Apple Inc.
AAPL
$175.49
−3.58 (2.00%)
How to buy and trade US Stocks from Netherlands

Published by

August 14, 2025
(GMT+2)

Dutch investors are increasingly expanding their portfolios beyond Europe, with many turning to the U.S. stock market. From global brands like Apple (AAPL), Google (GOOGL), and Tesla (TSLA) to diversified exposure via S&P 500 ETFs, American equities offer growth and diversification potential.

Through regulated brokers such as MEXEM, buying and trading U.S. shares directly from the Netherlands is simple, affordable, and fully compliant with EU investor protections.

Why Invest in US Stocks from the Netherlands?

Key benefits of investing in the U.S. market include:

  • Global company access – Direct exposure to leading businesses like Amazon (AMZN), Microsoft (MSFT), and Tesla (TSLA).

  • Sector growth potential – Participation in high-growth industries such as technology, healthcare, and renewable energy.

  • High Liquidity and Transparency – Trade on exchanges like NASDAQ and NYSE with deep order books and strict reporting standards.
  • Diversification – Reduce reliance on Dutch and EU economic cycles.

MEXEM’s trading services make accessing these advantages straightforward for Netherlands-based investors.


Step-by-Step: How to Trade U.S. Shares via MEXEM

1. Open Your Free MEXEM Account

  • Visit mexem.com and click “Open an Account.”

  • Available for individual and institutional investors in the Netherlands and across Europe.

  • Complete your account verification by submitting a valid ID, proof of address, and answering a brief set of questions. Additional documentation may be required for corporate accounts.



2. Fund Your Account

  • Deposit in EUR, USD, or other supported currencies from Dutch banks.

  • Currency Conversion:You can convert between EUR and USD directly within the MEXEM platform at market-based FX rates, typically with a 0.1-pip spread plus a 0.005% commission (minimum €5), giving you control over when to make the exchange.

3. Search for U.S. Stocks

  • Access thousands of securities, including ETFs tracking U.S. indices like Nasdaq and S&P 500.

  • Filter by sector, performance, or exchange.



4. Place Your Trade

  • Choose a market order for immediate execution or a limit order to set a specific price.

  • U.S. Trading Hours (CET): 15:30–22:00.



5. Monitor Your Portfolio

  • Track performance using real-time charts and performance analytics.

  • Rebalance and manage risk through both desktop and mobile platforms.



Local Considerations for Dutch Investors

Tax Implications

  • U.S. dividend withholding tax is 15%* for Dutch residents (due to the U.S.–Netherlands  tax treaty).

  • Capital Gains: Dutch investors must follow national tax rules for reporting.

Currency Conversion

  • MEXEM offers EUR/USD rates, giving you the flexibility to exchange currencies at your preferred market rate.

  • MEXEM’s low-spread FX tools often beat traditional bank rates.


Regulatory Compliance

  • MEXEM operates under CySEC oversight and complies with EU investor protection standards.

  • Dutch residents can invest in U.S. equities without additional U.S. licensing requirements.



Why Choose MEXEM for U.S. Stock Trading

  • One of the lowest commission rates in Europe – From $0.005 per share

  • Global Market Access – Trade stocks, ETFs, options, and futures in over 160 markets.

  • Professional tools Real-time data, advanced charting, and risk management features.

  • Dutch-language support – Localized assistance from multilingual teams.

  • EU compliance – Regulated under strict European financial laws.



MEXEM provides the infrastructure, cost advantages, and tools needed for both active traders and long-term investors. 

FAQ – U.S. Stock Investing from the Netherlands

Do I need a U.S. bank account to trade U.S. stocks?
No. You do not need a U.S. bank account to trade U.S. stocks with MEXEM. Dutch investors can open a trading account with MEXEM, fund it from a European bank account, and trade directly on U.S. markets.

Are there taxes on U.S. investments?
Yes. Under the U.S.–Netherlands tax treaty, the U.S. generally withholds 15% on dividends paid to Netherlands tax residents, provided a valid W-8BEN (for individuals) or W-8BEN-E (for entities) is submitted. At MEXEM, these forms are completed during the account opening process, but clients should be aware that the form is required in any case in order to trade U.S. securities. Without it, the default U.S. withholding rate of 30% may apply. No U.S. capital gains tax applies to most portfolio investments, but gains from U.S. real property and certain other assets may be taxable. Dutch residents must also comply with Dutch tax rules, which may include wealth tax on the value of investments.
Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may change in the future. Clients should seek independent tax advice.

What are MEXEM’s trading costs?
Trades start at $1** per order, lower than most Dutch banks and legacy brokers.

Can I trade in U.S. dollars?
Yes. Deposit in EUR, then convert to USD directly within the platform or trade in USD.

Is online U.S. stock trading safe?
Yes. MEXEM is EU-regulated, secure, and compliant with all relevant investor protection laws.

*Under the U.S.–Netherlands tax treaty, dividends paid by U.S. companies to Netherlands tax residents may be subject to a reduced U.S. withholding tax rate of 15%. To claim these reduced rates, a valid W-8BEN (for individuals) or W-8BEN-E (for entities) must be submitted to the broker or other U.S. withholding agent. Without a valid form, the default U.S. withholding tax rate of 30% may apply. Certain holdings may qualify for different rates, and the default statutory rate may apply if documentation is incomplete or invalid. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may change in the future. Clients should seek independent tax advice.

**Extra charges may apply, including exchange fees or currency conversion costs.



The information on mexem.com is for general informational purposes only. It should not be regarded as investment advice. Investing in stocks involves risk. A stock's past performance is not a reliable indicator of its future performance. Always consult a financial advisor or trusted sources before making any investment decisions.

WHAT TO READ NEXT

Ready to get started?

Start trading with the full package, from state of the art platform to free tool and favorable transaction fees.