Before You Start
- A verified, active account with both your current (sending) and new (receiving) European broker (e.g., DEGIRO, Trade Republic, Interactive Brokers, etc.)
- A list of all securities (ISINs, quantities, acquisition dates, cost basis in EUR)
- Up-to-date tax residency and identification documents (passport, proof of address)
- Understanding of any ongoing savings plans or dividend schedules
- Awareness of potential transfer fees and minimum holding periods
Time needed: 2–6 weeks (varies by brokers and asset types)
What you'll need: Access to both broker platforms, digital copies of ID and statements, and some patience
Transferring your investment portfolio between brokers in Europe in 2026 is easier than it was a decade ago—but it’s still a process full of paperwork, fees, and potential pitfalls. This guide walks you through each step, using real European brokers like Trade Republic, DEGIRO, and Interactive Brokers. By following along, you’ll minimize downtime and avoid costly mistakes.
Step 1: Decide What (and Why) You’re Transferring
What to do: Make a detailed list of all assets you wish to transfer—ETFs, stocks, bonds, cash. For each, note the ISIN, quantity, and acquisition date. Decide if you want a full transfer (all assets) or a partial transfer (only selected securities).
Why it matters: Not all assets are eligible for transfer. Some brokers only support certain exchanges or asset types. Knowing your list helps you ask the right questions and avoid surprises.
What can go wrong: Some ETFs or shares may not be supported at the new broker (especially niche funds or non-EU listings). You might need to sell and re-buy, which can trigger taxes or fees.
Pro Tip
Check the DEGIRO Supported Securities List (or your target broker’s equivalent) before starting. If your ETF’s ISIN isn’t there, ask support before proceeding.
Step 2: Review Fees, Tax Implications, and Timing
What to do: Look up the outgoing and incoming transfer fees for both brokers. For example, DEGIRO charges €10 per position for outgoing transfers (DEGIRO Fee Schedule), while Interactive Brokers may charge €0 for incoming but your sending broker may still apply charges. Check if your securities are in a custody or savings plan—there may be extra steps or penalties.
Why it matters: Fees can add up quickly, especially if you have multiple positions. Selling and re-buying may trigger capital gains tax. Also, dividend or coupon payments during the transfer window can get lost or delayed.
What can go wrong: Failing to account for fees could eat into your returns. Tax reporting can become complicated if cost basis or acquisition dates are lost in the transfer.
Pro Tip
Time your transfer to avoid major dividend payment dates. For example, if your iShares Core MSCI World UCITS ETF (ISIN: IE00B4L5Y983) pays dividends in late March, transfer in early April instead.
Step 3: Open and Verify Your New Broker Account
What to do: If you haven’t already, open your new broker account. Complete KYC (Know Your Customer) checks—typically uploading ID, proof of address, and tax residency forms.
Why it matters: Your new broker can’t accept incoming transfers until your account is fully verified. Delays here can hold up the entire process.
What can go wrong: Name mismatches, expired documents, or incomplete forms can cause your transfer to be rejected or delayed.
- Trade Republic: Sign up via their official website. Verification is usually via video call.
- DEGIRO: Follow the DEGIRO registration process. Upload ID and link a European bank account.
- Interactive Brokers: Register at Interactive Brokers Europe. Complete their digital onboarding, including tax forms.
Expected outcome: Your new broker account is open, verified, and ready to receive assets.
Step 4: Initiate the Transfer Request (the Right Way)
What to do: Start the transfer process from your receiving broker (the new one). Most brokers require you to fill out a “broker transfer form” (sometimes called an “incoming transfer request”).
- Trade Republic: In the app, go to Profile → Transfers → Securities Transfer. Enter your old broker’s details, list each security (ISIN, quantity), and upload your recent statement.
- DEGIRO: From the web dashboard, navigate to Transfers → Portfolio Transfer. Download and fill out the PDF form, sign it, and send it by email along with your old broker statement.
- Interactive Brokers: Log in, choose Transfer & Pay → Transfer Positions → Incoming, and select your old broker from the dropdown. Follow on-screen instructions.
Why it matters: Initiating from the receiving broker ensures they’re ready to accept your assets and can coordinate with your old broker. It also helps maintain correct cost basis and acquisition dates.
What can go wrong: Incomplete forms, mismatched asset details, or missing supporting documents are the top reasons for delays or rejections.
Pro Tip
Always double-check ISINs and quantities. For ETFs, ISINs like IE00B4L5Y983 (iShares Core MSCI World) or LU1681043599 (Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets UCITS) are unique identifiers—never use ticker symbols alone.
Step 5: Monitor the Transfer and Communicate Proactively
What to do: After submission, both brokers will communicate directly (using the European “Allfunds” or “CREST” settlement systems). Track your transfer status from both sides—many brokers have a “Transfer Status” section.
Why it matters: Transfers can stall if there are data mismatches, unsupported assets, or technical issues. Prompt follow-up can speed things up.
What can go wrong: Transfers sometimes “disappear” for days. If you see no update after 7 business days, email both brokers’ support teams with your transfer reference number.
Expected outcome: You’ll see your assets leave your old broker and (after a few days to several weeks) appear in your new account. Cost basis and acquisition dates should be preserved—check them!
Pro Tip
Keep your old broker account open until you’ve confirmed all assets (and dividends) have arrived at your new broker. Unexpected tax documents or late dividends sometimes show up weeks later.
Step 6: Confirm Everything—Then Update Your Records
What to do: Log in to your new broker and check each position: quantity, ISIN, acquisition date, and cost basis (in EUR). Download statements for your records. If you use a tax tool (like Getquin), update your holdings.
Why it matters: Mistakes can happen—wrong quantities, missing cost basis, or even wrong ISINs. Fixing these early avoids tax headaches later.
What can go wrong: If cost basis isn’t transferred, you may be taxed on the full value when you eventually sell. If you spot errors, contact your new broker immediately and provide original proof (old statements).
Expected outcome: Your portfolio is now live at your new broker, with all historical data intact and ready for future investing.
Pros & Cons Checklist: Portfolio Transfer Between Brokers Europe 2026
- Pros:
- Keep your existing investments (no need to sell and re-buy)
- Preserve tax advantages and acquisition dates (important for local tax reporting)
- Potentially lower fees or better platform features at your new broker
- Cons:
- Transfer fees (often €10–€50 per security, varies by broker)
- Possible downtime (2–6 weeks with no trading on transferred assets)
- Risk of lost dividends, especially if transfer overlaps with payment dates
- Not all assets are transferable—may need to liquidate certain holdings
- Potential tax complications if cost basis/acquisition dates are lost
FAQs: Portfolio Transfer With Major European Brokers
- Can I transfer fractional shares? Most brokers (including Trade Republic and DEGIRO) do not support transferring fractional shares. These are usually liquidated and paid out in cash.
- Will my ongoing savings plans (Sparpläne) transfer? No. You must set up new savings plans at your new broker. For setup tips, see our step-by-step guide for Trade Republic ETFs.
- Are all ETFs transferable? Only ETFs available on both brokers can be transferred. Some US-domiciled or niche ETFs may not be supported.
- How long does it take? Typical timeline is 2–6 weeks, depending on the brokers, asset types, and time of year.
- What if my new broker loses my cost basis information? Contact support immediately and provide old broker statements. This is vital for tax reporting.
- Will I pay taxes during the transfer? Not for a direct portfolio transfer. But if you’re forced to sell assets, you may trigger capital gains tax.
Common Mistakes
- Initiating the transfer from the sending broker instead of the receiving broker—this can cause delays or data loss.
- Failing to verify if all assets are eligible for transfer (especially US-domiciled ETFs or non-listed stocks).
- Not double-checking ISINs and quantities, leading to incomplete or incorrect transfers.
- Missing dividend or coupon payment dates—transfers in progress may “lose” these payments.
- Not keeping copies of all forms, statements, and communications. Always document every step.
Next Steps
- Set up new savings plans or recurring investments in your new broker account.
- Download and archive all transfer-related documents for your records and future tax reporting.
- Review your portfolio allocation—consider rebalancing or exploring new asset classes, such as European REIT ETFs.
- Stay up to date with your new broker’s features and fee structure to optimize your investment strategy.
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.