1. Before you begin
Three conditions must be met before placing your first order:
2. Finding the ETF by ISIN
Never search for an ETF by name — the same ETF can be named differently depending on the broker and stock exchange. The ISIN is the universal identifier: it never changes, regardless of the exchange.
Reference ISINs
💡 Tip
Paste the ISIN directly into your broker's search bar. Several results may appear (different exchanges: Euronext Amsterdam, London, Xetra). For a Belgian resident, prefer the EUR listing on Euronext Amsterdam to avoid currency risk.3. Market order or limit order?
You will be offered two types of orders:
Market order (market order)
Executed immediately at the best available price. Simple, but you have no control over the final price — especially risky outside peak liquidity hours.
Limit order (limit order) — recommended
You set the maximum price you are willing to pay. The order is only executed at that price or better. You retain control.
💡 Tip
For a limit order, set your limit 0.5 to 1% above the currently displayed price. Example: displayed price €220.00 → limit at €221.00 or €222.00. The margin covers the bid/ask spread and guarantees execution under normal market conditions.4. Checks before confirmation
Before clicking 'Confirm', systematically check these three points on the summary screen:
Compare character by character with your reference. One different character means a different product.
For an equity ETF, the TOB should be 0.12% of the transaction amount. If you see 1.32%, the ETF may be registered as a UCITS — check the ISIN.
Your broker must clearly state the fees before confirmation. At MeDirect, ETFs have €0 transaction fees.
⚠️ Watch out
If the displayed TOB is 1.32% instead of 0.12%, stop and do not confirm. This indicates that the selected ETF is registered as a UCITS in Belgium — most often a selection error (wrong market line). Go back and check the ISIN.5. After the purchase
Once the order is executed, your shares appear in your portfolio after settlement — generally within 2 business days (T+2). This is normal: it is the standard settlement cycle in Europe.
You will receive a transaction confirmation by email or in your broker platform. Keep these confirmations — they will be useful when declaring your capital gain (CGT) at the appropriate time.
Next step: decide on a regular investment frequency. Monthly is the simplest rhythm for most investors.
💡 Tip
Several brokers (MeDirect, Saxo) offer automatic transfers or periodic investment plans. Setting up a monthly automatic transfer to your broker account removes the monthly decision and eliminates the temptation to wait for the 'right moment'.6. When to place your order?
The recommended ETFs are listed primarily on Euronext Amsterdam, open Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 17:30 CET. Outside these hours, your order is queued and executed at the next opening.
For a long-term investor, the exact time of the order has virtually no impact. That said, avoid the first and last 15 minutes of the session (9:00–9:15 and 17:15–17:30): bid/ask spreads are slightly wider at opening and close. The 10:00–16:00 window generally offers the best liquidity.
This guide is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. The ISINs, fees, and broker terms mentioned are given as an indication and may change.
Last updated: March 2026