Last updated: March 2026

How to Invest in the Netherlands as an Expat (2026)

Start investing with DEGIRO or Trade Republic. Understand Box 3 wealth tax and how the 30% ruling can protect your investments from Dutch taxation.

Box 3 Tax: What Expats Need to Know

The Netherlands taxes savings and investments through Box 3 — the wealth tax. Unlike many countries that tax actual gains, the Dutch system taxes a deemed (fictional) return on your total wealth above an exemption threshold. The actual return method is being phased in but for 2026, the deemed return system still applies.

~€57,000
Exemption per person
No tax below this threshold
5.69%
Deemed return (investments)
Fictional rate 2026
36%
Box 3 tax rate
On deemed return only

Example: Box 3 tax on €100,000 investment portfolio

Portfolio value€100,000
Minus exemption (single person)−€57,000
Taxable base€43,000
Deemed return (5.69%)€2,447
Box 3 tax (36%)€881/year

💡 30% Ruling holders: you may be exempt from Box 3

Expats with the 30% ruling can elect partial non-residency status, which means only Dutch real estate is subject to Box 3. Your foreign savings and investments are completely exempt — this can be worth thousands of euros per year.

Check your 30% ruling eligibility →

Getting Started: 4 Steps to Your First Investment

01
🏦

Open a Dutch bank account

You'll need a Dutch bank account to fund your brokerage account. bunq or Wise work well for this.

Learn more →
02
📋

Get your BSN and DigiD

Required for identity verification with Dutch and EU regulated brokers.

Learn more →
03
📱

Open a brokerage account

DEGIRO and Trade Republic both support English and are open to Netherlands residents. Account opening takes 10-15 min.

04
📊

Invest in broad ETFs

Low-cost global ETFs (e.g. VWCE, IWDA) are the recommended starting point for most investors — low fees, instant diversification.

Brokers & Savings

Best Investment Platforms for Expats

All platforms are EU-regulated and accessible to Netherlands residents. English interfaces.

★ FeaturedEurope's #1 broker

DEGIRO

Invest in ETFs from €1 — Europe's leading low-cost broker

  • ✓ETFs from €1
  • ✓50+ global exchanges
  • ✓No monthly fee
  • ✓2.5M clients
Start Investing →
★ Featured4% on savings

Trade Republic

Invest and earn 4% interest on uninvested cash — all in one app

  • ✓4% savings rate
  • ✓Free ETF savings plans
  • ✓Simple mobile app
Start Investing →
Best EU rates

Raisin

Access the best savings rates from banks across Europe — no switching fees

  • ✓Best EU savings rates
  • ✓Deposit guarantee protected
  • ✓No hidden fees
Start Investing →

ETF Investing for Expats: What to Know

For most expats, a simple global ETF portfolio is the most tax-efficient and low-maintenance approach to investing from the Netherlands. ETFs are transparent, liquid, and widely available through both DEGIRO and Trade Republic.

Keep it simple

A single global ETF (like VWCE or IWDA) gives you exposure to 1,500+ companies across 50+ countries with one purchase.

Watch the TER

The Total Expense Ratio (TER) is the annual fund cost. Look for ETFs under 0.25% TER — VWCE is 0.22%, IWDA is 0.20%.

Use a savings plan

Trade Republic offers free automated monthly ETF purchases. This removes emotion from investing and reduces timing risk.

This is general information, not financial advice. Consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Investing involves risk of loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Box 3 tax in the Netherlands?▼
Box 3 is the Dutch wealth tax on savings and investments above ~€57,000/person. In 2026, investments are taxed at a deemed return of 5.69%, taxed at 36% — so effectively ~2.05% per year on your total investment value.
Can the 30% ruling help me avoid Box 3?▼
Yes — with the 30% ruling you can elect partial non-residency, meaning your non-Dutch savings and investments are exempt from Box 3. Only Dutch real estate is taxed. This is one of the most valuable benefits of the ruling for investors.
What is the best broker for expats in the Netherlands?▼
DEGIRO is Europe's leading low-cost broker, based in the Netherlands — ETFs from €1, no monthly fee. Trade Republic is excellent for 4% on cash savings and free ETF savings plans. Both are regulated EU brokers.
What is the Box 3 exemption threshold?▼
The Box 3 exemption in 2026 is approximately €57,000 per person (€114,000 per couple). Assets below this threshold are not subject to wealth tax.
Do I need to declare foreign investments?▼
Yes — as a Dutch tax resident, you must declare all worldwide savings and investments in Box 3, including foreign accounts. The Dutch tax authority receives data through international CRS reporting. Exception: 30% ruling holders who elect partial non-residency.
→ Check 30% ruling eligibility→ Get Dutch tax advice→ Calculate net salary

Start investing in the Netherlands

DEGIRO offers ETFs from €1 with no monthly fee — Europe's leading low-cost broker.

Open DEGIRO Account →Check 30% Ruling →