2026 is easier than ever—but there are crucial steps and pitfalls to know. This guide shows you exactly how to buy US stocks from Europe, with real EUR examples, a walkthrough for top brokers, and a clear explanation of taxes, FX, and costs.
Step 1: Choose a European Broker with US Market Access
What to do: Pick a regulated broker that lets Europeans buy US-listed stocks. Popular, trusted options are:
- Trade Republic (app-based, easy for beginners, Germany-based)
- DEGIRO (web/mobile, low fees, Netherlands-based)
- Interactive Brokers (IBKR) (web/mobile, advanced, UK/EU entities)
Why it matters: You can’t buy US stocks directly on EU exchanges. You need a broker that gives you access to US markets (NYSE, NASDAQ). Not all EU brokers offer this.
What can go wrong: Some neobrokers (e.g., Revolut, N26) offer limited US stocks, higher FX fees, or don’t provide real share ownership (just “synthetic” exposure).
Pro Tip
Check the broker’s fee schedule for “US stock trading” and “currency conversion.” Some brokers (like DEGIRO) charge lower commissions but add FX markups.
Step 2: Register and Pass KYC Verification
What to do: Sign up with your chosen broker. You’ll need to:
- Enter personal details (name, address, tax ID)
- Upload ID (passport/ID card) and sometimes proof of address
- Take a selfie (for ID verification on most apps)
Why it matters: EU anti-money laundering (AML) laws require brokers to verify your identity. This is called “Know Your Customer” (KYC).
What can go wrong: If your documents are unclear, expired, or your address doesn’t match your bank, registration may be delayed or rejected.
Pro Tip
Have your documents ready and use a well-lit, neutral background for ID photos. Registration is usually fastest on weekdays.
Step 3: Complete the US Tax Form (W-8BEN)
What to do: During sign-up, or before your first US stock purchase, your broker will ask you to fill in a W-8BEN form. This is a standard US tax document for non-US residents.
- On Trade Republic: You’ll see a prompt in-app after registering. Fill in your personal details and confirm tax residency.
- On DEGIRO: Go to “Profile” → “Tax” and complete the W-8BEN section.
- On IBKR: After registration, log in to Client Portal → Settings → Account Settings → Tax Forms → Complete W-8BEN.
Why it matters: The W-8BEN form ensures you get the correct (reduced) US dividend withholding tax rate (15% with most EU-US treaties, instead of 30%).
What can go wrong: If you skip this step, you’ll be taxed at 30% on US dividends instead of 15%. You may have to reclaim the difference later, which is time-consuming.
Pro Tip
Check your broker’s tax documents section to confirm your W-8BEN is “active” before buying US shares.
For more details on tax implications, see How to Calculate and Minimize Taxes on US Stocks Held by Europeans in 2026.
Step 4: Deposit EUR Funds
What to do: Transfer money from your EU bank account to your broker.
- Trade Republic: Tap “Profile” → “Deposit” → Copy your unique IBAN. Make a SEPA transfer from your bank. Funds arrive same/next day.
- DEGIRO: Go to “Deposit/Withdraw” → “Deposit Funds” → Choose SEPA transfer. Use your reference code.
- IBKR: Log in to Client Portal → Transfer & Pay → Transfer Funds → Deposit → Choose “Bank Wire (SEPA)”.
Why it matters: You can’t buy US stocks until your account is funded. SEPA transfers are fast and low-cost within the EU.
What can go wrong: Entering the wrong reference can delay deposits. Some brokers only accept transfers from accounts in your own name.
Pro Tip
Start with a small test transfer (€10–€20) to verify everything works before sending larger amounts.
Step 5: Convert EUR to USD (If Needed)
What to do: Most US stocks trade in USD. Here’s how each broker handles currency exchange:
- Trade Republic: Converts EUR to USD automatically at the time of purchase. FX fee: 0.25% markup on the rate.
- DEGIRO: Offers “Auto FX” (automatic, 0.25% fee) or “Manual FX” (you convert EUR to USD yourself for €10 per trade, useful for larger amounts).
- IBKR: Lets you convert EUR to USD manually (via “Convert Currency” in the app/portal) at very low FX rates (~0.002% commission).
EUR Example: If you want to buy $1,000 worth of Apple stock and the EUR/USD rate is 1.10, you’ll need about €910 (plus any FX fees).
Why it matters: FX rates and fees can eat into your returns. Over time, EUR/USD fluctuations will affect the euro value of your US investments.
What can go wrong: Buying when the euro is weak means you get fewer dollars for your euros. FX fees may be hidden in the exchange rate.
Pro Tip
If you plan to invest large sums, consider converting EUR to USD manually with IBKR for the lowest FX cost.
Step 6: Search for the US Stock and Place Your Order
What to do: Find the stock you want, and place a buy order:
- Trade Republic: Tap “Search” → Type the company name (e.g., “Apple”) → Select the US listing (“AAPL”, NASDAQ) → Tap “Buy” → Enter amount (€ or shares) → Confirm.
- DEGIRO: Use the search bar (top left) → Enter “Apple Inc” or ticker “AAPL” → Select “NASDAQ” → Click “Buy” → Enter shares or amount → Confirm order.
- IBKR: In the app, tap “Trade” → Search “AAPL” → Choose NASDAQ listing → Tap “Buy” → Enter details → Review and submit.
Why it matters: Always double-check you’re buying the correct US-listed stock (not a CFD or an EU-traded version).
What can go wrong: Placing a “market order” in volatile hours may get you a worse price. “Limit orders” let you set a maximum price per share.
Pro Tip
You can buy fractional shares on Trade Republic and IBKR, so you don’t need to buy a whole share if it’s expensive (e.g., Alphabet at $2,500+).
Expected outcome: After confirming, you should see your US stock in your portfolio. For example, if you bought €500 worth of AAPL at an exchange rate of 1.10, you’d own about $545 worth of Apple shares (after FX and fees).
Step 7: Settlement, Fees, and Tracking Your Portfolio
What to do: Wait for your trade to “settle.” Settlement is usually T+2 (trade date plus two business days), but most brokers show your new shares instantly in your portfolio.
- Check your “Portfolio” or “Positions” tab to see your shares, value in EUR, and P&L (profit & loss).
- Review transaction history for a breakdown of FX fees, commissions, and taxes withheld.
Why it matters: Understanding costs and how settlement works helps you avoid surprises.
What can go wrong: Selling before settlement may not be possible. Sudden EUR/USD moves can cause your EUR value to fluctuate, even if the stock price is unchanged in USD.
Pro Tip
Most brokers let you export your transaction history for tax reporting. Download your statements after each trade.
Common Mistakes When Buying US Stocks from Europe
- Not completing the W-8BEN form, resulting in higher US dividend taxes
- Ignoring FX fees—these can add up, especially with frequent trading or small amounts
- Buying the wrong stock (e.g., a CFD, ADR, or synthetic product instead of the real US share)
- Forgetting about local EU taxes on dividends and capital gains—these apply on top of US withholding tax
- Assuming all brokers are equally cheap—compare both trading commissions and FX fees
Next Steps
- Explore advanced order types (limit, stop-loss) for better control over your trades
- Read up on tax reporting requirements in your country for foreign investments
- Consider diversifying with US ETFs (but check if they're EU-compliant—PRIIPs rules restrict some US ETFs)
- Learn more about the tax side in our article: How to Calculate and Minimize Taxes on US Stocks Held by Europeans in 2026
- Compare the tax efficiency of dividends vs. capital gains: Passive Income vs. Capital Gains: What’s More Tax-Efficient for Europeans 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.