How to Start Investing in Individual US Stocks as a European in 2026

Investing in US-listed shares is no longer just for Wall Street insiders. In 2026, most Europeans can buy Apple, Tesla, or Amazon stock in just a few taps—if you know the right steps. This guide shows you exactly how to buy US stocks in Europe with clear, tested instructions for platforms like Trade Republic, DEGIRO, and Interactive Brokers. We’ll cover EUR to USD conversion, tax paperwork, trading hours, and the common pitfalls that trip up new EU investors.

For a broader overview—including how US and EU stock investing fit together—see our Comprehensive 2026 Guide to European Stock Investing. This tutorial goes deeper on the specific steps for buying US shares directly.

Step 1: Choose a European Broker With US Market Access

What to do: Select a broker regulated in your country that offers direct trading in US-listed stocks. In 2026, top choices for Europeans include:

• Trade Republic (available in most EU countries, app-based, low fees, EUR account)
• DEGIRO (broad European coverage, web-based, competitive fees, EUR account)
• Interactive Brokers (IBKR) (pan-European, advanced features, multi-currency support)

All three support fractional shares, letting you invest as little as €10–20 in a US stock.

Why it matters: Not every European broker offers access to US exchanges (NYSE, NASDAQ). Some only allow you to buy European-listed ETFs, not individual US shares. Using a broker with direct US access ensures you can own real US stocks (not just synthetic equivalents).

What can go wrong: Choosing a broker without US access means you’ll only see “US ETFs not available” or “product not found” errors. Also, some platforms charge high FX conversion fees or have hidden US trading costs—compare transparently before funding your account. For a detailed comparison, see DEGIRO vs. Trade Republic vs. Scalable Capital.

Step 2: Open and Verify Your Brokerage Account

What to do: Register for your chosen broker. Example for Trade Republic:

1. Download the Trade Republic app and tap “Open Account”.
2. Enter your personal details (name, address, tax ID, etc.).
3. Upload a photo of your ID or passport and a recent proof of address.
4. Complete the video identification or selfie verification as prompted.

Repeat a similar process for DEGIRO (register here) or Interactive Brokers (sign up here).

Why it matters: European anti-money laundering rules require strict identity checks. Your account won't be active until you complete all verification steps.

What can go wrong: Failing to upload a clear photo or using an expired document will delay approval. Make sure your address matches your bank records exactly—or your first deposit may be rejected.

Step 3: Fund Your Account in EUR

What to do: Transfer euros from your EU bank account to your broker. For example, in Trade Republic:

• Go to “Account” → “Deposit”.
• Copy the unique IBAN provided (it’s a German or Irish bank account, fully SEPA-compatible).
• Make a SEPA transfer from your bank app—use the exact reference code supplied.

DEGIRO and Interactive Brokers also offer SEPA deposits with unique IBANs for each user.

Why it matters: SEPA transfers are fast (usually same-day), free, and ensure your funds arrive in EUR without hidden intermediary fees.

What can go wrong: If you mistype the reference code or send funds from a non-EU account, your deposit may be delayed or rejected. Always double-check details before sending.

Step 4: Complete the US Tax (W-8BEN) Form

What to do: Fill out the mandatory W-8BEN form within your broker’s platform. Here’s how it works at DEGIRO:

1. Log in to your DEGIRO dashboard.
2. Click “Profile” → “Documents” → “US Tax Form (W-8BEN)”.
3. Follow the guided steps—confirming your non-US status and entering your tax ID.
4. Submit the form electronically; you’ll see a confirmation message.

Trade Republic and Interactive Brokers prompt you to complete the W-8BEN as part of onboarding or before your first US trade.

Why it matters: This form certifies you’re not a US resident. Without it, US tax authorities will withhold 30% of your dividends instead of the reduced 15% rate for most EU investors.

What can go wrong: Forgetting this step means you’ll pay extra tax on all US dividends. Double-check your tax ID (TIN) and name spelling to avoid bureaucratic headaches.

Step 5: Convert EUR to USD (If Needed)

What to do: Most European brokers automatically convert EUR to USD when you buy a US stock. But some (like Interactive Brokers) let you hold both EUR and USD balances and convert manually at better rates.

• Trade Republic: Enter your order in EUR; the app shows the estimated USD value and FX rate. The conversion happens instantly during the trade.
• DEGIRO: Orders are placed in EUR; conversion is automatic, with the fee shown in the trade confirmation.
• Interactive Brokers: Go to “Transfer & Pay” → “Convert Currency” to swap EUR for USD at interbank rates before trading, or let IBKR convert automatically at order time.

Why it matters: FX rates and fees can eat into your returns. Trade Republic and DEGIRO typically charge a 0.25%–0.50% markup. Interactive Brokers often offers the tightest spreads (around 0.002% plus a small fixed fee).

What can go wrong: Buying US stocks without checking the FX rate can result in unexpected costs—especially if you trade outside market hours when spreads widen. Always review the conversion rate before confirming your order.

Step 6: Place Your First US Stock Order

What to do: Once your account is funded and verified, search for the US stock you want (e.g., “Apple” or “AAPL”). Example using Trade Republic:

1. Tap “Search” and enter the stock name or ticker symbol.
2. Select the correct US listing (check for “NASDAQ” or “NYSE” badge).
3. Tap “Buy”. Enter the amount in EUR (e.g., €100), or select “Fractional Share” if available.
4. Choose order type (market or limit). For beginners, “market” is simplest—your order executes at the next available price.
5. Review the summary: FX rate, estimated shares, all-in cost. Tap “Confirm”.

You should now see your first US stock purchase confirmed, with the value (e.g., €100) and the number of shares (e.g., 0.32 AAPL) displayed in your portfolio.

Why it matters: Double-check you’re buying the real US listing, not a European “mirror” or synthetic product. Fractional shares let you diversify even with small amounts.

What can go wrong: Trading outside US market hours (15:30–22:00 CET) may result in wider spreads or delayed execution. Always check the live price and order type before confirming.

Step 7: Understand US Dividend Withholding and Tax Reporting

What to do: When your US stocks pay dividends, 15% is typically withheld at source (if you’ve completed the W-8BEN). You’ll receive the net amount in EUR, converted at your broker’s prevailing FX rate.

• Example: If Apple pays $100 in dividends, you receive $85 after US withholding. Your broker auto-converts this to EUR and credits your account (e.g., €78, depending on the FX rate).

You must declare these dividends on your annual tax return in your home country. In most EU countries, you can claim a foreign tax credit for the 15% already withheld by the US.

Why it matters: Failing to report dividends or misunderstanding tax credits can lead to double taxation or fines. Always download your annual tax report from your broker’s platform.

What can go wrong: If you skip the W-8BEN, 30% is withheld, and you may struggle to reclaim the excess. Not reporting dividends locally violates EU tax law. See our in-depth guide: How to Declare US Stock Dividends on Your European Tax Return in 2026.

Common Mistakes When Buying US Stocks From Europe

• Using a broker without US market access: You won’t be able to buy real US shares—always check before funding your account.
• Ignoring FX conversion fees: Small percentage differences can add up, especially on large or frequent trades.
• Missing the W-8BEN form: Results in double US dividend withholding (30% instead of 15%).
• Trading outside US market hours: May cause poor execution prices or delayed trades.
• Not declaring US dividends on your EU tax return: Can lead to double taxation or penalties.
• Overlooking account inactivity or custody fees: Some brokers charge if you don’t trade regularly—check the fee schedule.

Next Steps

• Explore advanced order types (limit, stop-loss) as you grow more confident.
• Consider diversifying with EU and global stocks—see our Comprehensive 2026 Guide to European Stock Investing for strategies.
• Learn about investing in fractional shares to build a diversified US portfolio with small sums.
• Review your broker’s annual reports each January to simplify your tax filing.
• Stay updated on regulatory or tax changes that could affect US stock investing from Europe.

With these steps, you’re ready to confidently buy and manage US stocks as a European investor in 2026. Remember: start small, double-check every detail, and keep learning.

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.