Before You Start
- Confirm your target broker (e.g., Interactive Brokers, DEGIRO, or Trade Republic) accepts incoming EUR-denominated transfers and supports your desired assets.
- Check that your personal details (name, address, tax ID) match exactly on both the old and new brokerage accounts.
- Review all positions for compatibility—some fractional shares, niche ETFs, or non-EU stocks may not transfer.
- Understand potential exit fees and tax implications in your country of residence.
- Collect up-to-date tax residency documents (e.g., Tax Identification Number, proof of address).
Time needed: 2–10 business days (can take longer depending on brokers and asset types)
What you'll need: Accounts at both brokers, access to email/secure messaging, IBAN details, portfolio summary, tax documents
Switching your brokerage account in Europe is easier than it was a few years ago, but a smooth portfolio transfer still requires careful planning. This guide walks you through every step to transfer your EUR-denominated assets between major EU brokers—such as Trade Republic, DEGIRO, and Interactive Brokers—while minimising fees, tax headaches, and downtime.
As we covered in our Ultimate Guide to Navigating European Broker Fees in 2026, understanding the transfer process can save you hundreds of euros and many hours of frustration. Here, we’ll go deep on actionable steps, EUR examples, and real platform instructions.
Step 1: Review Your Portfolio and Choose Your Transfer Type
What to do: Decide whether you want a full transfer (all assets) or a partial transfer (select assets only). Review your current holdings for transfer eligibility, especially ETFs and stocks.
- Trade Republic: Supports transfer of most EU-listed stocks and ETFs. Fractional shares and some non-EU assets cannot transfer.
- DEGIRO: Allows both full and partial transfers, but check the official asset eligibility list.
- Interactive Brokers (IBKR): Accepts incoming transfers of entire portfolios, including EUR-denominated assets, via the ACATS (US) or FOP/ATON (EU) systems. See our full IBKR EUR account guide for platform quirks.
Why it matters: Not all assets are transferable. Incompatible holdings will need to be sold, potentially triggering tax events or market timing risks.
What can go wrong: Attempting to transfer ineligible assets can delay or even cancel your transfer request. Always confirm asset eligibility with both brokers before proceeding.
Pro Tip
Download a full portfolio statement (ISIN, quantity, acquisition date, and value in EUR) from your current broker. This is essential for tax records and for the new broker to process your transfer correctly.
Step 2: Open and Verify Your New Brokerage Account
What to do: If you haven’t already, open and fully verify your account at the new broker. This process typically requires:
- EU ID or passport
- Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement, dated within 3 months)
- Tax identification number (TIN/NIF/Steuer-ID/NIF, depending on your country)
Follow the broker’s onboarding steps:
- Trade Republic: Download the app, submit ID via video identification, and add your IBAN for EUR transfers.
- DEGIRO: Register online, upload documents, and verify your linked bank account with a €0.01 transfer.
- Interactive Brokers: Complete the online application, upload documents, and answer tax residency questions. See our IBKR EUR setup tutorial for details.
Why it matters: The transfer cannot begin until your new account is fully verified. Any mismatch in personal details can cause delays or rejections.
What can go wrong: Incomplete documentation or mismatched addresses/names will result in failed transfers and weeks of back-and-forth with customer service.
Step 3: Request a Portfolio Transfer from Your Old Broker
What to do: Initiate the transfer from your old broker. This usually involves filling out a "Securities Transfer" or "Depotübertrag" form. Be precise: specify ISINs, quantities, and EUR as the transfer currency.
- Trade Republic: In the app, tap Profile → Service → Securities Account Transfer. Complete the online form, entering your new broker’s details (name, BIC, account number).
- DEGIRO: Log in, go to Help Center → Transfers → Transfer your portfolio to DEGIRO. Download and fill in the transfer form, then submit via the secure message center.
- Interactive Brokers: If transferring to IBKR, log in and go to Transfer & Pay → Transfer Positions → Incoming. Select "FOP (Free of Payment)" for EUR assets and enter your old broker’s details.
Why it matters: The transfer form is the legal instruction for your old broker to release your assets. Errors can result in lost or delayed holdings.
What can go wrong: Typos in your new account number or mismatches in asset details can cause rejections. Always double-check before submitting.
Pro Tip
Request confirmation of the transfer request from both brokers. Save all correspondence—some EU countries require proof for tax reporting.
Step 4: Monitor Transfer Progress and Handle Exit Fees
What to do: Track your transfer status via both brokers’ apps or web dashboards. Most brokers will email you at key stages (assets released, in transit, received).
- DEGIRO: Charges €10 per ISIN for outgoing transfers. See their current fee schedule.
- Trade Republic: No fees for incoming transfers; outgoing fees vary based on asset type and destination—typically €15–€25 per ISIN.
- Interactive Brokers: No fee for incoming transfers. Outgoing fees depend on the transfer method; FOP is usually free, but check the official IBKR fee table.
Why it matters: Unexpected exit fees can eat into your returns, especially for portfolios with many line items.
What can go wrong: Insufficient cash in your old brokerage account to cover exit fees can halt the transfer. Ensure you have enough EUR available before submitting the request.
Pro Tip
If you’re switching due to high costs, compare fee structures for your portfolio size and trading habits. Our broker cost comparison breaks down real EUR examples.
Step 5: Confirm Asset Arrival and Update Tax Documentation
What to do: Once your assets appear in your new broker’s account, download a new portfolio statement. Check that:
- All transferred assets (correct ISINs, quantities, and acquisition dates) match your records
- No assets are missing or duplicated
- Acquisition dates (“Einstandskurs” in German) are preserved—crucial for future capital gains tax calculations
Update your personal tax records. Some countries (e.g., Germany, France, Spain) require you to declare the transfer, especially if cost bases change or you realise gains/losses in the process.
Why it matters: Losing acquisition dates can inflate future taxes. Mistakes caught early are much easier to fix than tax surprises years later.
What can go wrong: Brokers sometimes default acquisition dates to the transfer date. If this happens, immediately contact customer support with your original statements to correct the records.
Pro Tip
If you use ETF savings plans, double-check that your new broker supports the same ISIN and that your plan resumes after the transfer. For step-by-step setup, see our ETF savings plan guide.
Common Mistakes When Switching Brokerage in Europe
- Overlooking exit fees: These can add up quickly, especially with diversified portfolios. Refer to the ultimate broker fee guide for up-to-date numbers.
- Transferring ineligible or non-supported assets: Always check with both brokers before initiating a transfer.
- Not preserving acquisition dates: Essential for tax reporting. Download statements and verify upon arrival.
- Not updating recurring investments: ETF savings plans or automated buys need to be set up again at your new broker.
- Ignoring tax reporting: Transfers can sometimes trigger tax events, especially if cost bases are reset or assets are cashed out.
Next Steps
- Test your new platform with a small trade to confirm everything works as expected.
- Set up ETF savings plans or recurring investments as needed. For a comparison, see Trade Republic vs. DEGIRO monthly investing.
- Monitor your first monthly statement for any discrepancies or missing assets.
- For a deeper understanding of broker features and cost structures, check out our article on choosing the best EUR brokerage for buy-and-hold investors.
Switching your broker in Europe is a manageable process if you prepare and follow each step carefully. Keeping thorough records and double-checking details will help you avoid most pitfalls, ensuring your investment journey continues smoothly.
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.