A depot is your gateway to the stock market — without one you cannot buy stocks or ETFs. The good news: Opening takes 10 minutes and is free.

What You Need

ID card or passport (for identity verification)
Smartphone (most brokers use video identification via app)
Tax ID
IBAN of your bank account

Step 1: Choose Broker

For beginners we recommend:

Trade Republic: Simplest app, 1 euro/trade, 3.25% interest on cash
Scalable Capital: Most modern interface, Free Broker (0 euro/trade)

Step 2: Download App and Register

Download the app, enter email, create password, confirm via email link.

Step 3: Enter Personal Data

Name, address, date of birth, tax ID, nationality. Must exactly match your ID.

Step 4: Verify Identity (Video Identification)

Video call with an agent. Hold your ID to the camera, answer a few questions — takes 5 minutes.

Step 5: Experience and Risk Questions

The broker asks about your trading experience and risk tolerance. Answer honestly.

Step 6: Deposit Money

Transfer via bank transfer to your settlement account. Tip: Start with at least 100 euros for a first ETF purchase.

Step 7: Make First Purchase

Search for an MSCI World ETF. Click Buy, choose amount, confirm order. Congratulations — you are an investor!

Step 8: Set Up Savings Plan

Go to Savings Plans, choose ETF, set monthly amount (e.g., 50 euros), choose execution day. From now on you invest automatically.

FAQ

Can I have multiple depots?

Yes. Many investors have 2-3 depots at different brokers. No problem, no additional costs.

What does a depot cost?

At Trade Republic and Scalable Capital: 0 euros.

Can I withdraw money anytime?

Yes. Sell positions and transfer to your bank account. Takes 1-3 business days.

Is my money safe?

Securities are segregated assets (belonging to you, not the broker). Cash is protected by deposit insurance up to 100,000 euros.

Bottom Line: Opening a depot is easier than a Netflix subscription. 10 minutes, one ID, one smartphone. The hardest part? The decision to do it. But you have already made that.