How to invest in ETFs in Belgium? Comprehensive guide for 2026

ETFs, or exchange-traded funds, are a popular method of investing due to their simplicity, diversification, and cost.

What is an ETF, and why is it so popular?

An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund or tracker) is a financial product that tracks an index, sector, or asset class. Their popularity has surged worldwide, including in Belgium, due to their simplicity, low cost, and automatic diversification.

Advantages of ETFs

• Diversification: ETFs replicate the performance of a stock market index, meaning they cover a basket of securities. Buying one ETF share equals investing in the entire set of securities it includes.
• Low fees: Compared to actively managed funds, ETF management fees are usually below 0,20%. If you go through an intermediary, the costs increase by approximately 0.5% to 1%, but this is often half the costs charged by an active manager.
• Transparency: You know exactly where your money is going, as ETFs track public indices, and the underlying securities are always visible.
• Flexibility: ETFs can be bought or sold anytime during market hours at their market value, just like stocks.
• Performance: It is very difficult, if not impossible, to beat the market in the long term. Capturing market returns through ETFs is therefore a strategy that is both rational and efficient.

Read also ETFs: everything you need to know to invest better

Why invest in ETFs in Belgium?

In Belgium, investing in ETFs offers an attractive solution for investors wishing to avoid the complexity of traditional funds, thanks to a portfolio of securities that is diversified by nature and does not require intensive monitoring over time. The main advantages for Belgians include, for example:

1. Tax benefits: Accumulating ETFs, which reinvest profits instead of distributing dividends, enjoy a favorable tax regime. Capital gains are only taxed at 10% in Belgium, while dividends are subject to a 30% withholding tax.
2. Global access: Belgian investors can access a wide variety of ETFs listed on European exchanges (e.g., Euronext) or U.S. markets (NYSE, NASDAQ). Modern brokerage platforms enable easy investment in ETFs denominated in euros or dollars. However, it’s important to account for currency conversion fees and associated tax implications.

How to buy ETFs in Belgium?

In Belgium, you can buy ETFS through several brokerage platforms via intermediaries. Here is an overview of some potential players:

• Degiro: This platform is renowned for its highly competitive fees and wide selection of ETFs, many of which are available with no transaction fees as part of their “Core” selection. Degiro is suitable for independent and experienced investors thanks to its technical interface and advanced tools.
• Bolero: Aimed primarily at beginners, Bolero offers a user-friendly platform and numerous educational guides to help investors make informed decisions. However, its transaction fees are slightly higher than those of Degiro.
• Keytrade Bank: As a well-established local player, Keytrade Bank offers excellent customer support in French and an intuitive interface. Although its fees are higher than those of some international competitors, it is valued for its reliability and proximity.

However, not everyone has the knowledge or time to buy ETFs themselves, which often leads to investment mistakes (see below). To avoid this, you can use a wealth manager such as Easyvest to build a portfolio.

- DIY or use an intermediary?

Buying ETFs yourself through a brokerage platform may seem appealing at first glance because of the perceived autonomy it offers and the possibility of minimizing management fees. However, it requires several important considerations that should not be overlooked:

• In-depth knowledge of financial products.
• The ability to diversify your portfolio effectively.
• Time to manage your investments.

Using an intermediary such as Easyvest, on the other hand, offers many advantages, including:

• Turnkey, personalized management.
• Diversified portfolios optimized for your goals.
• Support to maximize your tax benefits.
• Personalized assistance in creating your portfolio.

Although this incurs certain management fees, these remain generally very competitive compared to traditional active funds and are largely offset by peace of mind and potential long-term returns. At Easyvest, we charge management fees of between 0,4% and 1%.

- What are the fees and taxes for purchasing ETFs?

• Brokerage fees: Some platforms charge fees for each transaction. For example, you will pay between 0.20% and 0.50% per transaction for brokerage platforms such as Degiro or Bolero.
• Management fees for an intermediary: Managers generally charge annual management fees. For example, at Easyvest, you will pay between 0,40% and 1% of the total value of the portfolio per year. These fees cover the selection and management of ETFs, as well as personalized support.
• ETF management fees: Average of 0,10% to 0,30% per year, included directly in the cost of the ETFs themselves. As shown in the chart below, a 1% difference in fees for These fees vary depending on the platform or intermediary chosen, but it is essential.
• Capital gains tax and Reynders tax: If you make a capital gain on the resale of financial assets, you will have to pay a 10% tax if you make more than 10.000€ in capital gains. It should be noted that if you have a portfolio consisting of shares and bonds, the capital gains tax will only apply to the share portion of your portfolio. As regards the bond portion, capital gains are subject to the 30% “Reynders tax.”
• Tax on stock exchange transactions (T.O.B.): a tax of between 0,12% and 1,32% is levied on each purchase and sale of a stock market asset.

Learn more about ETF fees.

Investing in ETFs in Belgium in 4 steps

Step 1: Define your investment objective

Before you start investing in ETFs, it is essential to clarify your objectives. Are you looking to build up capital for retirement, finance a real estate project, or simply grow your savings over the long term?

A clear definition of your investment horizon, risk tolerance, and future needs will guide all your decisions.

For example, a 30-year-old investor with a 25-year horizon may be able to afford higher exposure to equities, while a 50-year-old looking to preserve capital may prefer a more defensive portfolio. This step is crucial, as it directly influences the composition of your ETF portfolio.

Step 2: Let Easyvest build a tailored portfolio

Once you have defined your objective, it is time to take action: for example, you can call on one of our managers who will open your account and manage it going forward.

To implement your strategy, Easyvest offers ten model portfolios graded from level 1 to level 10, each corresponding to a specific value at risk (VaR). Portfolio 1 is the most conservative: approximately 8% equities and 90% bonds (VaR 3%). At the other end of the spectrum, portfolio 10 is the most dynamic: approximately 90% equities and 2% bonds (VaR 30%). This range allows you to align your asset allocation exactly with the risk tolerance defined in step 1.

Step 3: Automated monitoring and rebalancing

Next, your portfolio must be monitored regularly: when stocks rise faster than bonds, their weight eventually exceeds the target allocation, which changes your risk exposure and warrants rebalancing.

At Easyvest, we continuously monitor the actual risk of each portfolio; as soon as it deviates by approximately 4% from the agreed level, automatic rebalancing brings the allocation back to the chosen profile, thus limiting deviations and tax friction. This rebalancing also occurs with each deposit or withdrawal, so that your strategy remains consistent without any manual effort on your part.

Step 4: Reduce tax and administrative friction

By reducing the number of transactions to the bare minimum, Easyvest's investment methodology minimizes the impact of stock exchange tax on your portfolio. We deduct stock exchange transaction tax, withholding tax, and any securities account tax at source on behalf of the tax authorities. Thanks to this dual system of limiting transactions and automatically deducting the main taxes, you not only reduce your tax costs, but also the administrative burden associated with your investments.

Which ETF should you buy in Belgium?

When choosing an ETF, you should consider several criteria:

1. Type of Index: Do you want to invest in a global equity index like MSCI World or a sectoral one?
2. Total Expense Ratio (TER): Opt for an ETF with a TER under 0.30%.
3. Liquidity: Check trading volumes to ensure competitive pricing.
4. Geographical Exposure: Do you prefer ETFs focused on Europe, the U.S., or emerging markets?

Here’s a comparison table of popular ETFs to guide your choice based on your investment objectives:

Criterion	Option 1: MSCI World	Option 2: S&P 500	Option 3: Bond ETF	Option 4: Sector ETF (Technology)
Name	iShares Core MSCI World UCITS ETF	Vanguard S&P 500 UCITS ETF	iShares Core Global Aggregate Bond UCITS ETF	Invesco NASDAQ-100 UCITS ETF
Index tracked	MSCI World	S&P 500	Bloomberg Global Aggregate Bond Index	NASDAQ-100
TER (%)	0,20	0,07	0,10	0,30
Geographical exposure	Global	US	Global bonds	Primarily US
Strategy	Accumulating	Accumulating	Accumulating	Accumulating
Investment objective	Global diversification	Large-cap exposure	Risk reduction and stable income capture	Tech growth
Liquidity	Very high	Very high	High	High

This table highlights the diversity of options available, depending on your investor profile and priorities, whether it be global diversification, sector returns, or stability through bonds. Easyvest has done the research for you and selected ETFs that meet a number of rational and optimal criteria in order to maximize diversification and potential returns.

What should you pay attention to when investing in ETFs?

- Common mistakes when investing in ETFs

1. Focusing only on costs: While a low TER is essential, liquidity and UCITS compliance are equally important.
2. Ignoring tax implications: Capitalization ETFs are generally more tax-efficient for Belgian investors than distribution ETFs. Furthermore, capitalization allows investors to benefit from the snowball effect of compound interest: reinvesting profits year after year allows capital to grow exponentially over time.
3. Overlooking diversification: Although ETFs are diversified by nature, since they track an index made up of a basket of securities, some are still relatively concentrated (in a region or sector, for example). Avoid over-concentrating your investments and favor global ETFs or a combination of several ETFs.

- Risks associated with ETFs

1. Market risk: ETFs track indices, which means that their performance is directly linked to that of the underlying market. In the event of a general market downturn, the value of the ETF also falls, with no possibility of outperformance. This risk is inherent in all speculative investments and requires careful management, particularly through appropriate diversification.
2. Liquidity risk: Some ETFs, particularly those investing in niche markets or assets, may have low liquidity. This can make selling difficult, especially during periods of high volatility. In addition, the spreads between bid and ask prices can be significant, potentially impacting the final return.
3. Tracking error: An ETF may not perfectly replicate the performance of the index it tracks due to factors such as management fees, portfolio adjustments, or technical differences (tracking error). Although generally small, these differences can accumulate over the long term and affect your results.
4. Currency risk: For ETFs investing in foreign assets, exchange rate fluctuations can affect performance. For example, if you invest in a dollar-denominated ETF while the euro is strengthening, your gains in euros could be reduced, even if the ETF performs well. The opposite happened in 2024: the dollar strengthened, which had a positive impact on euro investors.
5. Issuer risk: Investors should ensure that they choose ETFs issued by solid, reputable financial institutions. If the issuer encounters financial difficulties, such as bankruptcy, investors could suffer significant losses. Always opt for ETFs that comply with UCITS regulations to limit this risk. These risks, although significant, can be mitigated through appropriate diversification, careful selection of ETFs, and a well-thought-out investment strategy.

Note: Comparison of the capital growth of two investors, each investing €100k over 40 years in a diversified portfolio of global equities with an average annual growth rate of 8%.

ETFs compared to other forms of investment in Belgium

Savings account

Savings accounts remain the preferred investment for Belgians: 92% of them have at least one. However, the average return is currently around 0.74% gross, which is the level observed at the beginning of November 2025 for all Belgian savings accounts. In addition, the law imposes a minimum combined rate of 0.11% (base rate + loyalty bonus).

In terms of security, your assets are covered by the Guarantee Fund up to 100.000€ per person per bank. As an Easyvest customer, you benefit from exactly the same protection. This guarantee makes savings accounts a good source of liquidity, but their return, which is significantly lower than the historical performance of the stock markets, limits their role as a driver of long-term growth.

Traditional funds

Traditional actively managed funds aim to beat the market but incur annual fees of 1,5% to 2%, whereas ETF fees are often below 1%. In 2025, an Easyvest study shows that index portfolios maintain a 2,6% average performance lead over the long term compared to the average of the players studied, despite a mixed year for equity-oriented portfolios.

For moderate profiles, the annualized return over 10 years is 6%, a difference of 2,3% from the average of the other players. Even seemingly modest differences in fees and performance end up creating a significant gap: over ten years, a 2% annual return deficit can represent tens of thousands of euros less for the investor.

ETFs, thanks to their low costs and transparency, therefore offer a more efficient alternative for capturing market performance.

Individual stocks

Buying a stock means betting on a single company; the success of your investment therefore depends exclusively on its performance. Conversely, an ETF tracks an index and gives you access to hundreds or even thousands of companies in a single transaction, providing immediate diversification and diluting specific risk.

Costs also favor ETFs: their management fees are on average 4 to 5 times lower than those associated with stock selection via active funds or regular brokerage.

Passive management limits behavioral biases (market timing, emotional overreaction) that often penalize individual investors.

For the majority of Belgian investors, ETFs are a simpler, more diversified, and potentially more profitable solution than manually building a portfolio of individual stocks.

Why ETFs often outperform active funds

Studies show that 80% of active funds underperform their benchmark index over the long term. As the chart below shows, even Berkshire Hathaway, the financial company managed by the famous Warren Buffet, is doing worse than the market! He himself admits: ETFs offer often superior net performance thanks to their reduced fees and their passive strategy, which avoids transaction fees.

Note: Comparison of the S&P 500 Total Return index and the Berkshire Hathaway B Shares share price between September 30, 2002 and August 31, 2021.

Find out more on ETFs in our article ETF: everything you need to know to invest better

With ETFs, you limit the impact of fees on your performance.

The impact of fees can be enormous in the long term. As the chart below shows, a difference of 1% per year in fees can have a significant effect on an investor's portfolio over the long term. A detailed analysis of this topic is available in our article 1% less in fees yields 500.000€ after 40 years.

Why choose Easyvest to invest in ETFs in Belgium?

Easyvest stands out as an ideal choice for Belgian investors looking to optimize their ETF experience. As a digital wealth manager, Easyvest offers a unique combination of innovative technology and personalized advice. Here's why Easyvest is a trusted partner for your investments:

1. Simplicity and accessibility: Easyvest's intuitive platform allows you to create and manage an ETF portfolio tailored to your financial goals, even if you have no prior investment experience.
2. Diversified and optimized portfolios: Easyvest offers diversified portfolios built exclusively with high-quality ETFs selected for their performance, low cost, and compliance with UCITS standards.
3. Transparent and competitive fees: Unlike many intermediaries, Easyvest applies clear and low fees, maximizing your long-term returns.
4. Personalized support: A team of experts is available to guide you every step of the way, whether you are a novice or a seasoned investor.
5. Maximized tax benefits: Easyvest optimizes your portfolio to take advantage of the best tax strategies applicable to ETFs in Belgium.
6. Peace of mind and confidence: When you entrust your investments to Easyvest, you benefit from a hands-off approach: you don't need to spend hours analyzing the markets, selecting ETFs, or managing your portfolio. Easyvest takes care of everything, so you can focus on what really matters.

In short, Easyvest offers a modern, efficient, and customer-focused solution for investing in ETFs in Belgium. The platform combines the simplicity of automated management with the peace of mind that comes with human advice. This makes Easyvest the ideal choice for investors seeking stability, performance, and long-term peace of mind. Get started with Easyvest today and take the first step towards a secure financial future. Feel free to contact our advisors to learn more about our approach and our ETF portfolios.

Frequently asked questions about investing in ETFs in Belgium

Which ETF should you choose when you're just starting out?

For a smooth start, it may be a good idea to opt for a global capitalization ETF that tracks a global index, such as MSCI World or FTSE All-World. A single purchase is all it takes to own more than 1.500 companies in 23 developed countries, offering immediate diversification.

These indices are the most widely used benchmarks by leading issuers (iShares, Vanguard, Amundi) and form the basis of the ten Easyvest portfolios. Choose one with a TER ≤ 0,25%, physical replication, and Irish domicile to maximize tax efficiency.

Global trackers therefore remain the best tool for learning without multiplying portfolio lines.

Is it risky to invest in ETFs?

Like any stock market investment, ETFs are subject to market volatility: during a severe recession, a global ETF may temporarily lose value.

However, the presence of a large number of securities reduces the specific risk compared to an individual stock, and low fees improve the net return.

The main additional danger is liquidity risk: on ETFs with low liquidity, selling quickly in times of stress can be more expensive due to a wider spread (the difference between the purchase price and the sale price). By sticking to broad indices and investing for the long term, these risks generally remain manageable. That is why Easyvest selects ETFs with high liquidity, thereby minimizing this hidden cost.

Can you lose money with an ETF?

Yes: an ETF closely tracks its index, so if the market falls, the value of your share also falls and you may incur a loss if you sell. In 2020, several global indices fell by more than 20% before rebounding.

Why not invest yourself?

Buying ETFs directly offers autonomy and low brokerage fees, but requires time, solid financial knowledge, and the discipline to avoid common mistakes: lack of diversification, emotional market timing, or tax negligence.

Not everyone has the knowledge or time to do this, which is why investment mistakes are common among individuals, even seasoned investors.

Entrusting management to a specialist guarantees a tailored portfolio that is automatically rebalanced, while optimizing Belgian taxation, at a cost that is often lower than that of a traditional active fund.

How does Easyvest select ETFs?

Hundreds, even thousands, of trackers are available on the financial markets. Easyvest uses a number of criteria to select which ones to include in its portfolio.

• First, the tracker must follow an index that fits with the company's investment strategy. For example, an index that represents all listed stocks worldwide or all government debt in the Eurozone.
• Next, the tracker will need to be issued in euros, as this is our clients' reference currency. Ideally, the tracker should be tradable on a stock exchange where transaction costs are not prohibitive, typically Euronext.
• The fund's tax structure (e.g., capitalization vs. distribution) will also be taken into account in order to reduce the total cost to the client.
• Finally, Easyvest selects funds from reputable issuers with multiple market makers, low fees, and low tracking error. The tracker must have:
  • a respectable size, ideally greater than one hundred million euros,
  • a performance history ideally greater than three years,
  • sufficient historical liquidity with an absolute spread between the purchase and sale price ideally less than 0,5%.