Affiliate DisclosureDailyForex.com adheres to strict guidelines to preserve editorial integrity to help you make decisions with confidence. Some of the reviews and content we feature on this site are supported by affiliate partnerships from which this website may receive money. This may impact how, where and which companies / services we review and write about. Our team of experts work to continually re-evaluate the reviews and information we provide on all the top Forex / CFD brokerages featured here. Our research focuses heavily on the broker’s custody of client deposits and the breadth of its client offering. Safety is evaluated by quality and length of the broker's track record, plus the scope of regulatory standing. Major factors in determining the quality of a broker’s offer include the cost of trading, the range of instruments available to trade, and general ease of use regarding execution and market information.
Huzefa Hamid
Contrary to what you might have heard, there are plenty of Forex / CFD brokers which accept Netherlands residents as clients. I’ve looked at the best Forex brokers in the Netherlands in detail and compiled the shortlist below. Read on to find the best Forex broker for you, and to learn some important facts about trading in the Netherlands.
The ratings shown on DailyForex.com are determined by hours of research from our editorial team into over 10 factors, including account fees, deposit/withdrawal options, regulatory status, tradable assets, and more.
The ratings shown on DailyForex.com are determined by hours of research from our editorial team into over 10 factors, including account fees, deposit/withdrawal options, regulatory status, tradable assets, and more.
High level regulation in multiple jurisdictions
Impressive range of tradeable assets including vanilla options and gold options
The ratings shown on DailyForex.com are determined by hours of research from our editorial team into over 10 factors, including account fees, deposit/withdrawal options, regulatory status, tradable assets, and more.
The ratings shown on DailyForex.com are determined by hours of research from our editorial team into over 10 factors, including account fees, deposit/withdrawal options, regulatory status, tradable assets, and more.
The ratings shown on DailyForex.com are determined by hours of research from our editorial team into over 10 factors, including account fees, deposit/withdrawal options, regulatory status, tradable assets, and more.
Best ECN execution on the MT4 platform
Excellent implementation of cTrader and Smart Trader Tools
Best all-around broker with high floating leverage and fast execution
We have made FXTM one of our top-rated brokers because in addition to its lengthy track record, it enjoys a very high level of regulation and reputation, and it offers a highly competitive fee structure which tends to keep down the cost of trading.
Pros
Excellent commission-based Forex pricing environment and transparency
Upgraded MT4/MT5 trading platforms plus proprietary mobile trading app
Quality market research and educational content for beginner traders
Proprietary copy trading platform, low minimum deposit, and high leverage
Cons
Limited choice of cryptocurrencies and commodities
Highly regulated, choice of fixed or floating spreads
AvaTrade ranks among the best online brokers in the Netherlands provides due to a quality choice of trading platforms. They include upgraded MT4/MT5 platforms for algorithmic traders, the proprietary web based AvaTrade WebTrader, AvaOptions, and mobile app AvaTradeGO. Social traders can use integrated MT4/MT5 services, Ava Social, ZuluTrade, or DupliTrade.
Traders also benefit from a balanced asset selection, where equity CFD traders get the most assets, including ETFs, while vanilla options support complex trading strategies for advanced traders. AvaTrade is also home to a highly lucrative partnership program with 70,000+ partners from 150+ counties and 250M+ commission payouts, ideal for passive income generation. Beginner traders get quality educational content and market commentary, plus the high-quality, spun-out trading academy SharpTrader.
Pros
High-quality educational offering via SharpTrader
Excellent choice of trading platforms catering to various trading needs
Broad asset selection and cross-asset diversification opportunities
Well-regulated and trusted broker with oversight from a central bank
Best broker for social traders and crypto traders : 78% of retail CFD accounts lose money
Social traders evaluating the best online broker in the Netherlands options must consider eToro, home to 25M+ traders. It continues to grow its active trading community with its ongoing expansion into the cryptocurrency sector. eToro acquired Dutch and Belgian cryptocurrency companies and developed its cryptocurrency wallet. Its latest cryptocurrency venture is an NFT fund.
CopyTrader, CopyPortfolios, and in-house managed thematic investment portfolios remain the backbone of growth for eToro, which maintains 2,000+ assets, primarily equity CFDs and direct share dealing for long-term passive portfolios. eToro provides beginners with its eToro Academy, featuring high-quality educational content, eToro Plus offers in-depth analytics, The Bull Club for insights with market leaders, and the eToro Club, which rewards active traders.
Pros
Active investment community ideal for social trading
Dedicated tools for social trading
Broad cryptocurrency selection
Expanding educational offering for beginner traders
Cons
Internal withdrawal fees
Low retail leverage and higher minimum deposits, but within a reasonable range
Plus500 belongs to the best online broker in the Netherlands candidates for its excellent order execution environment. It only caters to manual traders but maintains a highly ranked mobile app. Besides the standard take profit and stop-loss risk management tools, traders also get trailing and guaranteed stops. Plus500 is a publicly listed UK company and constituent of the FTSE250 index, adhering to strict capital requirements.
With 22M+ accounts from 50+ countries, Plus500 caters to an active and growing trading community that placed 300M+ trades valued at $800M+ spread across 2,800 assets. Plus500 also ranks among the cheaper commission-free multi-asset brokers, where costs are generally higher, catering well to mobile beginner traders focused on equity CFDs, options, and Forex trading.
Pros
Well-regulated globally
Broad asset selection in equities and options
Guaranteed stop-loss order
Cons
Low leverage for retail traders
Sub-standard trading platform without support for automated or social trading
No research and limited, below-average educational content
The best online broker in the Netherlands ranking is incomplete without Pepperstone, where traders receive one of the most competitive MT4/MT5 trading environments due to the Smart Trader Tools upgrade, consisting of twenty-eight add-ons plus the Autochartist plugin. It also offers cTrader, the leader for ECN trading, API trading for advanced solutions, and Capitalise AI, a code-free environment to automate trading.
Pepperstone supports social trading via integrated services in MT4, MT5, cTrader, Myfxbook Autotrade, and DupliTrade. The active TradingView community is also available. The balanced asset selection consists of 1,200+ instruments, a competitive commission-based cost structure, and a volume-based rebate program. Beginners get quality educational content and market commentary created by its in-house analytics team and in partnership with FX Evolution.
Pros
Excellent choice of trading platforms consisting of MT4/MT5, and cTrader
Market-leading MT4/MT5 upgrade package, Autochartist, and API trading
Social trading support via Myfxbook, MetaTrader Signals, and DupliTrade
Yes, Forex trading is legal in the Netherlands. Traders resident in Holland can trade Forex and other markets, including futures, stocks, CFDs, options, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. There are regulatory and legal issues affecting brokers, but Netherlands residents do not face any legal hurdles, provided of course that profits are declared for tax purposes.
Do Forex Traders Pay Tax in the Netherlands?
Traders may have to pay tax depending on the nature of their trading and the value of their assets. The rules can change, and professional advice should always be taken from qualified individuals.
Owning shares, crypto assets, or occasional trading of Forex is reported in “Box 3,” and the first €50,000 of assets are tax-free. After that, the box 3 tax rate is assessed against a hypothetical yield, not on actual gains.
However, if trading or speculating activities exceed normal, active asset management, then there is a risk of the activity being deemed as ‘entrepreneurship’ and being taxed in “Box 1” with a tax rate on actual net income and net gains.
Which brokers can legally offer services to Dutch traders?
AFM allows brokers based in the Netherlands or the European Economic Area to offer services to Dutch residents, but AFM regulates the two categories differently.
Brokers based in the Netherlands:
AFM directly regulates Forex brokers based in the Netherlands, which means they must comply with Dutch financial market regulations.
Brokers from the European Economic Area(the European Union + Norway, Liechtenstein, and Iceland):
European Economic Area brokers outside the Netherlands must first have a European passport. The AFM registers the broker before they can offer services in the Netherlands.
Remember, the AFM does not directly regulate European brokers (unless they have a branch office in the Netherlands)—it only provides a license to operate in the Netherlands.
European brokers with an AFM license are subject to supervision by their home countries’ regulators, not the AFM.
A Dutch resident with a complaint against a European broker must first go to the broker’s domestic regulator for a resolution.
Where can I get more information on regulations for the Netherlands?
You can read more about broker licenses and European passports at AFM.
Both Dutch and European brokers can offer services to Dutch residents, but a broker’s home country’s regulations apply in this case. Make sure that you are satisfied with your home country’s regulations if taking this route, such as operating capital requirements for brokers, dispute resolutions, and rules for client funds.
Cryptocurrencies in the Netherlands
The AFM allows Cryptocurrency trading, and many brokers offer Crypto trading to Dutch residents.
Trading Crypto assets can be subject to tax on any profits, like trading other assets such as stocks.
Islamic Accounts in the Netherlands
What is an Islamic account?
Islamic accounts, also known as “swap-free accounts,” do not pay or earn interest in line with Shariah rules prohibiting riba (interest).
Are there different fees instead of interest?
Yes. Instead of interest, Islamic accounts can charge:
A flat rate financing charge or admin fee on trades open for more than 1 day.
Increased spreads.
Can you trade any market with Islamic accounts?
Brokers typically restrict you from trading some markets with an Islamic account, such as cryptocurrencies and exotic Forex pairs, e.g., involving the South African Rand or Mexican Peso.
Islamic Account key takeaway:
If you are interested in an Islamic trading account, make sure you can trade the types of markets you want in this account type, and that you are comfortable with brokers’ fees that replace interest.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Broker in the Netherlands
Quality of execution:
Next to regulation, this should one of the most significant factors in choosing a broker. Trade execution should be fast with low slippage.
Trading costs and fees:
Commissions and spreads make up trading costs, and you want these to be as low as possible without sacrificing good execution.
Support:
Some brokers only offer email support, and others also offer phone support.
Some brokers offer live support 24 hours a day, and others only during certain hours.
Deposit & withdrawal methods:
Brokers offer a variety of methods to deposit and withdraw funds, from wire transfers, credit cards, and PayPal. Find a broker offering at least one method that suits you.
The AFM only allows Forex brokers in the Netherlands or European Economic Area to provide services to Dutch residents. When looking for the best online broker in the Netherlands, you can be assured of a solid minimum level of regulation and safety of client funds.
Trading with Netherlands Brokers
Decide first if you want a broker in the Netherlands or a European broker with a passport and license to operate in the Netherlands. The AFM will only directly regulate Netherlands brokers (or a broker with a Netherlands branch office). European brokers are regulated by their home countries’ regulators.
Then consider factors such as execution, available markets, and trading platforms to help you find the best online broker in the Netherlands.
Bottom Line
The Netherlands has an effective regulatory framework to promote fair and transparent trading conditions. Dutch traders can legally access Forex, shares, futures, crypto and other markets from Dutch and European brokers.
FAQs
What is the best online broker in Europe?
The best online broker in Europe will offer reliable execution and trading platforms, good customer support, and be appropriately regulated.
Does eToro work in the Netherlands?
Yes. eToro is registered with the Dutch Central Bank, De Nederlandsche Bank NV (DNB), to provide Crypto services.
How do I open a trading account in the Netherlands?
Every broker will list its account opening procedures on its website.
Is Forex trading legal in the Netherlands?
Yes, there is no Dutch law prohibiting Forex trading by individuals.
I’m a trader and manage my own capital. I trade the major Forex pairs, some Futures contracts, and I rely entirely on Technical Analysis to place my trades. Today, I am also a Senior Analyst for DailyForex.com. I began trading the markets in the early 1990s, at the age of sixteen. I had a few hundred British pounds saved up (I grew up in England), with which I was able to open a small account with some help from my Dad. I started my trading journey by buying UK equities that I had read about in the business sections of newspapers. The 1990s were a bull market, so naturally, I made money. I was fortunate enough in my early twenties to have a friend that recommended a Technical Analysis course run by a British trader who emphasized raw chart analysis without indicators. Having this first-principles approach to charts influences how I trade to this day.
To give you the best possible experience, this site uses cookies. If you continue browsing, you accept our use of cookies. You can review our privacy policy to find out more about the cookies we use.
