How to Open a Junior Investing Account for Your Child in Europe (Step-by-Step 2026 Guide)

Investing early for your child can be a game-changer for their financial future. In Europe, “junior investing accounts” (also called custodial or minor accounts) let you invest on behalf of your child, often with tax advantages and flexible withdrawal rules. This guide will walk you step-by-step through the process, focusing on brokers accessible to European residents. As covered in our complete guide to financial security in Europe, starting early is one of the best gifts you can give your child. Here, we’ll go deep on the specifics: brokers, requirements, KYC, top ETF picks, and country-by-country tax basics.

Step 1: Understand What a Junior Investing Account Is (and Why It Matters)

A junior investing account is a brokerage account opened in your child’s name, but managed by a parent or legal guardian until the child reaches adulthood (usually 18, sometimes 21). You control what’s bought or sold, but the assets legally belong to your child.

• Why it matters: Compound growth works best over decades. Starting early can turn small monthly investments into a significant nest egg for education, a first home, or a financial head start.
• What can go wrong: Rules vary by country and broker. Not every broker supports junior accounts, and some have strict documentation or residency requirements.

Step 2: Compare Leading European Brokers for Junior Accounts

Not all popular platforms offer junior accounts. Here’s how the main options stack up in 2026 for EEA residents:

• DEGIRO – Official FAQ
  - Junior accounts available in most EEA countries
  - Minimum age: No lower limit, but guardian manages until 18
  - KYC: ID, proof of address for both parties
  - No custody or inactivity fees; low trading costs
  - Broad ETF access, but no fractional shares
• Trade Republic – Official Help
  - As of 2026, Trade Republic does not offer junior accounts. (Check their updates, as this is subject to change.)
• Interactive Brokers (IBKR) – Official Info
  - “Minor” accounts for children under 18, available for EEA residents
  - Guardian manages until child turns 18
  - Robust platform, access to global markets, fractional shares
  - Minimum funding: €0 (as of 2026)

Other options: Some traditional banks (e.g., ING, BNP Paribas) offer junior investment accounts, but often with higher fees and less ETF choice.

Step 3: Gather Required Documents and Information

You’ll need to prove both your identity and your child’s, plus your relationship. This is required under European anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) laws.

• Parent/guardian ID (passport or national ID)
• Child’s ID (passport, birth certificate, or national ID)
• Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement, or government letter for both parties)
• Child’s tax identification number (required in most EU countries)
• Bank account details for funding/withdrawing

If you’re opening a DEGIRO junior account, you’ll also need to download, fill out, and mail a Junior Account Form along with copies of all documents.

• Why this matters: Incomplete or mismatched documents are the #1 cause of application delays or rejections.
• What can go wrong: Non-matching names, expired IDs, or missing proof of address will halt your application.

Step 4: Complete the Application Process (Platform-Specific Instructions)

The application differs by broker. Here’s how to do it step-by-step for the main platforms:

DEGIRO

1. Go to the DEGIRO Junior Account page.
2. Download and print the Junior Account application form.
3. Complete the form with both parent/guardian and child information.
4. Attach certified copies of all required documents (IDs, proof of address, TIN).
5. Mail the package to the address listed on the form.
6. Wait for confirmation email (typically 2–5 business days after receipt).

You should receive account login details by email. Once logged in, you’ll see your child’s account dashboard, ready to fund.

Interactive Brokers (IBKR)

1. Go to Interactive Brokers 'Open an Account'.
2. Choose “Individual” → “Minor Account.”
3. Fill in your child’s personal details, then your own as guardian.
4. Upload scanned copies of all required documents.
5. Complete the online KYC process (may require webcam verification).
6. Fund the account via SEPA bank transfer.

You’ll receive confirmation when the account is approved. You should now see the minor account listed in your IBKR dashboard.

Step 5: Choose the Right Investments for Your Child (Best ETFs in 2026)

Most parents use junior accounts for long-term, low-cost investing—usually with ETFs. Here’s how to set up an ETF investment:

• Why this matters: Low-fee, diversified ETFs are ideal for children’s accounts. They require little maintenance, and costs compound less over decades.
• What can go wrong: Picking high-fee or niche funds can erode returns. Check for accumulating (ACC) ETFs to avoid annual distributions if you want to minimize paperwork.

Recommended EUR-denominated ETFs for junior accounts in 2026:

• Vanguard FTSE All-World UCITS ETF (VWCE, ISIN: IE00BK5BQT80) – Global stocks, accumulating, EUR-denominated
• iShares Core MSCI World UCITS ETF (EUNL, ISIN: IE00B4L5Y983) – Developed markets, accumulating, EUR-denominated
• Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets UCITS ETF (XMME, ISIN: IE00BTJRMP35) – Emerging markets, accumulating, EUR-denominated

To invest in an ETF on DEGIRO:

1. Log in to the child’s account.
2. Search for the ETF by ISIN (e.g., IE00BK5BQT80 for VWCE).
3. Click “Buy,” enter the amount (e.g., €100), and confirm.

You should now see your first ETF purchase confirmed with a value of approximately €100 (minus fees, if any).

On Interactive Brokers:

1. Go to “Trade” → “Stocks/ETFs.”
2. Enter the ETF ticker (e.g., VWCE).
3. Choose “Buy,” set order amount (fractional shares allowed), and submit.

Step 6: Understand Taxation and Withdrawal Rules in Key EU Countries

Taxation and withdrawal rules differ by country. Here are the essentials for 2026 in major EEA countries:

• Germany: Each child has a €1,200 annual capital gains allowance (“Sparer-Pauschbetrag”). Parents can only withdraw for the child’s benefit. Ownership transfers fully at 18.
• France: Junior accounts (“PEA Jeune” or “Compte-titres”) are taxed at the child’s rate. Withdrawals before 18 require court approval unless for child’s direct expenses.
• Netherlands: Assets are taxed under Box 3 at the child’s rate. Parents must document withdrawals for child’s benefit (education, healthcare).
• Spain: Investment income is taxed at progressive rates. Early withdrawals require justification and may face scrutiny.
• Belgium: No capital gains tax on most stocks/ETFs. Withholding tax applies to dividends. Assets transfer at 18.

Always check your local rules, as some countries require annual reporting of the child’s investment income. For more on safe cash options, see our guide to EUR savings accounts.

Common Mistakes When Opening a Junior Investing Account in Europe

• Submitting incomplete or expired documents (most common cause of delays)
• Assuming all brokers support minor accounts (many do not—always check first)
• Investing in high-fee or unsuitable products (avoid leveraged, synthetic, or illiquid funds)
• Not understanding tax or withdrawal restrictions in your country
• Forgetting to update address or ID when your child moves or gets a new passport

Next Steps

• Set up a regular investment plan (monthly or quarterly) for maximum compounding.
• Review your country’s annual reporting/tax requirements for junior accounts.
• Discuss the basics of saving and investing with your child as they grow—financial literacy is the greatest gift.
• For a broader strategy, see our Beginner’s Blueprint for Financial Security in Europe.
• Consider reading about emergency funds to balance risk and stability in your family finances.

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.