I’ve been investing in the Netherlands for several years now, and the Meesman vs DEGIRO question is one I see asked constantly in expat forums. They’re two of the most popular platforms for long-term, passive investing in the Netherlands, but they work quite differently and suit different investing styles.
This comparison is aimed at expats who want to build an investment portfolio in the Netherlands — especially those focused on low-cost, long-term index investing rather than active trading.
What Each Platform Is
Meesman
Meesman is a Dutch investment fund manager founded in 2007. It offers a small range of own-branded index funds — currently four core funds covering world equities, small-cap equities, emerging markets, and a mixed portfolio.
The model is intentionally simple. You open an account, choose a fund (or a combination), set up a direct debit for monthly contributions, and leave it. Meesman handles everything else: buying the underlying index shares, rebalancing, and reporting.
Meesman is not a broker — it’s a fund manager. You can only invest in Meesman’s own funds.
DEGIRO
DEGIRO is a Dutch online broker founded in 2013. It gives you access to thousands of ETFs, stocks, and other investment products on exchanges across Europe and beyond. You choose what to buy, when to buy it, and at what price.
DEGIRO is a DIY investing platform. It provides access to markets but makes no investment decisions for you.
The Key Difference
This distinction — fund manager vs broker — is the most important thing to understand.
Meesman = you hand over your money and trust the fund to do the work. DEGIRO = you make all the investment decisions yourself.
Neither approach is inherently better. It depends on how much time and confidence you want to spend managing your portfolio.
Fees
Meesman Fees
Meesman charges a single all-in annual management fee. In 2026, this is approximately:
- 0.50% per year on the first €100,000
- 0.40% per year on amounts above €100,000
This fee includes the fund management charge, custody, and all transaction costs. There are no per-trade fees, no entry or exit fees, and no account maintenance fees.
On a €10,000 portfolio: approximately €50 per year. On a €50,000 portfolio: approximately €250 per year.
DEGIRO Fees
DEGIRO’s fee structure is more complex:
Account maintenance: €2.50 per year connectivity fee per exchange you hold investments on.
Transaction fees: Approximately €1 per trade for ETFs included on DEGIRO’s free ETF core selection (one free trade per month on selected ETFs, then €1 + 0.03% per trade). For non-core ETFs: €2–€3 per trade.
Fund management (TER): The underlying ETF management fees — for example, a world index ETF like the iShares Core MSCI World has a TER of 0.20% per year. You pay this regardless of which broker you use; it’s built into the fund price.
Currency conversion: If you hold non-euro ETFs, conversion fees apply.
For a passive investor buying one or two ETFs per month, the total annual cost might be:
- €50 in transaction fees (e.g., 24 trades at ~€2 each)
- 0.20% on portfolio value for fund TER
- Minimal custody fees
On a €10,000 portfolio growing over time, total annual costs at DEGIRO would typically be lower than Meesman once you reach a certain portfolio size. But for small monthly contributions, Meesman can actually be more cost-effective because Meesman has no per-trade fees.
Example: €200/month investor
| Meesman | DEGIRO | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly transaction cost | €0 | ~€1–€2 |
| Annual transaction costs | €0 | €12–€24 |
| Annual management (0.5% on €5,000 avg) | €25 | €0 |
| ETF TER (0.20% on €5,000 avg) | Included | €10 |
| Total annual cost | ~€25 | ~€22–€34 |
At small amounts, costs are comparable. As the portfolio grows, DEGIRO’s structure becomes more attractive.
Fund Selection
Meesman
Four funds:
- Meesman Wereldwijd Totaal — global equities index (world large cap + small cap + emerging markets)
- Meesman Aandelen Wereldwijd — developed world large cap equities
- Meesman Aandelen Small Cap — small-cap equities globally
- Meesman Aandelen Opkomende Markten — emerging markets equities
That’s it. No bonds, no sector funds, no alternatives. Meesman’s philosophy is that broad equity index investing is the best long-term approach, and complexity adds cost without return.
For most long-term passive investors, the Wereldwijd Totaal fund provides all the diversification you need in a single product.
DEGIRO
Thousands of products across multiple exchanges. The most relevant for passive investors are ETFs tracking major indices:
- MSCI World (global equities): iShares, Vanguard, Amundi options
- MSCI World Small Cap: available
- Emerging Markets: multiple options
- European equities: broad range
- Bonds: government and corporate bond ETFs
- Sector ETFs: tech, healthcare, ESG, etc.
- Individual stocks: if you want them
DEGIRO also gives access to Dutch-listed ETFs including some Vanguard and iShares funds that trade on Euronext Amsterdam.
Tax Considerations for Expats in the Netherlands
This is where Meesman has a specific advantage that isn’t obvious at first.
Meesman and Dutch Tax
Meesman’s funds are structured as Dutch beleggingsfondsen (investment funds) rather than exchange-traded products. Under Dutch tax rules for Box 3 (wealth/savings tax), the treatment of these funds has historically been more favourable in certain scenarios — specifically around how the deemed return (fictief rendement) is calculated.
Under the post-2023 Dutch Box 3 system, the rate applied to investments is higher than the rate applied to savings. Meesman’s funds are classified in the investment category, so this distinction applies. However, the simplicity of reporting is an advantage: Meesman provides a clear 1 January value each year which you enter directly into your tax return.
DEGIRO and Dutch Tax
ETFs held on DEGIRO are also subject to Box 3. DEGIRO provides a tax overview report each year showing your portfolio value on 1 January, which you use for your tax return. DEGIRO does not automatically report to the Belastingdienst — you do this yourself.
Dividends from ETFs may also be subject to withholding tax, depending on the domicile of the ETF. Irish-domiciled ETFs (most iShares and Vanguard funds) have a 15% US withholding tax treaty rate on US dividends, which is generally the best rate available for Dutch investors.
For our broader guide on investment taxes, see Crypto Tax Netherlands: Expat Guide.
Ease of Use
Meesman
Very easy. The interface is clean and in Dutch (though manageable for English speakers). You open an account, select your fund, set up a monthly direct debit, and check in occasionally. There are no trading decisions to make, no order types to understand, and no market timing pressure.
The account opening process is entirely online and takes about 15–20 minutes. You’ll need a Dutch bank account (iDEAL payment) and proof of identity.
One limitation: Meesman’s platform is not in English. The forms and reports are in Dutch. This is manageable for basic functions but can be confusing for more detailed queries.
DEGIRO
Moderate complexity. The interface is available in English, which is a significant advantage for expats. You place buy and sell orders, choose between market and limit orders, and manage your portfolio actively.
For someone who has never bought an investment product before, DEGIRO has a learning curve. Understanding order types, exchange hours, and how ETFs work takes some self-education. The DEGIRO Knowledge Centre and numerous online guides help.
Account opening is online, takes about 15 minutes, and requires identity verification and a bank account.
Customer Service
Meesman: Phone and email support, in Dutch. Small team. Response times are generally good but they’re not set up for high-volume international support.
DEGIRO: Customer support in English and Dutch, via email and phone. In-app messaging available. Response times have improved but can still be slow during busy periods. There is no live chat with a human.
Both are adequate for simple queries. For complex issues (tax questions, inheritance, unusual circumstances), you’ll want an independent financial adviser.
My Honest Recommendation
Choose Meesman if:
- You want the simplest possible passive investing experience
- You don’t want to think about which ETF to buy or when
- You’re a complete beginner
- You value Dutch-language customer support and local expertise
- Your portfolio is below €50,000 and you invest small amounts monthly
Choose DEGIRO if:
- You want to choose your own ETFs and have more control
- You want access to a broader range of investment products (bonds, sector ETFs, stocks)
- You are comfortable with basic investing concepts
- Your portfolio is larger and you want to minimise annual percentage fees
- You prefer an English-language interface
Consider using both: Some investors use Meesman for their core long-term, hands-off portfolio and DEGIRO for a smaller “active” portion they want to experiment with. There’s no rule against maintaining accounts on both platforms.
The eToro Option
For expats who also want exposure to crypto alongside equities, or who are interested in social trading, eToro Review for Expats Netherlands 2026 is worth reading. eToro is a different kind of platform — USD-denominated and with more fees — but it covers asset classes that Meesman and DEGIRO don’t.
What I Do
I use DEGIRO for my main equity portfolio — specifically, I buy iShares Core MSCI World and iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETFs on a monthly schedule. The fees are lower at my current portfolio size, the platform is in English, and I like having control over which ETFs I hold.
I looked seriously at Meesman when I started and I understand why many expats prefer it. If I were starting fresh with no investment experience, I might choose Meesman first.
One thing both platforms have in common: if you are funding your investment account by transferring money from abroad, using Wise → for the currency conversion will save you noticeably more than transferring via your home bank — the exchange rate markup banks add quietly undermines your investment from the start.
Internal Resources
- Best ETF Platforms Netherlands for Expats 2026
- eToro Review for Expats Netherlands 2026
- Crypto Tax Netherlands: Expat Guide
- Life Insurance for Expats in Netherlands 2026
- Retiring in the Netherlands: Expat Guide
- Side Hustle and Passive Income Netherlands 2026
- DEGIRO Review for Expats Netherlands 2026
- Dutch Utilities Explained for Expats 2026
FAQ
Is Meesman or DEGIRO better for beginners?
Meesman is simpler — you choose a fund, set up a recurring investment, and leave it. DEGIRO gives more control but requires you to choose your own funds and manage purchases. For total beginners who want a hands-off approach, Meesman is typically the better starting point.
What are the fees on Meesman compared to DEGIRO?
Meesman charges an ongoing annual management fee of approximately 0.5% including all costs. DEGIRO has no annual fee but charges small transaction fees per order (typically €1–€3 per trade) plus ETF fund management fees (which vary by fund, often 0.07%–0.25%). For small monthly investments, Meesman can actually be cheaper.
Can expats with a temporary Dutch residence permit use Meesman and DEGIRO?
Both platforms require a Dutch address and bank account. DEGIRO accepts most EU residents. Meesman requires a Dutch bank account (such as ING, ABN AMRO, or Rabobank). Expats with a valid residence permit and registered address can generally use both.
Are Meesman and DEGIRO safe for my money?
Both are regulated in the Netherlands. DEGIRO is supervised by the Dutch AFM and DNB. Meesman funds are invested via Northern Trust and are legally separated from the company’s own assets. Under EU investor compensation rules, investments are protected up to €20,000 per person in the event of insolvency.
Does DEGIRO offer Dutch-domiciled index funds like Meesman?
No. Meesman specifically offers Dutch-domiciled index funds, which have tax advantages for Dutch residents under Box 3 (the funds are classified as beleggingsfondsen rather than securities). DEGIRO offers ETFs and other exchange-traded products, which are treated differently under Dutch tax rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Meesman or DEGIRO better for beginners?
Meesman is simpler — you choose a fund, set up a recurring investment, and leave it. DEGIRO gives more control but requires you to choose your own funds and manage purchases. For total beginners who want a hands-off approach, Meesman is typically the better starting point.
What are the fees on Meesman compared to DEGIRO?
Meesman charges an ongoing annual management fee of approximately 0.5% including all costs. DEGIRO has no annual fee but charges small transaction fees per order (typically €1–€3 per trade) plus ETF fund management fees (which vary by fund, often 0.07%–0.25%). For small monthly investments, Meesman can actually be cheaper.
Can expats with a temporary Dutch residence permit use Meesman and DEGIRO?
Both platforms require a Dutch address and bank account. DEGIRO accepts most EU residents. Meesman requires a Dutch bank account (such as ING, ABN AMRO, or Rabobank). Expats with a valid residence permit and registered address can generally use both.
Are Meesman and DEGIRO safe for my money?
Both are regulated in the Netherlands. DEGIRO is supervised by the Dutch AFM and DNB. Meesman funds are invested via Northern Trust and are legally separated from the company's own assets. Under EU investor compensation rules, investments are protected up to €20,000 per person in the event of insolvency.
Does DEGIRO offer Dutch-domiciled index funds like Meesman?
No. Meesman specifically offers Dutch-domiciled index funds, which have tax advantages for Dutch residents under Box 3 (the funds are classified as beleggingsfondsen rather than securities). DEGIRO offers ETFs and other exchange-traded products, which are treated differently under Dutch tax rules.
