What is an ETF? A simple guide for European investors
Updated 19 May 2026
Last verified: 2026-03-22
Key takeaways: An ETF (exchange-traded fund) is a basket of investments that trades on a stock exchange, just like a single share. ETFs let you invest in hundreds or thousands of stocks, bonds, or other assets with one purchase, often at very low cost. For European investors, UCITS ETFs are the standard, offering strong regulatory protection under EU law.
An exchange-traded fund, or ETF, is a type of investment fund that holds a collection of assets and trades on a stock exchange. Think of it as a shopping basket filled with investments. Instead of buying each stock or bond individually, you buy one share of the ETF and instantly own a tiny piece of everything inside it.
Most ETFs track an index. For example, an ETF tracking the MSCI World index holds shares in over 1,500 companies across 23 developed countries. When you buy one share of that ETF, you effectively invest in all 1,500 companies at once.
ETFs were first introduced in the early 1990s and have grown rapidly ever since. In Europe, assets in ETFs crossed well above the EUR 2 trillion mark by 2025, and in January 2026 alone, net inflows reached USD 55.9 billion, the strongest opening month on record.
An ETF works in three basic steps. First, a fund provider (such as iShares, Vanguard, or Amundi) creates the fund and decides what it will hold. Second, the provider buys the underlying assets and packages them into the ETF. Third, the ETF is listed on one or more stock exchanges, where you can buy and sell shares throughout the trading day.
This is different from a traditional mutual fund, which you can only buy or sell once per day at the closing price. ETFs trade in real time, just like individual stocks, which means their price moves throughout the day as buyers and sellers interact on the exchange.
Most ETFs are passive, meaning they simply follow an index and do not try to beat the market. A passive ETF tracking the S&P 500 buys all the stocks in that index in the correct proportions and holds them. This keeps costs low because there is no fund manager actively picking stocks.
Active ETFs are a growing segment, especially in Europe. Over 200 new active UCITS ETFs launched in 2025, and the trend is accelerating in 2026. Active ETFs have a portfolio manager who selects investments, which typically means higher fees, usually between 0.30% and 1.00% per year.
A physically replicated ETF actually buys the underlying assets. If it tracks the Euro Stoxx 50, it holds all 50 stocks. A synthetically replicated ETF uses financial contracts (called swaps) with a bank to mirror the performance of an index without directly holding the assets. Physical replication is more common and generally considered simpler for investors to understand.
If you are an expat living in Europe or a European investor looking for a straightforward way to build wealth, ETFs are one of the most accessible tools available. Here is why they are particularly relevant.
Low cost. The average total expense ratio (TER) for ETFs in Europe is around 0.44%, but broad market index ETFs often cost under 0.10%, and some go as low as 0.03%. Compare that to actively managed funds, which often charge 1.00% to 2.00% per year. Over decades, this fee difference can amount to tens of thousands of euros in savings.
UCITS protection. In Europe, most ETFs available to retail investors are UCITS-compliant. UCITS (Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities) is the EU's strict framework that requires diversification, daily liquidity, transparent pricing, and independent custody of assets. If an ETF carries the "UCITS" label, it meets these standards and can be sold across all EU member states.
KID transparency. Under the PRIIPs regulation, every ETF sold to EU retail investors must publish a Key Information Document (KID), a standardised three-page document showing risks, fees, and performance scenarios. This makes it easier to compare products before investing.
No US ETF access for EU residents. If you are based in the EU, you generally cannot buy US-domiciled ETFs (such as SPY, VOO, or QQQ) through European brokers. This is because these funds do not publish a PRIIPs-compliant KID. Instead, European investors use UCITS equivalents, which are usually domiciled in Ireland or Luxembourg and offer similar exposure.
Wide availability across brokers. Most European brokers, including DEGIRO, Interactive Brokers, Trade Republic, Scalable Capital, and Trading 212, offer access to hundreds or thousands of UCITS ETFs. Many brokers offer commission-free ETF trading on select funds, making it even cheaper to get started.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| European ETF assets | Over EUR 2 trillion (2025) |
| January 2026 net inflows | USD 55.9 billion (record month) |
| Average ETF TER in Europe | Approximately 0.44% |
| Cheapest broad-market ETFs | As low as 0.03% TER |
| Number of UCITS ETFs | Over 3,000 listed in Europe |
| Standard regulatory framework | UCITS (EU-wide) |
| Disclosure requirement | PRIIPs KID (3-page fact sheet) |
| Most common domicile | Ireland and Luxembourg |
| Primary regulator (EU level) | ESMA |
The European ETF market covers a wide range of asset classes and strategies. Here are the most common types you will encounter.
Equity ETFs hold stocks. They can track a broad global index (like MSCI World or FTSE All-World), a regional index (like Euro Stoxx 50 or FTSE 100), or a single-country index. Equity ETFs captured 85% of all European ETF flows in early 2026.
Bond ETFs hold government or corporate bonds. They are generally lower risk than equity ETFs and can provide regular income. Popular options include ETFs tracking euro-denominated government bonds or global aggregate bond indices.
Thematic ETFs focus on specific trends like clean energy, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, or ageing populations. These tend to carry higher fees (0.20% to 0.60%) because they require more specialised index construction.
Dividend ETFs specifically target companies that pay above-average dividends. These can be attractive for investors seeking regular income, but note that dividend taxation varies significantly by country in Europe.
Multi-asset ETFs combine stocks and bonds in a single product, offering a ready-made portfolio. These are convenient for beginners who want a simple, diversified investment without choosing individual ETFs.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Low fees compared to active funds | You cannot outperform the market with a passive ETF |
| Instant diversification across many assets | Tracking error: the ETF may not perfectly match its index |
| Trade throughout the day on an exchange | Spread costs when buying and selling (bid-ask spread) |
| Transparent holdings and pricing | Currency risk if the ETF holds assets in a different currency |
| Strong UCITS regulatory protection in the EU | Withholding tax on dividends can reduce returns (varies by domicile) |
| Easy to set up savings plans with many brokers | Overtrading temptation: easy access can lead to frequent buying and selling |
| Wide range of asset classes and strategies | Synthetic ETFs carry counterparty risk from swap contracts |
If you are new to investing and want to buy your first ETF, the process is straightforward. You need a brokerage account with a platform that offers UCITS ETFs. Popular options for European investors include DEGIRO, Trade Republic, Scalable Capital, Interactive Brokers, eToro, XTB, and Lightyear. You can compare all investing platforms on Capmap's investing platform directory.
Once your account is open and funded, search for the ETF you want by its name or ISIN code. Many brokers let you set up automatic monthly savings plans, where a fixed amount is invested into your chosen ETF each month. This approach, called euro-cost averaging, helps smooth out price fluctuations over time.
Before buying, always check the ETF's KID document and review the TER, the index it tracks, whether it is accumulating (reinvests dividends) or distributing (pays dividends out), and where it is domiciled. Ireland-domiciled ETFs are often tax-efficient for European investors due to favourable withholding tax treaties.
For a deeper look at individual brokers, read our DEGIRO review or eToro review. If you are based in the Netherlands, our guide to investing in the Netherlands as an expat covers the country-specific details.
UCITS ETFs in Europe are among the most regulated investment products available. Your assets are held separately from the fund provider by an independent custodian, so if the ETF provider goes bankrupt, your investments are protected. However, the value of your ETF can still go up or down depending on the performance of the underlying assets. ETFs do not guarantee returns.
Many European brokers allow you to start with as little as EUR 1 through fractional share investing or savings plans. Platforms like Trade Republic and Scalable Capital offer savings plans starting from EUR 1 per month. There is no minimum amount required to begin, though investing regularly over time tends to produce better results than trying to time the market.
Both ETFs and index funds can track the same index and hold the same assets. The main difference is how they trade. ETFs trade on a stock exchange throughout the day, while index funds (also called mutual funds) are priced and traded once per day. In Europe, ETFs are generally more popular with self-directed investors because of their flexibility and lower costs.
Tax treatment varies significantly by country. In the Netherlands, ETFs are taxed under Box 3 (a deemed return on assets, not actual gains). In Germany, you pay Abgeltungsteuer (flat 26.375%) on realised gains and dividends. In France, you may benefit from tax advantages through a PEA account. Always check the tax rules in your country of residence, and consider consulting a tax adviser for your specific situation.
An accumulating ETF reinvests all dividends back into the fund automatically, while a distributing ETF pays dividends out to your account. In many European countries, accumulating ETFs are more tax-efficient because you defer capital gains. However, the best choice depends on your tax residency and whether you want regular income from your investments.
It is extremely unlikely to lose all your money in a broad, diversified ETF. For a global equity ETF to reach zero, every company it holds would need to become worthless simultaneously. That said, narrower ETFs (such as those tracking a single sector or theme) carry more risk. Diversified, broad-market ETFs are generally considered lower risk, but all investments can lose value in the short term.
There is no single "best" ETF, as it depends on your goals and risk tolerance. However, many beginners start with a broad global equity ETF that tracks the MSCI World or FTSE All-World index. These provide exposure to thousands of companies worldwide, are well diversified, and typically have very low fees (under 0.25% TER). Popular choices include ETFs from iShares, Vanguard, and Amundi.
This article is educational content, not financial advice. Always do your own research before making financial decisions. Fees and features may change. Verify current details on the platform's official website. Last verified: 2026-03-22.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or investment advice. Capmap.eu is an independent comparison platform - we do not provide personal recommendations. Always verify current fees, rates, and regulations with the provider or a qualified adviser before making financial decisions. Information was accurate at the time of writing but may have changed.
Written by Capmap Editorial · Independent financial guides for expats in Europe.