How to Open an Investment Account for Your Teenager in Europe (2026 Edition)

Setting up an investment account for your teenager in Europe is one of the most practical ways to teach financial skills and build generational wealth. This guide walks you through every step, from legal requirements to choosing accessible brokers and picking suitable ETFs or stocks. All examples are in euros (€), and every instruction is tailored to European regulations and platforms.

If you want a broader overview or wish to set up a family account for multiple children, see our family investment account guide.

Step 1: Check Legal Requirements in Your Country

What to do: Research the specific rules for investment accounts for minors in your country. In Germany, for example, minors (under 18) can only open a "Junior Depot" with parental consent. In France, it’s called a "Compte-Titres Jeune". In Spain and the Netherlands, similar custodial or minor accounts exist, but each has unique documentation needs.

• Germany: Junior Depots require both parents’ consent (if both have custody).
• France: A legal representative must open the account on the minor’s behalf.
• Netherlands: Parents open a "Beleggingsrekening Minderjarigen" and manage until the child turns 18.
• Spain: “Cuenta de valores para menores” requires parental oversight.

Why it matters: If you skip this step, your application could be rejected or delayed. Each broker checks compliance with national law, and missing a required document (like a birth certificate) is a common reason for rejection.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

What to do: Collect digital copies (PDF or high-quality photos) of the following:

• Parent/guardian’s passport or EU ID card
• Teenager’s passport, ID card, or birth certificate (as required)
• Proof of address for both (utility bill, bank statement, dated within last 3 months)
• Bank account IBAN (parent’s or joint)
• Signed parental consent form (some brokers provide a template during signup)

Why it matters: European brokers are required by law to verify both the identity and legal status of minors and their guardians. Missing or blurry documents are the #1 cause of account opening delays.

What can go wrong: If your proof of address is out-of-date or not accepted (e.g., mobile phone bills are often rejected), your application will be paused until you provide an approved document.

Step 3: Choose a Broker Accessible to European Minors

What to do: Select a broker that offers minor accounts in your country. As of 2026, the most popular and accessible options are:

• DEGIRO: Widely available across Europe, offers “Custodial Account for Minors” in Germany, France, Netherlands, Austria, and more. DEGIRO account requirements
• Trade Republic: Now offers Junior Accounts (“Junges Depot”) in Germany and expanding to France, Austria, and Spain. Trade Republic Junior Depot info

Both brokers are regulated, offer low-cost ETF investing, and support EUR-denominated accounts. Not all brokers serve all countries, so check their official websites for the latest coverage.

Why it matters: Not every broker supports minor accounts. Trying to open a regular adult account for your teenager could result in compliance issues or forced account closure.

Step 4: Complete the Online Application

What to do: Open the broker’s website or app and start the “open account” process. Here’s what to expect on the two most popular platforms:

• DEGIRO:
  1. Go to DEGIRO registration.
  2. Select "Open an account" and choose “Custodial Account for Minors”.
  3. Enter your (parent/guardian) details and your teen’s details as prompted.
  4. Upload all required documents (see Step 2).
  5. Download, sign, and upload the parental consent form (if prompted).
  6. Wait for email confirmation of account activation (typically 1–3 business days).
• Trade Republic:
  1. Download the Trade Republic app on your smartphone.
  2. Tap “Open Account”, then select “Junior Depot”.
  3. Fill in both parent and teenager details.
  4. Scan and upload required documents using your phone camera.
  5. Sign the digital parental consent form in-app.
  6. Wait for in-app notification or email confirmation (1–2 business days).

Expected outcome: Once approved, you’ll receive access credentials for the account (parent-managed until your teen turns 18). You should see a €0 balance, ready to fund.

What can go wrong: If you miss a signature or upload a blurry document, the broker will request corrections, delaying access.

Step 5: Fund the Account

What to do: Transfer euros from your bank account to the new investment account. Both DEGIRO and Trade Republic provide a unique IBAN or payment instructions.

• In DEGIRO: Go to “Deposit/Withdraw Funds” and follow the instructions to transfer funds via SEPA.
• In Trade Republic: Tap “Account” → “Deposit Money”, then follow the bank transfer instructions.

Why it matters: Most brokers only allow funding from a parent’s bank account for minor accounts to comply with anti-money laundering rules. Third-party payments are usually rejected and refunded.

Expected outcome: Within 1–2 business days, your teenager’s account should reflect the deposited amount (e.g., €500 initial deposit).

Step 6: Pick Suitable ETFs or Stocks for Teen Investors

What to do: Choose diversified, low-cost investments. For teenagers, global equity ETFs are the most popular due to simplicity and long-term growth potential. Here are some EUR-based examples:

• iShares Core MSCI World UCITS ETF (EUNL, ISIN: IE00B4L5Y983): Tracks global developed markets, accumulating, EUR-denominated.
• Vanguard FTSE All-World UCITS ETF (VWCE, ISIN: IE00BK5BQT80): Covers developed and emerging markets, accumulating, EUR-denominated.
• Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets UCITS ETF (XMME, ISIN: IE00BTJRMP35): Adds emerging market exposure; for more adventurous investors.

For stocks, consider large, stable European companies listed on the Euro Stoxx 50, but most parents opt for ETFs for diversification and simplicity.

• In Trade Republic:
  1. Tap “Portfolio” → “Savings Plan”.
  2. Search for “EUNL” or “VWCE”.
  3. Select your ETF, set the monthly amount (e.g., €50), review, and confirm.
• In DEGIRO:
  1. Search for the ETF ticker (e.g., EUNL) in the “Products” section.
  2. Click “Buy”, enter the amount (e.g., €100), and review the order.
  3. Confirm the purchase.

Expected outcome: You’ll see your first ETF purchase in the portfolio, e.g., “iShares Core MSCI World: €99.50 invested, 0.87 units”.

What can go wrong: If you accidentally buy a distributing ETF (which pays out dividends) instead of an accumulating one, you’ll have to manage small cash payouts and potential tax declarations. For minors, accumulating ETFs are usually simpler.

Step 7: Teach Your Teenager About Investing

What to do: Involve your teen in the process. Show them how to log in, view their portfolio, and track performance. Discuss the basics: what ETFs are, why diversification matters, and how long-term investing works.

Why it matters: The real value of a teenager’s investment account is not just the money, but the financial education it delivers. Empowering your teen to understand risk, growth, and the power of compounding pays off for life.

What can go wrong: If you treat the account as a “set and forget” product, your teen may not engage or learn. Involve them in portfolio reviews and let them ask questions.

Common Mistakes When Opening a Teenager’s Investment Account in Europe

• Using the wrong account type: Adult accounts for minors will be closed when detected. Always use minor/custodial options.
• Missing documents: Incomplete or invalid ID/proof of address is the leading cause of delays.
• Choosing complex investments: Stick to broad, accumulating ETFs for simplicity. Avoid leveraged or niche products for teens.
• Neglecting tax implications: Some countries require annual tax declarations on minor accounts. Check local rules or consult a tax advisor.
• Ignoring educational value: Don’t just invest—teach your teenager the “why” behind each choice.

Next Steps

• Review your country’s rules for minor investment accounts annually—regulations may change.
• Increase savings plan contributions as your teen gets older or receives gifts.
• Encourage your teenager to research and propose their own ETF or stock ideas (with supervision).
• For more advanced setups or family-wide investing, see our family investment account guide.

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.