Before You Start
- Be at least 18 years old and resident in a supported EU country (e.g., Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Austria, Netherlands, Ireland, etc.)
- Have a valid EU/EEA passport or national ID (no driver’s licenses)
- Own a smartphone (iOS or Android) and a personal email address
- Have an EU IBAN bank account in your name for funding and withdrawals
- Prepare a quiet, well-lit space for video identification (you’ll need to show your face and ID)
Time needed: 30–40 minutes (setup and verification)
What you'll need: Smartphone, passport or national ID, EU bank account (IBAN), internet connection
Ready to open a Trade Republic account in 2026? This step-by-step guide is tailored for European residents who want a simple, EUR-based investing experience. We’ll cover the exact onboarding process, ID verification, funding options, and first-time setup—plus troubleshooting tips and a practical checklist.
Trade Republic is one of the most popular investing apps in Europe, offering commission-free trading of stocks, ETFs, and savings plans, all denominated in EUR. If you’re new to investing, this platform is a solid starting point.
For a broader overview of managing your money with digital tools, see our Ultimate 2026 Guide to European Money Management Apps.
Step 1: Download the Trade Republic App and Start Registration
What to do: Go to the official Trade Republic website (traderepublic.com) or your app store (App Store for iOS, Google Play for Android). Download the Trade Republic app.
- Open the app and tap "Create Account".
- Enter your email address and create a secure password. Make sure to use an email you can access immediately for verification.
- You’ll receive a confirmation email—open it and tap the verification link to continue.
Why it matters: Trade Republic is a mobile-first broker. All features (onboarding, trading, support) are accessed via the app. Registration via the official website or app stores ensures you’re using the real platform, not a phishing clone.
What can go wrong: Using an unsupported email domain (e.g., work or school emails with strict security) can block registration emails. If you don’t see the verification email, check your spam folder or try a different email provider.
Pro Tip
Always confirm you’re downloading the app from the official Trade Republic website or trusted app store links. Avoid third-party APKs or suspicious download sources.
Step 2: Enter Personal Details and Residency Information
What to do:
- After email verification, you’ll be prompted to enter your full legal name (as on your ID), date of birth, nationality, and address (street, city, postal code, country).
- Declare your tax residency status. For most users, this will be your country of residence (e.g., Germany, France, Spain, etc.).
- Provide your mobile phone number. You’ll receive a code via SMS to verify your number.
Why it matters: EU anti-money laundering regulations require brokers to collect accurate personal details. Tax residency is critical for correct tax reporting, especially for capital gains and dividend withholding.
What can go wrong: Typos in your address or name can cause problems during ID verification. Make sure these details match your official documents exactly.
Pro Tip
If you move countries or change your address, update your details in the app immediately to avoid regulatory or withdrawal issues.
Step 3: Complete Video Identification (ID Verification)
What to do:
- The app will prompt you to start the ID verification process. This usually involves a short video call with a third-party ID verification partner (e.g., IDnow or WebID).
- Have your passport or national ID card ready. Driver’s licenses are not accepted.
- Follow the instructions:
- Show your face and the ID document clearly on camera (front and back if using a card).
- Respond to basic questions (e.g., "Please turn your head to the left/right", "Read out this code").
- Wait for the agent to confirm your identity. This usually takes 5–10 minutes.
Why it matters: EU law mandates brokers to verify identity to prevent fraud and money laundering. Completing this step unlocks full account functionality.
What can go wrong: Low lighting, blurry cameras, or expired/unsupported documents will cause verification failure. If rejected, you’ll need to repeat the process from scratch.
Pro Tip
Before starting, clean your camera lens, use natural lighting, and have a plain background. Passport verification is usually faster than national ID cards.
Step 4: Set Up Your EUR Funding Account (IBAN)
What to do:
- Once verified, Trade Republic will prompt you to link your personal bank account. This must be an EU/EEA IBAN in your name (no joint or business accounts).
- Enter your IBAN carefully. The app will validate the format and may send a small test transfer (e.g., €0.01) to confirm account ownership.
- Open your banking app and confirm receipt of any test transfer. Some banks may require additional confirmation for new mandates (check your banking notifications).
Why it matters: Linking your own IBAN is required for funding, withdrawals, and regulatory compliance. Only bank accounts in your name are accepted to reduce money laundering risk.
What can go wrong: Entering a shared, business, or Revolut-type virtual IBAN may cause delays or rejections. If your bank blocks the test transfer, contact their support for assistance.
Pro Tip
Use a traditional EU bank account for seamless funding. Some neobanks (like N26 or bunq) work well, but always check for IBAN compatibility in your country.
Step 5: Fund Your Account in EUR
What to do:
- In the app, go to Portfolio → Add Money.
- Select your linked bank account as the funding source.
- Trade Republic displays its own EUR IBAN and your unique reference code. Initiate a SEPA transfer from your bank app, entering the exact reference code in the transfer description.
- Transfer your desired amount (e.g., €500). Minimum initial deposit is typically €10, but €100–€500 is a practical starting range for your first ETF or stock purchase.
- SEPA transfers within the EU usually arrive within 1–2 business days. You’ll get an app notification when your balance is credited.
Why it matters: Using your unique reference code ensures your funds are credited to your Trade Republic account. EUR funding via SEPA avoids currency conversion fees—a major advantage over USD-based brokers (learn more about hidden FX costs here).
What can go wrong: Omitting or mistyping the reference code may delay or misroute your deposit. Sending funds from an account not in your name will be rejected and returned (often minus bank fees).
Pro Tip
For recurring investments, set up a standing order from your bank to Trade Republic’s IBAN with your reference code. This automates monthly deposits for ETF savings plans.
Step 6: Set Up Your First Investment or ETF Savings Plan
What to do:
- Once your EUR deposit arrives, tap Portfolio → Savings Plan → Create Savings Plan.
- Search for a popular EUR-denominated ETF, such as iShares Core MSCI World UCITS ETF (IE00B4L5Y983) or Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets UCITS ETF (IE00BTJRMP35).
- Select your investment amount (e.g., €100/month), frequency (monthly, bi-weekly), and start date.
- Confirm the details. The app will show a confirmation screen and your savings plan will be scheduled for the next available trading day.
Why it matters: Savings plans automate investing, helping you build wealth steadily and avoid emotional market timing. Trade Republic allows commission-free savings plans on hundreds of EUR-based ETFs—ideal for beginners.
What can go wrong: Insufficient funds in your Trade Republic account on the scheduled day will cause the savings plan to fail. Make sure to maintain a balance above your monthly investment amount.
Pro Tip
Start with broad, low-cost ETFs and use the app’s “fractional investing” feature to invest exact euro amounts—even if the ETF price is higher than your monthly contribution.
Common Mistakes When Opening and Funding a Trade Republic Account
- Mismatched details: Name or address not matching your ID will block verification.
- Using unsupported documents: Driver’s licenses or expired IDs are rejected.
- Funding from a third-party account: All deposits must come from a bank account in your own name (no spouse, parent, or business accounts).
- Omitting the reference code: Missing or incorrect reference in your SEPA transfer will delay your deposit.
- Insufficient lighting for video ID: Poor visibility is a leading cause of failed verification.
- Not checking email/SMS for verification codes: Delays in registration or missing critical notifications.
Next Steps: Build Your Investing Confidence
Congratulations! You’ve successfully opened and funded your Trade Republic account in 2026. You should now see your available EUR balance in the app and, after scheduling your first savings plan, a confirmation of your upcoming ETF purchase (e.g., €100 into iShares Core MSCI World UCITS ETF).
To deepen your knowledge, consider:
- Tracking your dividends automatically with European apps—see our guide on how to track your dividend income.
- Learning how to rebalance your ETF portfolio on Trade Republic with our step-by-step walkthrough: rebalance your ETF portfolio on Trade Republic.
- Exploring broader strategies, tax tips, and platform comparisons in our 2026 European Investing Encyclopedia.
For a deeper understanding of why investing is crucial for preserving your EUR savings in today’s inflationary environment, see The Real Cost of Not Investing: How Inflation Is Eroding European Savings in 2026.
Remember: always start with amounts you can afford to invest, review your risk profile, and revisit your investment plan periodically. Trade Republic’s app makes long-term, EUR-based investing accessible—but the journey to financial independence requires ongoing learning and discipline.
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.