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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.
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.
No minimum deposit requirement & one account type in eight account base currencies.
Balanced asset selection, including cryptocurrency CFDs and fractional share dealing.
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
No cryptocurrencies and limited choice of
commodities
Best broker for social traders and crypto traders : 74% 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
Eightcap established itself among the best Forex brokers due to its superb trading infrastructure, excellent order execution amid deep liquidity, competitive fees, and cutting-edge trading tools. Manual traders get a well-designed AI-powered economic calendar, and Eightcap upgrades MT4 via Capitalise AI, which enables algorithmic trading in a code-free environment. MT5 traders benefit from Flash Trader, while the dedicated cryptocurrency solution Crypto Crusher caters to cryptocurrency traders.
Copy traders get the embedded MT4/MT5 services, and Eightcap connects social traders to the active TradingView community. Beginner traders get an outstanding educational and research offering via Eightcap Labs and Eightcap Trade Zone.
Pros
Low minimum deposit and high leverage of up to 1:500
Competitive cost structure
Excellent technology infrastructure and seasoned management team
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
Trade Nation shines with its simplified trading environment, ideal for beginners using its TN Trader platform, which features fixed spread trading and quality trading tools. They include a signal center with insights and market analysis by experts. Customer service is available 24/5, and Trade Nation offers demo accounts that appear customizable and unrestricted, making it one of the best Forex brokers in the Netherlands for beginners.
Traders get eight payment processors, where a $50 minimum withdrawal exists, which is low enough, as traders should avoid microtransactions. Trade Nation also features a high-paying partnership program for passive income generation.
Pros
Simplified
trading environment for beginners
One
account type for all traders in eight account base currencies
Quality
trading tools embedded in the proprietary trading platform
Balanced
asset selection for international traders
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.
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