ETF Brokers Netherlands

Looking for the best ETF brokers in the Netherlands? Whether you’re a first-time investor or planning to automate your savings, ETFs offer low-cost access to global markets. In this guide, you’ll learn how ETF investing works in the Netherlands, which brokers to trust, and how to avoid hidden fees in 2025.

What Are ETFs

ETFs—Exchange Traded Funds—are investment funds that trade on the stock exchange like regular shares. Each ETF contains a basket of assets, such as stocks, bonds, or commodities, and is designed to track an index or sector. This gives investors instant diversification with a single purchase.

Dutch investors favor ETFs for three main reasons: low fees, broad market exposure, and flexibility. Unlike mutual funds, ETFs can be bought or sold throughout the day, often with lower management costs. They’re ideal for passive investors building long-term portfolios as well as beginners who want simple exposure to global markets without picking individual stocks.

In the Netherlands, ETFs are widely available through regulated brokers and can be purchased in lump sums or via recurring savings plans. Most brokers offer access to major ETFs listed in the EU, with some also supporting fractional shares, allowing you to invest even small amounts efficiently.

Who Can Invest in ETFs in the Netherlands

Anyone over 18 with a verified identity and a European bank account can invest in ETFs through a Dutch or EU-regulated broker. This includes Dutch citizens, EU/EEA residents, and expats living legally in the Netherlands. There are no citizenship requirements, but brokers must comply with EU anti-money laundering laws and verify your information before you can trade.

Here’s what you need to open an ETF account:

• Valid ID (passport or EU national ID)
• Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement, rental contract)
• Tax identification number (BSN for Dutch residents, foreign TIN for others)
• SEPA-compatible bank account
• Completed KYC and risk disclosure

Most online brokers—such as DEGIRO, eToro, or BUX Zero—offer a fully digital registration process. Dutch residents benefit from smooth BSN integration, while expats can still invest by entering a foreign tax ID and funding their account via a European bank.

How to Set Up and Start Investing in ETFs

Getting started with ETFs in the Netherlands is fast, digital, and beginner-friendly. Whether you’re investing a single lump sum or building a portfolio over time, the process is the same. Most brokers offer a fully online setup, and some even support savings plans starting from €10 per month.

Steps to start investing in ETFs:

• Choose an ETF broker
• Verify your identity
• Link your bank account
• Select your ETF(s)
• Set up a savings plan (optional)
• Understand tax implications

Choose an ETF broker

Start by comparing brokers that operate in the Netherlands. Key factors include trading fees, ETF availability, account minimums, tax documentation, and whether they offer savings plans. Dutch-based brokers like DEGIRO and BUX Zero are popular for their low-cost structure, while eToro and Trade Republic are favored for mobile-first access and additional features like crypto or fractional shares.

Check if the broker is regulated within the EU (MiFID II compliant) and supports the type of ETFs you’re interested in—broad index trackers, dividend-focused funds, ESG strategies, etc. Some brokers also offer tools to filter ETFs by region, asset class, or risk profile.

Verify your identity

All brokers must verify your identity before activating your account. You’ll need to upload a valid ID (passport or EU national card) and a proof of address, such as a utility bill or bank statement dated within the last 3 months. Dutch residents will usually be asked for their BSN (Burgerservicenummer) for tax purposes.

Expats living in the Netherlands can use a foreign Tax Identification Number (TIN) if they don’t have a BSN. The KYC process is fully online and typically completed within 24–48 hours.

Link your bank account

To fund your account, link a SEPA-compatible bank account registered in your name. Some brokers verify ownership through a small deposit, while others use instant confirmation services. iDEAL is often available for Dutch residents, making the first transfer instant and free.

Make sure the bank account matches the name on your brokerage account to avoid delays or rejections. Withdrawals will also be sent back to this same account.

Select your ETF(s)

Once verified and funded, you can start browsing the available ETFs. Most brokers offer hundreds of funds, including MSCI World, S&P 500, and Euro Stoxx 50 trackers. You can choose between accumulating ETFs (which reinvest dividends) or distributing ETFs (which pay them out).

Use filters to compare ETFs based on performance, cost (TER), currency, provider (like iShares or Xtrackers), and listing exchange. Make sure the ETF is UCITS-compliant, as required under EU regulation.

Set up a savings plan (optional)

Many brokers allow you to automate ETF purchases by setting up a monthly investment plan. With platforms like BUX Zero or Trade Republic, you can invest as little as €10/month in selected ETFs with no transaction fees. This is ideal for long-term passive investing.

You can usually set the date, amount, and specific ETF, and modify or pause the plan at any time. These savings plans help smooth out market volatility and build discipline through consistent investing.

Understand tax implications

In the Netherlands, ETFs are taxed under the Box 3 wealth tax system. You don’t pay tax on capital gains directly, but you are taxed based on your total asset value as of January 1st each year. Dividends are subject to 15% withholding tax, which is often applied automatically.

Some brokers, especially Dutch ones, provide downloadable tax reports tailored for Dutch residents. If you’re using a foreign broker, you may need to track balances and dividends manually.

Types of ETF Brokers in the Netherlands

ETF investors in the Netherlands can choose between different types of brokers, each with their own strengths. While most brokers offer access to popular ETFs, the pricing, user interface, support, and long-term investing features can vary significantly.

The main broker types include:

• Online brokers (neo-brokers)
• Banks with investment platforms
• EU-based international brokers

Online brokers (neo-brokers)

These platforms are optimized for simplicity and low fees. Examples include BUX Zero, Trade Republic, and DEGIRO. They typically offer commission-free or very low-cost ETF trading, mobile-first interfaces, and quick onboarding. Some—like Trade Republic—support automated ETF savings plans, making them ideal for passive investors.

Neo-brokers often have fewer advanced tools or research features but are well suited for investors who prioritize automation, minimal fees, and long-term ETF exposure.

Banks with investment platforms

Traditional Dutch banks such as ING, Rabobank, and ABN AMRO offer brokerage services directly through their online banking systems. While convenient, these platforms tend to have higher fees, limited ETF selection, and fewer features for managing recurring investments.

They’re generally used by customers who want to keep banking and investing under one login, but they’re not cost-effective for regular ETF purchases or savings plans.

EU-based international brokers

Platforms like eToro, Saxo Bank, and Interactive Brokers operate in the Netherlands under EU passporting rules. They offer access to a broader range of ETFs, including international funds and niche sectors. Some also allow you to trade fractional shares, access leverage, or combine ETFs with other asset classes like stocks, crypto, or CFDs.

These brokers vary widely in fee structure and complexity—eToro targets casual users, while Saxo Bank and IBKR are better for advanced traders who want deeper customization and market access.

ETF Savings Plans in the Netherlands

An ETF savings plan lets you invest a fixed amount into one or more ETFs automatically—usually every month. It’s one of the easiest ways to build long-term wealth with minimal effort. You avoid trying to time the market and benefit from cost averaging, reducing the impact of short-term volatility.

ETF savings plans are gaining popularity in the Netherlands, especially among young investors and those focused on passive income. Several brokers now support this feature, offering automation, zero-commission purchases, and low entry amounts.

How ETF savings plans work

You choose an ETF, set a monthly amount (e.g., €50), and select an execution date. The broker then buys ETF shares on your behalf every month. Some platforms also support fractional ETF purchases, allowing you to invest small amounts even if the ETF’s share price is high.

You can usually pause, edit, or cancel the plan at any time. It’s a flexible, set-and-forget approach to long-term investing.

Which brokers offer savings plans

In the Netherlands, the best brokers for ETF savings plans include:

• Trade Republic – Offers thousands of ETFs, €1 minimum per plan, no commission
• BUX Zero – Supports selected ETFs with €10 minimum, mobile-first setup
• DEGIRO – No official savings plan, but manual monthly investing is possible
• eToro – Does not offer automated savings plans but allows manual recurring investments with fractional shares

Savings plans are ideal for Dutch residents looking to build wealth gradually without active trading. They are particularly effective when paired with accumulating ETFs, which reinvest dividends automatically.

Cost Comparison – ETF Brokers in the Netherlands

Fees can make or break long-term ETF investing. Even small differences in trading costs, currency conversion, or platform fees can compound over time. While many Dutch brokers advertise zero-commission ETF trading, the real cost structure depends on account type, funding method, and product selection.

Below is a comparison of popular ETF brokers available to Dutch investors in 2025:

Broker	ETF Trading Fees	FX Conversion Fee	Savings Plan Support	Inactivity Fee	Notes
Trade Republic	€1 per ETF trade	0.15% spread	Yes – €1 min/month	None	Thousands of ETFs, full automation available
BUX Zero	€0 on selected ETFs	0.25%	Yes – €10 min/month	None	Mobile-first platform, limited ETF pool
DEGIRO	From €1 + €2.50 handling	0.25% (currency handling)	Manual only	None	Cheapest for manual buy-and-hold investing
eToro	$0 commission	0.50% on EUR/USD	No (manual only)	$10/month after 12 mo.	Fractional ETF access, wide product range
Saxo Bank NL	€3–10 per trade	0.25%–1.00% (tiered)	No	€100/year if inactive	Pro-level tools, high minimums

What to consider beyond trade fees

• Currency exchange: Some brokers like eToro operate in USD, which means all EUR deposits are converted and subject to FX fees.
• Savings plan structure: Platforms like Trade Republic offer full automation, while DEGIRO requires manual monthly investing.
• Additional costs: Look out for withdrawal fees, account maintenance charges, and data feed subscriptions if applicable.

For long-term ETF investing, brokers with low or no trade fees and minimal FX costs offer the best value—especially if they support savings plans and automatic reinvestment.

Taxes on ETFs in the Netherlands

ETF investing in the Netherlands is subject to a unique tax system that differs from many other countries. Rather than taxing actual gains, the Dutch system applies a notional return on your assets via the Box 3 wealth tax. Dividends from distributing ETFs are taxed separately, and the broker you choose may affect how easy reporting is.

Understanding how ETFs are taxed helps you avoid surprises and plan your long-term portfolio more effectively.

Box 3 wealth tax treatment

As a retail investor, your ETF holdings fall under Box 3, which covers savings and investments. You are not taxed on capital gains. Instead, you’re taxed on an assumed return based on your total net assets as of January 1st each year.

For 2025, the tax-free threshold is around €57,000 per person (or €114,000 for fiscal partners). If your portfolio exceeds this amount, a progressive fictitious return is applied, with the result taxed at approximately 34%.

This applies to both ETFs held at Dutch and foreign brokers.

Dividend taxation and withholding

Dividends from distributing ETFs are subject to 15% Dutch withholding tax. If you hold foreign ETFs (e.g. US-listed), additional foreign withholding tax may apply, which can go up to 30%. Depending on tax treaties, part of this amount may be reclaimable or credited via your annual return.

If you’re investing in accumulating ETFs (which reinvest dividends), there’s no direct dividend payout, but the theoretical income is still included in the Box 3 valuation.

Distributing vs accumulating ETFs

• Distributing ETFs pay dividends regularly, which are taxable when received
• Accumulating ETFs reinvest earnings, resulting in deferred growth without immediate tax on distributions

Both types are available on Dutch platforms, but some investors choose accumulating ETFs to simplify tax reporting—especially when investing via savings plans.

Domestic vs foreign brokers

Dutch brokers like DEGIRO or BUX Zero typically provide downloadable annual tax summaries, making Box 3 reporting easier. Foreign platforms like eToro may not offer Dutch-formatted reports, requiring manual input of portfolio value and dividends.

Always check if your broker supports end-of-year account statements in EUR and includes dividend breakdowns for accurate self-reporting.

Best ETF Brokers in the Netherlands

The best ETF broker depends on your goals, experience, and whether you prefer automation, simplicity, or broader asset access. Here’s a breakdown by user type:

• Best for beginners: eToro – Very beginner-friendly interface, commission-free ETFs, fractional investing, and crypto access in one app.
• Best for low-cost long-term investing: DEGIRO – Rock-bottom fees, wide ETF range, great for manual portfolio building with minimal overhead.
• Best for automated savings plans: Trade Republic – €1 minimum per plan, full automation, ideal for hands-off investing with consistent monthly contributions.
• Best for ETF + crypto exposure: eToro – Allows investing in both ETFs and crypto from a single account, suited for modern, diversified portfolios.
• Best for advanced ETF investors: Saxo Bank NL – Premium tools, access to niche ETFs and international markets, best for high-volume or professional users.

How to Choose the Right ETF Broker

Choosing the right ETF broker in the Netherlands depends on how you plan to invest—automatically or manually, frequently or occasionally, and whether you care more about cost, features, or ease of use. While most brokers offer access to popular ETFs, the actual experience and long-term efficiency vary widely.

Here are the key factors to compare:

Fees and cost structure

Look beyond trading commissions. Consider currency conversion fees, platform charges, savings plan fees, and inactivity penalties. For example, eToro offers commission-free ETF trades but charges a 0.5% FX fee and a $5 withdrawal fee. DEGIRO, on the other hand, charges per trade but has minimal hidden costs.

ETF access and selection

Make sure the broker offers UCITS-compliant ETFs listed on European exchanges. Most users will want access to funds tracking global indices like MSCI World or S&P 500. Check if accumulating and distributing variants are both available.

Savings plan support

If you want automated investing, prioritize brokers like Trade Republic or BUX Zero, which support recurring ETF purchases with low minimums and no execution fees.

Platform usability

Beginners should prioritize clean interfaces, mobile apps, and easy onboarding. eToro and BUX Zero are highly beginner-friendly. Advanced users may prefer platforms like SaxoTraderGO, which offers more control and analytics.

Tax handling and documentation

Dutch residents benefit from brokers that provide Box 3-ready year-end reports in EUR. DEGIRO is strong in this area, while eToro may require more manual tracking.

Language and support

If you’re an expat or international user, choose a broker with full English-language support, both in the interface and customer service. All major platforms listed here support English by default.

Regulation and Fund Protection

ETF brokers operating in the Netherlands must comply with strict EU financial regulations that protect investors across borders. Whether you’re using a Dutch broker like DEGIRO or an international platform like eToro, your funds and assets are safeguarded under EU law.

Regulatory bodies and licensing

Brokers in the Netherlands are regulated by:

• AFM (Autoriteit Financiële Markten) – Monitors conduct, transparency, and investor protection
• DNB (De Nederlandsche Bank) – Oversees financial stability and institutional compliance

EU-based brokers operate under MiFID II passporting rights, meaning platforms like Trade Republic (Germany) or eToro (Cyprus) can legally serve Dutch residents as long as they meet EU regulatory standards.

Before opening an account, check that the broker is listed in the AFM register or holds an EU license.

Client fund protection

All licensed brokers must hold client assets in segregated accounts, meaning your money is kept separate from the broker’s operational funds. If the broker fails, your investments remain protected and retrievable.

You may also be covered by an investor compensation scheme, depending on where the broker is licensed:

• Dutch brokers (e.g. DEGIRO): Covered by the Beleggerscompensatiestelsel, up to €20,000
• EU brokers (e.g. eToro): Covered by their home country scheme (e.g. €20,000 under CySEC in Cyprus)

For cash balances, some brokers hold funds at partner banks, which may fall under the €100,000 bank deposit guarantee (per Dutch or EU rules, depending on jurisdiction).