Is Charles Schwab Available in Europe?
For Europeans who want to open a brokerage account with a U.S.-based firm, Charles Schwab is a strong option that provides
a variety of investment accounts and services.
The Schwab International Account
Residents of the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands can open brokerage accounts on the main Schwab website (Schwab.com) and generally need a valid Social Security Number. For people who live outside those areas, Schwab offers a separate website: international.schwab.com. This site is built for
international investors, including eligible Europeans and U.S. citizens living abroad.
European residents should use the international site to open an account. The online application on this platform is simple to follow. The account opened through it is called the
Schwab One International® account.
The Schwab One International® account is available in several forms, including individual, joint, and trust accounts. Corporate accounts or IRAs may also be available, although online applications are not listed for every setup. Prospective clients can contact Schwab directly at +1-415-667-7870. Please note that this phone line is available 24x5 during the workweek, but not on weekends.
Requirements to Open Schwab Account in Europe
To open a Schwab One International® account, Schwab asks for the following information:
1. Tax ID Number: This can be a Social Security Number or a tax ID issued by a foreign country.
2. Passport: A full digital copy of the passport should be provided, including the bio and signature pages. Schwab accepts certain forms of government ID, such as IDs from Belgium and the UK, instead of a passport in some countries.
3. Recent Utility Bill: Mobile phone bills are not accepted, although other documents proving residency may work, such as gas, electric, cable, water, or landline bills. The copy must show the residential address, full name, and date of issuance.
4. Employer's Information: The employer’s name and mailing address are required, if applicable.
To finish the application, a printer and scanner are helpful because some documents require a physical signature and then need to be uploaded to the Schwab website.
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Eligible Countries
Many countries in Europe are eligible for an international account with Schwab, along with many countries outside Europe. Examples include:
- France
- Isle of Man
- Italy
- Liechtenstein
- Switzerland
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
Keep in mind that the country shown on the application should be your country of residence, which can be different from your country of citizenship.
Funding Methods
Because this is an international account, initial funding is usually done by wire, account transfer, or mailed check. Schwab also offers electronic transfers with eligible linked U.S. bank accounts. Here are the main methods:
1. Wire Transfers: Currencies other than U.S. dollars are converted when they arrive. Schwab provides specific wire instructions for this method.
2. Account Transfer: Cash, securities, CDs, and annuities may be transferable from another financial institution. An English-completed form is required.
3. Mail a Check or Money Order: U.S. dollar checks or money orders can be mailed to the
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
Attn: International Operations
1945 Northwestern Drive
El Paso, TX 79912-1108
USA
Available Investments
Depending on residency rules, an international account with Schwab can provide access to a broad range of investments tied to U.S. markets. Here are some examples:
- Equities
- Options
- Exchange-traded Funds (foreign and U.S.-listed)
- Bonds and other fixed-income products
- American depositary receipts (ADRs)
- U.S.-listed mutual funds
- Offshore mutual funds (for non-U.S. persons, where permissible)
Pricing Schedule on International Accounts
Schwab currently has
$0 minimum deposit for individual and joint international brokerage accounts, and it still offers competitive commission pricing.
For online trades of listed stocks and ETFs on major U.S. exchanges, there are no commissions. However, non-U.S. ETFs are broker-assisted only and carry a $50 transaction fee.
Options trading costs $0.65 per contract for online trades.
Some offshore mutual funds may have transaction fees, while those without fees are subject to Schwab's short-term redemption fee of $49.95 if redeemed within 90 days.
International accounts do not have ongoing fees such as annual or inactivity charges. In addition, Schwab does not charge to work with a Financial Consultant, although advisory products can have separate fees.
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Paperless Delivery
Signing up for electronic delivery of account documents is easy after logging in to Schwab. Eligible documents can be enrolled in paperless delivery, while some items may still be sent by postal mail if that option is available.
Live Webinars
Schwab offers live webinars and on-demand educational sessions through its international website. Registration is free for both guests and Schwab customers.
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Updated on 4/14/2026.