Living Abroad in the Netherlands: Find the Best Online Broker for Expat

If you’ve just settled in the Netherlands as an expat, one of the smartest financial moves you can make is to get your investments in order. Whether you’re saving for the future or planning to trade actively, choosing the right online broker can make a big difference. But with so many platforms out there, where do you even start?

Below, you’ll find a list of some of the most popular and reliable options — starting with a comparison site that saves you a lot of time.

1. BrokerNetherlands.nl – Your Starting Point for Comparison

Before signing up with any single broker, it’s smart to start with an overview. BrokerNetherlands.nl is an excellent comparison website built specifically for people living in the Netherlands. It gives you a clear picture of the best online brokers, their fees, supported investment types, and whether they’re beginner-friendly or advanced.

The platform helps you compare:

• Trading fees and commissions
• Deposit and withdrawal options (including SEPA transfers)
• Availability of international markets
• Language and customer support options
• Tax and reporting tools for expats

For expats who may not be fluent in Dutch yet, this type of comparison site is a real time-saver. It helps you avoid brokers that only offer Dutch interfaces or have limited international support.

2. DEGIRO – A Dutch Favorite

DEGIRO is one of the best-known brokers in the Netherlands. Based in Amsterdam, it’s popular for its low fees and easy access to global markets. You can trade European and U.S. stocks, ETFs, bonds, and more — all from one account.

Pros:

• Very low commissions
• User-friendly app and desktop interface
• Strong reputation in Europe

Cons:

• Limited educational tools for beginners
• Currency conversion fees on foreign trades

If you’re an expat who already has some experience with investing, DEGIRO is a strong choice.

3. eToro – Social Trading for Global Expats

eToro is perfect for expats who like to see what others are doing. Its social trading platform lets you follow or even copy the trades of experienced investors. You can buy stocks, ETFs, crypto, and commodities — all in one place.

Pros:

• Copy-trading makes investing simple for beginners
• Modern app with good analytics tools
• Supports crypto and traditional assets

Cons:

• Currency conversions can be expensive
• Spreads are sometimes higher than traditional brokers

4. Interactive Brokers (IBKR) – For Serious Investors

If you’re a professional or plan to invest large amounts, Interactive Brokers is in a class of its own. It gives you access to over 150 markets worldwide, advanced trading tools, and excellent currency conversion rates.

Pros:

• Professional-grade tools and analytics
• Low costs for high-volume traders
• Great for managing multiple currencies

Cons:

• Interface can be intimidating for beginners
• Account setup is detailed and can take time

Expats who move often between countries love IBKR because of its multi-currency flexibility — you can hold balances in different currencies and convert when rates are best.

5. Saxo Bank – Danish Quality, Dutch Presence

Saxo Bank has a strong presence in the Netherlands and offers a premium experience. Their platform is designed for active traders and high-net-worth investors who value research, reliability, and support.

Pros:

• Advanced charting tools and insights
• Excellent customer support in multiple languages
• Stable and trustworthy platform

Cons:

• Higher fees compared to budget brokers
• Minimum deposit required for some accounts

If you want a premium platform and are willing to pay a little more for service and tools, Saxo Bank might be your match.

6. BUX Zero – The App for Beginners

BUX Zero is based in Amsterdam and targets new investors. It’s designed to make investing simple and mobile-first. With BUX Zero, you can buy shares, ETFs, and fractional shares directly from your phone.

Pros:

• No commission on certain trades
• Simple design and learning-friendly
• Supports automatic investing plans

Cons:

• Limited investment options
• Not ideal for active or professional traders

This app is great if you just want to dip your toes into investing while living in the Netherlands.

Understanding the Investment Landscape as an Expat

Now that you’ve seen the main players, let’s look at what makes investing as an expat in the Netherlands unique.

1. Dutch Tax Considerations

In the Netherlands, investment income is taxed under Box 3 — this covers savings and investments. The tax is not based on your real returns but on a deemed rate of return, meaning the government assumes a certain profit level regardless of your actual gains.

If you’re an expat under the 30% ruling, some of your income might be exempt, which can also influence how you invest. It’s wise to read up on this or get advice from a local tax advisor familiar with expat situations.

2. Dealing with Currency and Transfers

If your salary or savings are in a different currency, look for brokers that offer multi-currency accounts or low-cost conversions. Transferring euros from your Dutch IBAN to your broker should be free, but international transfers often include fees.

Interactive Brokers, for example, allows you to hold several currencies, which can help you avoid unnecessary exchange costs.

3. Language and Support

Some Dutch brokers operate primarily in Dutch, which can be a barrier for new arrivals. That’s why comparison tools like BrokerNetherlands.nl are useful — you can filter brokers that offer English-language platforms and customer service.

DEGIRO, eToro, and IBKR all provide English support, which helps avoid confusion when handling your portfolio.

4. Managing Investments from Abroad

If you travel frequently or plan to move again, make sure your broker allows international access and remote account management. Some local brokers may limit logins or withdrawals from outside the EU.

Large platforms like eToro or Interactive Brokers are fully international, making them ideal for globally mobile expats.

5. Choosing What to Invest In

As an expat, you may want to diversify — balancing investments between your home country and your new base in the Netherlands. Most brokers let you buy international ETFs and index funds, so you can invest globally while keeping costs low.

If you’re new to investing, starting with low-cost ETFs is a smart and simple way to get exposure to the market without worrying too much about picking individual stocks.

6. Safety and Regulation

Brokers operating in the Netherlands must comply with AFM (Autoriteit Financiële Markten) and DNB (De Nederlandsche Bank) regulations. Always make sure your broker is licensed by one of these authorities or another EU body under MiFID II rules.

Funds are usually protected under the Investor Compensation Scheme, up to €20,000 per investor.

How to Pick the Best Broker for You

Choosing the best broker depends on your goals:

• For beginners: Start with BUX Zero or eToro for a simple, friendly experience.
• For experienced investors: DEGIRO or Interactive Brokers offer flexibility and low fees.
• For premium service: Saxo Bank provides research tools and human support.
• For quick comparison: BrokerNetherlands.nl gives a bird’s-eye view before you commit.

Make sure to test the demo versions or apps before depositing large sums — the “feel” of the platform matters more than many expect.

Final Thoughts

Living as an expat in the Netherlands is exciting — and managing your money wisely helps you make the most of it. Whether you’re saving for a home, retirement, or just want your money to work harder, finding the right online broker is a crucial step.Start with BrokerNetherlands.nl to compare your options easily, then explore brokers like DEGIRO, eToro, and Interactive Brokers to find what fits your needs best. With the right setup, you’ll be investing confidently — no matter how far from home you are.