The checklist
- EU authorisation and passporting to your country
- The legal entity in your client agreement
- All-in costs in your currency
- Platforms you'll actually use
- Tax reporting for your country
- Support, payments and withdrawals
1. Authorisation and passporting
Check the broker on its home regulator's register and confirm it's notified to operate in your country. See how to verify.
2. The legal entity
International groups run several entities. Make sure yours is EU-authorised — that's what gives you ESMA protections and access to an EU compensation scheme.
3. Costs
Compare spreads, commission and financing in euros (or your local currency). See low-spread brokers and euro accounts.
4. Platforms
MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView or a proprietary platform — check availability for your EU entity.
5. Tax reporting
Some brokers provide country-specific tax reports or withhold tax (for example, in some cases for German, Austrian or Italian clients). This can save a lot of time.
6. Support and payments
- Support in your language and time zone
- SEPA transfers and card payments
- Clear withdrawal times and fees
Frequently asked questions
Should I use a broker in my own country?
Not necessarily — passported EEA brokers are fine — but a local entity can make tax reporting, language and complaints easier.
What's the biggest mistake EU traders make?
Opening an account with an offshore entity for higher leverage or bonuses, losing EU protections.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Most retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.