Stock Brokers Netherlands

Looking for the best stock brokers in the Netherlands? Whether you’re building a long-term portfolio or trading global equities, choosing the right platform is key. This guide compares top brokers in 2025 and shows exactly how to get started, avoid high fees, and access the markets that matter.

What Is a Stock Broker and How It Works in the Netherlands

A stock broker is a licensed intermediary that gives you access to buy and sell shares on regulated stock exchanges. In the Netherlands, most brokers operate online and are regulated under MiFID II, allowing you to trade Dutch and international stocks through web or app-based platforms.

Modern stock brokers provide real-time pricing, execution tools, portfolio tracking, and direct access to markets like Euronext Amsterdam, NYSE, and NASDAQ. You open an account, fund it from your bank, and place orders for stocks either manually or through automated plans.

In the Netherlands, brokers fall into three categories: local Dutch platforms (like DEGIRO), EU-based international brokers (like eToro or Trade Republic), and traditional banks with trading modules. All must comply with EU investor protection laws, ensuring your assets are held in segregated accounts and that trades are executed fairly.’

Who Can Trade Stocks in the Netherlands?

Stock trading in the Netherlands is open to a wide range of individuals, including locals, EU residents, and expats. You don’t need to be a Dutch citizen to open a brokerage account—what matters is that you meet the legal and identification requirements. Most brokers accept clients who are legally residing in the EU and have access to a European bank account.

To get approved, you’ll typically need:

• A government-issued ID (passport or national ID card)
• A recent proof of address (e.g. bank letter, rent contract, or utility bill)
• A tax number – Dutch citizens must provide a BSN, while expats can use a foreign TIN
• A SEPA bank account in your name
• Completion of standard identity and risk checks

Some brokers may ask additional questions about your financial situation or experience with stock trading—especially if you request access to complex instruments or margin accounts. For standard stock trading, however, the process is quick and accessible to most individuals who reside in Europe and can verify their identity.

How to Start Trading Stocks in the Netherlands

Opening a stock trading account in the Netherlands is a quick, fully digital process. Most platforms are designed for ease of use, and new users can go from signup to first trade in under 48 hours. Whether you’re aiming to invest in Dutch companies or global tech stocks, the process is straightforward—but there are important steps to follow.

Steps to get started:

• Select a stock broker
• Complete identity verification
• Fund your trading account
• Place your first stock order
• Monitor and manage your portfolio

Select a stock broker

Begin by comparing platforms based on fees, supported markets, trading tools, and account features. Brokers like DEGIRO focus on cost-efficiency, while eToro and Saxo Bank offer broader asset access and features like fractional shares or advanced charting. Also consider whether the broker provides tax-friendly reporting if you’re a Dutch resident.

Complete identity verification

To comply with EU regulations, all brokers must verify your identity before activating your account. You’ll need to upload a valid passport or ID and a document that confirms your address, such as a utility bill. Dutch residents typically provide their BSN, while expats can use a foreign TIN. This step usually takes 1–2 business days.

Fund your trading account

Once verified, link a SEPA-compatible bank account and deposit funds. Some brokers support instant funding via iDEAL, credit card, or PayPal, while others only accept wire transfers. Make sure your name matches on both bank and broker accounts to avoid delays.

Place your first stock order

After funding, you can search for stocks by name or ticker symbol. Choose the stock, enter the number of shares, select your order type (market, limit, stop), and confirm. Most platforms offer basic guidance or educational content for first-time users.

Monitor and manage your portfolio

Once your position is live, you can track its performance directly in the broker’s dashboard. Many platforms also offer alerts, dividend updates, and tools for portfolio rebalancing. Keep an eye on fees, news, and potential tax obligations as your portfolio grows.

Types of Stock Brokers in the Netherlands

The Dutch brokerage market offers a mix of low-cost digital platforms, full-service banks, and international trading firms. While all give access to stocks, the experience, pricing, and available tools can differ dramatically depending on the broker type. Choosing the right one depends on whether you prioritize cost, research tools, automation, or access to global markets.

Here’s a quick overview of the main categories:

Broker Type	Example Platforms	Key Features
Online brokers (neo-brokers)	DEGIRO, Trade Republic	Low fees, easy to use, mobile-focused
Traditional banks with trading	ING, ABN AMRO, Rabobank	Built into online banking, higher fees
International multi-asset brokers	eToro, Saxo Bank	Global access, extra tools, higher FX fees

Online brokers (neo-brokers)

• Optimized for mobile and simplicity
• Ideal for long-term investors or beginners
• Often offer fractional shares or savings features
• Examples: Trade Republic, BUX Zero, DEGIRO

Traditional banks with trading platforms

• Integrated into standard bank logins
• Typically more expensive per trade
• May have limited ETF/stock selection
• Used by clients who prefer familiar institutions

International multi-asset brokers

• Access to global stocks, ETFs, crypto, and derivatives
• Usually support both casual and advanced users
• Tools for technical analysis, leverage, and portfolio tracking
• Examples: eToro (beginner-friendly), Saxo Bank (advanced)

Costs and Fees for Stock Trading

Trading stocks in the Netherlands isn’t free—even if some platforms claim it is. While many brokers advertise “zero commission,” you’ll often find hidden costs in currency exchange, spreads, or inactivity charges. Understanding the total cost structure is essential if you want to protect your long-term returns.

Here’s a breakdown of the typical fees you’ll encounter:

• Trading commission – Fixed or percentage fee per stock order
• Currency conversion fee – Charged when buying non-euro stocks
• Inactivity fee – Some brokers penalize dormant accounts
• Withdrawal or transfer fees – Rare, but possible with some platforms
• Real-time data fees – Applies to certain exchanges (e.g., US markets via DEGIRO)

Fee comparison (2025)

Broker	Stock Commission	FX Fee	Inactivity Fee	Notable Details
DEGIRO	From €1 + €2.50	0.25%	None	Great for low-cost EU/US stock trading
eToro	$0	0.50% (EUR/USD)	$10 after 12 mo	Commission-free, but FX-heavy for EU users
Trade Republic	€1 flat fee	0.15%	None	Predictable costs, full transparency
Saxo Bank	€3–€10 per trade	0.25%–1.00%	€100/year	High minimums, premium features

Tips to minimize costs:

• Stick to euro-denominated stocks if possible to avoid FX
• Use brokers with no inactivity fees if you trade occasionally
• Choose platforms that offer fractional shares if you’re investing small amounts regularly
• Watch for market data subscription options, especially if trading US stocks

While eToro and Trade Republic appeal to cost-conscious traders, DEGIRO remains a favorite for users who prefer transparency and manual control. High-volume traders or those needing advanced tools might still consider Saxo Bank, despite the higher cost.

What Stocks Can You Buy with a Dutch Broker?

Stock brokers in the Netherlands give you access to a wide range of equities—both local and international. Whether you want to invest in Dutch giants like ASML and Unilever, or trade global tech stocks like Apple, Tesla, or Alibaba, most platforms let you build a diverse portfolio from day one.

You can typically trade:

• Dutch stocks listed on Euronext Amsterdam
• European blue chips across Euronext, Xetra, and other EU markets
• US-listed stocks from NASDAQ and NYSE
• UK, Asian, and global shares, depending on the broker
• Fractional shares (offered by platforms like eToro and Trade Republic)

While all brokers give access to Dutch and European stocks, not all support US stocks or fractional trading. For example, DEGIRO and Saxo Bank provide access to a broader global range, but only eToro and Trade Republic support buying fractional shares—useful for investing small amounts in expensive companies like Amazon or Google.

Be aware of FX fees when trading non-euro stocks. If your base currency is EUR and you’re buying US shares, your broker will convert currencies and charge a spread or conversion fee. Some platforms, like eToro, operate in USD by default—so all deposits in EUR are automatically converted.

Taxes on Stock Investments in the Netherlands

Unlike many countries that tax capital gains on individual trades, the Netherlands uses a wealth-based system. This means you don’t pay tax on profits when you sell a stock—instead, you’re taxed on the total value of your assets each year under Box 3 of the Dutch tax system.

This system applies whether you invest through a local broker like DEGIRO or an international one like eToro.

Box 3 wealth tax explained

Your stock holdings are included in your Box 3 assets, which are taxed based on a fictitious return. The government assumes a return on your savings and investments and taxes that amount, not your actual profits or losses.

• Tax-free threshold (2025): approx. €57,000 per person (€114,000 for fiscal partners)
• Fictitious return: Progressive rates based on total assets
• Tax rate: Around 34% on the assumed return, not your real gains

The value of your portfolio is assessed on January 1st each year, and this determines your tax obligation—regardless of how your stocks performed during the year.

Dividend taxation

If your stocks pay dividends, those are taxed separately. Dutch companies typically withhold 15% on dividends, which is settled at source. If you hold foreign stocks, additional foreign withholding tax (e.g. US 15% or 30%) may apply. In some cases, part of that can be reclaimed through tax treaties.

Tip: Accumulating ETFs (which reinvest earnings) and non-dividend-paying stocks may reduce your reporting complexity, but all assets still fall under Box 3.

Domestic vs. foreign brokers

Using a Dutch broker like BUX Zero or DEGIRO makes annual tax reporting easier, as they often provide overviews formatted for the Belastingdienst. International platforms like eToro may require manual tracking of year-end balances and dividends received, especially if they don’t offer EUR-based summaries.

How to Choose the Right Stock Broker

Finding the best stock broker in the Netherlands depends on how—and how often—you plan to trade. Some investors care most about fees, while others prioritize platform features, access to international markets, or tax reporting convenience. The ideal broker strikes a balance between cost, functionality, and support for your investment style.

Platform usability and tools
If you’re a beginner, look for a clean interface, mobile app, and easy order execution. eToro and BUX Zero excel at simplicity, while Saxo Bank offers more advanced tools like charting, order depth, and strategy backtesting.

Fees and pricing structure
Low commissions are essential if you trade often. Trade Republic charges a flat €1 per trade, and DEGIRO has ultra-low fees across EU and US markets. Avoid platforms with high FX spreads or inactivity penalties if you’re trading infrequently.

Market access
Want to buy US stocks, Asian shares, or niche ETFs? Choose brokers with broad international coverage. Saxo Bank leads here, but DEGIRO and eToro also support major global markets.

Fractional share support
If you’re investing small amounts or want to diversify with limited capital, brokers like eToro and Trade Republic allow fractional investing in popular stocks like Amazon or Nvidia.

Tax reporting and compliance
Dutch residents benefit from brokers that issue end-of-year reports in EUR and match the Box 3 format. DEGIRO provides this automatically, while others may require manual summaries or conversion.

Language and support
If you’re an expat, make sure the broker offers full English-language support, both in the trading interface and customer service. Most major platforms support this by default.

Regulation and Investor Protection

Stock brokers operating in the Netherlands are subject to strict financial regulation, whether they are based locally or elsewhere in the EU. This framework protects investors by enforcing transparency, secure fund handling, and fair market access.

Regulatory oversight

Brokers must be licensed under MiFID II—the EU directive that standardizes investment services across member states. Those headquartered in the Netherlands are regulated by:

• AFM (Autoriteit Financiële Markten) – Oversees conduct, disclosure, and client protection
• DNB (De Nederlandsche Bank) – Monitors financial stability and capital requirements

International brokers like eToro (licensed in Cyprus) or Trade Republic (Germany) can legally offer services in the Netherlands through passporting rights under MiFID II. These brokers are listed in the AFM register if they’re registered to operate in the Dutch market.

Investor protection schemes

Regulated brokers are required to separate client funds from operational accounts—this ensures your money and assets are safe even if the broker becomes insolvent.

Depending on where the broker is licensed, you’re also covered by national compensation schemes:

• Dutch brokers (e.g. DEGIRO): Protected under the Beleggerscompensatiestelsel, up to €20,000
• EU brokers (e.g. eToro): Covered by their home country’s investor protection system (e.g. CySEC’s €20,000 limit in Cyprus)

In some cases, cash held in your account is protected separately under a deposit guarantee scheme, up to €100,000, if stored at a bank regulated under EU banking law.