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ETF Savings Plan Calculator
Written by
Sadie Voss
Content Lead & Editor
Sadie Voss is the Lead Editor for How-to-Germany.com. As an expat who carved her own way into Berlin from the United States, Sadie is deeply...
Reviewed by
Erkan Boga
Erkan Boga is the founder and CEO of qmedia GmbH, the publishing house behind How-to-Germany.com. He established the platform with the clear vision of creating...
- An ETF savings plan lets you invest a fixed amount regularly into one or more exchange-traded funds.
- This calculator shows how your portfolio could grow based on your initial investment, contribution amount, investment period, expected return, and annual ETF fee.
- You can open More settings to include taxes, inflation, annual contribution increases, and a holding period.
- For long-term investors in Germany, broad-market ETFs such as MSCI World, MSCI ACWI, FTSE All-World, or S&P 500 ETFs are common choices.
- German taxes, broker fees, ETF costs, and inflation can all reduce your final result.
ETF Savings Plan Calculator
Use our ETF savings plan calculator to estimate how much your investments could be worth after several years of regular contributions. You can adjust your starting amount, monthly or yearly contribution, expected return, ETF fee, tax setting, inflation rate, and investment period.
The calculator is designed for long-term investors in Germany who want to understand how regular ETF investing could grow over time. It can help you compare different savings rates, return assumptions, and fee levels before choosing an ETF savings plan.
Best ETF Plans in Germany
| ETF product range | |
| ETF plans | 2.800 |
| ETF plans free of charge | 2.800 |
| Conditions & costs | |
| Account & custody fee | €0 p.a. |
| Savings plan execution | Free |
| One-time purchase (manual) | €1 Via Lange & Schwarz Exchange. |
| Interest on cash | 2.25% Tracks
EZB-Leitzins (2.25%) |
| More savings range | |
| Stock savings plans | 3.760 |
| Crypto-capable plans | |
| Savings plan mechanics & flexibility | |
| Minimum rate | €1 |
| Supported savings frequencies | weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, yearly |
| Execution days per month | 2. / 9. / 16. / 23. |
| Third-party direct debit | |
| Dynamic rate increase (inflation hedge) | |
| ETF distribution reinvestment (DRIP) For distributing ETFs, this broker automatically reinvests your dividends free of charge back into the same ETF, so you benefit fully from compound interest. | |
| Stock dividend reinvestment | |
| Account & taxation | |
| Partner & joint account | |
| Minor account | |
| Virtual sub-accounts | |
| Automatic capital gains tax This broker automatically pays all applicable taxes (capital gains tax, solidarity surcharge) directly to the German tax office. You receive an annual tax statement. | |
| Rating | |
Execution cost |
|
ETF range |
|
Convenience & plan |
|
Safety & tax |
|
| ETF product range | |
| ETF plans | 1.200 |
| ETF plans free of charge | 1.200 |
| Conditions & costs | |
| Account & custody fee | €0 p.a. |
| Savings plan execution | Free |
| One-time purchase (manual) | €4.90 + 0.25% Via Tradegate Exchange. Maximum €69.90. |
| Interest on cash | No |
| More savings range | |
| Stock savings plans | 524 |
| Crypto-capable plans | |
| Savings plan mechanics & flexibility | |
| Minimum rate | €0 |
| Supported savings frequencies | monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly |
| Execution days per month | 1. / 7. / 15. / 23. |
| Third-party direct debit | |
| Dynamic rate increase (inflation hedge) | |
| ETF distribution reinvestment (DRIP) For distributing ETFs, this broker automatically reinvests your dividends free of charge back into the same ETF, so you benefit fully from compound interest. | |
| Stock dividend reinvestment | |
| Account & taxation | |
| Partner & joint account | |
| Minor account | |
| Virtual sub-accounts | |
| Automatic capital gains tax This broker automatically pays all applicable taxes (capital gains tax, solidarity surcharge) directly to the German tax office. You receive an annual tax statement. | |
| Rating | |
Execution cost |
|
ETF range |
|
Convenience & plan |
|
Safety & tax |
|
| ETF product range | |
| ETF plans | 1.850 |
| ETF plans free of charge | 1.850 |
| Conditions & costs | |
| Account & custody fee | €0 p.a. |
| Savings plan execution | Free |
| One-time purchase (manual) | Via Gettex. ab €500: , bis €499.99: €1. |
| Interest on cash | No |
| More savings range | |
| Stock savings plans | 8.000 |
| Crypto-capable plans | |
| Savings plan mechanics & flexibility | |
| Minimum rate | €0 |
| Supported savings frequencies | weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly |
| Execution days per month | 6. / 14. / 21. |
| Third-party direct debit | |
| Dynamic rate increase (inflation hedge) | |
| ETF distribution reinvestment (DRIP) For distributing ETFs, this broker automatically reinvests your dividends free of charge back into the same ETF, so you benefit fully from compound interest. | |
| Stock dividend reinvestment | |
| Account & taxation | |
| Partner & joint account | |
| Minor account | |
| Virtual sub-accounts | |
| Automatic capital gains tax This broker automatically pays all applicable taxes (capital gains tax, solidarity surcharge) directly to the German tax office. You receive an annual tax statement. | |
| Custodian (depository bank) | Baader Bank AG |
| Rating | |
Execution cost |
|
ETF range |
|
Convenience & plan |
|
Safety & tax |
|
| ETF product range | |
| ETF plans | 1.600 |
| ETF plans free of charge | 1.600 |
| Conditions & costs | |
| Account & custody fee | €0 p.a. |
| Savings plan execution | Free |
| One-time purchase (manual) | €3.95 + 0.08% Via Frankfurt. ab 5.001 Order p.a.: €3.95 + 0.08%, von 4.001 bis 5.000 Order p.a.: €3.95 + 0.1%, von 3.001 bis 4.000 Order p.a.: €3.95 + 0.12%, von 2.001 bis 3.000 Order p.a.: €3.95 + 0.15%, von 1.001 bis 2.000 Order p.a.: €3.95 + 0.18%, von 501 bis 1.000 Order p.a.: €3.95 + 0.22%, von 26 bis 500 Order p.a.: €3.95 + 0.25%, von 1 bis 25 Order p.a.: €4.95 + 0.25%. Maximum €29. |
| Interest on cash | No |
| More savings range | |
| Stock savings plans | 4.224 |
| Crypto-capable plans | |
| Savings plan mechanics & flexibility | |
| Minimum rate | €0 |
| Supported savings frequencies | monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, half-yearly |
| Execution days per month | 1. / 7. / 15. / 23. |
| Third-party direct debit | |
| Dynamic rate increase (inflation hedge) | from 2,5% up to 10% p.a. |
| ETF distribution reinvestment (DRIP) For distributing ETFs, this broker automatically reinvests your dividends free of charge back into the same ETF, so you benefit fully from compound interest. | |
| Stock dividend reinvestment | |
| Account & taxation | |
| Partner & joint account | |
| Minor account | |
| Virtual sub-accounts | |
| Automatic capital gains tax This broker automatically pays all applicable taxes (capital gains tax, solidarity surcharge) directly to the German tax office. You receive an annual tax statement. | |
| Custodian (depository bank) | BNP Paribas S.A. |
| Rating | |
Execution cost |
|
ETF range |
|
Convenience & plan |
|
Safety & tax |
|
| ETF product range | |
| ETF plans | 3.000 |
| ETF plans free of charge | 2.324 |
| Conditions & costs | |
| Account & custody fee | €0 p.a. |
| Savings plan execution | Free |
| One-time purchase (manual) | Via Gettex. ab €500: , bis €500: €0.95. |
| Interest on cash | 1.75% |
| More savings range | |
| Stock savings plans | 8.046 |
| Crypto-capable plans | |
| Savings plan mechanics & flexibility | |
| Minimum rate | €0 |
| Supported savings frequencies | weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, yearly |
| Execution days per month | 5. / 10. / 15. / 22. / 28. |
| Third-party direct debit | |
| Dynamic rate increase (inflation hedge) | |
| ETF distribution reinvestment (DRIP) For distributing ETFs, this broker automatically reinvests your dividends free of charge back into the same ETF, so you benefit fully from compound interest. | |
| Stock dividend reinvestment | |
| Account & taxation | |
| Partner & joint account | |
| Minor account | |
| Virtual sub-accounts | |
| Automatic capital gains tax This broker automatically pays all applicable taxes (capital gains tax, solidarity surcharge) directly to the German tax office. You receive an annual tax statement. | |
| Custodian (depository bank) | Baader Bank AG |
| Rating | |
Execution cost |
|
ETF range |
|
Convenience & plan |
|
Safety & tax |
|
| ETF product range | |
| ETF plans | 2.800 |
| ETF plans free of charge | 2.800 |
| Conditions & costs | |
| Account & custody fee | €0 p.a. |
| Savings plan execution | Free from €250, below €0.99 |
| One-time purchase (manual) | €0.99 Via Gettex. |
| Interest on cash | 2.5% |
| More savings range | |
| Stock savings plans | 4.500 |
| Crypto-capable plans | |
| Savings plan mechanics & flexibility | |
| Minimum rate | €1 |
| Supported savings frequencies | monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, yearly |
| Execution days per month | 01. / 02. / 04. / 07. / 10. / 13. / 16. / 19. / 22. / 25. |
| Third-party direct debit | |
| Dynamic rate increase (inflation hedge) | |
| ETF distribution reinvestment (DRIP) For distributing ETFs, this broker automatically reinvests your dividends free of charge back into the same ETF, so you benefit fully from compound interest. | |
| Stock dividend reinvestment | |
| Account & taxation | |
| Partner & joint account | |
| Minor account | |
| Virtual sub-accounts | |
| Automatic capital gains tax This broker automatically pays all applicable taxes (capital gains tax, solidarity surcharge) directly to the German tax office. You receive an annual tax statement. | |
| Custodian (depository bank) | Baader Bank AG |
| Rating | |
Execution cost |
|
ETF range |
|
Convenience & plan |
|
Safety & tax |
|
| ETF product range | |
| ETF plans | 2.100 |
| ETF plans free of charge | 2.100 |
| Conditions & costs | |
| Account & custody fee | €0 p.a. |
| Savings plan execution | Free |
| One-time purchase (manual) | Via Gettex. ab €500: , bis €499.99: €1. |
| Interest on cash | 1.75% |
| More savings range | |
| Stock savings plans | 7.560 |
| Crypto-capable plans | |
| Savings plan mechanics & flexibility | |
| Minimum rate | €0 |
| Supported savings frequencies | monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, yearly |
| Execution days per month | 3. / 6. / 9. / 18. / 21. / 27. |
| Third-party direct debit | |
| Dynamic rate increase (inflation hedge) | |
| ETF distribution reinvestment (DRIP) For distributing ETFs, this broker automatically reinvests your dividends free of charge back into the same ETF, so you benefit fully from compound interest. | |
| Stock dividend reinvestment | |
| Account & taxation | |
| Partner & joint account | |
| Minor account | |
| Virtual sub-accounts | |
| Automatic capital gains tax This broker automatically pays all applicable taxes (capital gains tax, solidarity surcharge) directly to the German tax office. You receive an annual tax statement. | |
| Custodian (depository bank) | Baader Bank AG |
| Rating | |
Execution cost |
|
ETF range |
|
Convenience & plan |
|
Safety & tax |
|
| ETF product range | |
| ETF plans | 470 |
| ETF plans free of charge | 470 |
| Conditions & costs | |
| Account & custody fee | €0 p.a. |
| Savings plan execution | Free |
| One-time purchase (manual) | €9.95 Via Frankfurt. bis €1,200: €9.95, von €1,200.01 bis €2,600: €17.95, von €2,600.01 bis €5,200: €29.95, von €5,200.01 bis €12,499.99: €39.95, von €12,500 bis €24,999.99: €54.95, ab €25,000: €69.95. |
| Interest on cash | No |
| More savings range | |
| Stock savings plans | No |
| Crypto-capable plans | |
| Savings plan mechanics & flexibility | |
| Minimum rate | €25 |
| Maximum rate | €1,000 |
| Supported savings frequencies | monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly |
| Execution days per month | 5. / 20. |
| Third-party direct debit | |
| Dynamic rate increase (inflation hedge) | |
| ETF distribution reinvestment (DRIP) For distributing ETFs, this broker automatically reinvests your dividends free of charge back into the same ETF, so you benefit fully from compound interest. | |
| Stock dividend reinvestment | |
| Account & taxation | |
| Partner & joint account | |
| Minor account | |
| Virtual sub-accounts | |
| Automatic capital gains tax This broker automatically pays all applicable taxes (capital gains tax, solidarity surcharge) directly to the German tax office. You receive an annual tax statement. | |
| Rating | |
Execution cost |
|
ETF range |
|
Convenience & plan |
|
Safety & tax |
|
| ETF product range | |
| ETF plans | 2.350 |
| ETF plans free of charge | 980 |
| Conditions & costs | |
| Account & custody fee | €0 p.a. |
| Savings plan execution | Free |
| One-time purchase (manual) | €0.95 Via Lange & Schwarz Exchange. |
| Interest on cash | No |
| More savings range | |
| Stock savings plans | No |
| Crypto-capable plans | |
| Savings plan mechanics & flexibility | |
| Minimum rate | €5 |
| Supported savings frequencies | monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, yearly |
| Execution days per month | 1. / 5. / 15. / 20. |
| Third-party direct debit | |
| Dynamic rate increase (inflation hedge) | |
| ETF distribution reinvestment (DRIP) For distributing ETFs, this broker automatically reinvests your dividends free of charge back into the same ETF, so you benefit fully from compound interest. | |
| Stock dividend reinvestment | |
| Account & taxation | |
| Partner & joint account | |
| Minor account | |
| Virtual sub-accounts | |
| Automatic capital gains tax This broker automatically pays all applicable taxes (capital gains tax, solidarity surcharge) directly to the German tax office. You receive an annual tax statement. | |
| Rating | |
Execution cost |
|
ETF range |
|
Convenience & plan |
|
Safety & tax |
|
| ETF product range | |
| ETF plans | 2.800 |
| ETF plans free of charge | 2.800 |
| Conditions & costs | |
| Account & custody fee | €59.88 p.a. |
| Savings plan execution | Free from €250, below €0.99 |
| One-time purchase (manual) | Via Gettex. ab €250: , bis €249.99: €0.99. |
| Interest on cash | 2.5% |
| More savings range | |
| Stock savings plans | 4.500 |
| Crypto-capable plans | |
| Savings plan mechanics & flexibility | |
| Minimum rate | €1 |
| Supported savings frequencies | monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, yearly |
| Execution days per month | 1. / 2. / 4. / 7. / 10. / 13. / 16. / 19. / 22. / 25. |
| Third-party direct debit | |
| Dynamic rate increase (inflation hedge) | |
| ETF distribution reinvestment (DRIP) For distributing ETFs, this broker automatically reinvests your dividends free of charge back into the same ETF, so you benefit fully from compound interest. | |
| Stock dividend reinvestment | |
| Account & taxation | |
| Partner & joint account | |
| Minor account | |
| Virtual sub-accounts | |
| Automatic capital gains tax This broker automatically pays all applicable taxes (capital gains tax, solidarity surcharge) directly to the German tax office. You receive an annual tax statement. | |
| Custodian (depository bank) | Baader Bank AG |
| Rating | |
Execution cost |
|
ETF range |
|
Convenience & plan |
|
Safety & tax |
|
| ETF product range | |
| ETF plans | 180 |
| ETF plans free of charge | 180 |
| Conditions & costs | |
| Account & custody fee | €0 p.a. |
| Savings plan execution | Free |
| One-time purchase (manual) | Via Tradegate Exchange. |
| Interest on cash | No |
| More savings range | |
| Stock savings plans | No |
| Crypto-capable plans | |
| Savings plan mechanics & flexibility | |
| Minimum rate | €0 |
| Supported savings frequencies | monthly |
| Execution days per month | 1. |
| Third-party direct debit | |
| Dynamic rate increase (inflation hedge) | |
| ETF distribution reinvestment (DRIP) For distributing ETFs, this broker automatically reinvests your dividends free of charge back into the same ETF, so you benefit fully from compound interest. | |
| Stock dividend reinvestment | |
| Account & taxation | |
| Partner & joint account | |
| Minor account | |
| Virtual sub-accounts | |
| Automatic capital gains tax This broker automatically pays all applicable taxes (capital gains tax, solidarity surcharge) directly to the German tax office. You receive an annual tax statement. | |
| Custodian (depository bank) | Sutor Bank GmbH |
| Rating | |
Execution cost |
|
ETF range |
|
Convenience & plan |
|
Safety & tax |
|
| ETF product range | |
| ETF plans | 2.000 |
| ETF plans free of charge | 480 |
| Conditions & costs | |
| Account & custody fee | €0 p.a. |
| Savings plan execution | €1.50 |
| One-time purchase (manual) | €10 Via Gettex. bis €5,000: €10, bis €5,000: €10, von €5,000.01 bis €20,000: €15, von €5,000.01 bis €20,000: €15, ab €20,000.01: €30, ab €20,000.01: €30. |
| Interest on cash | No |
| More savings range | |
| Stock savings plans | 1.342 |
| Crypto-capable plans | |
| Savings plan mechanics & flexibility | |
| Minimum rate | €0 |
| Supported savings frequencies | monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, yearly |
| Execution days per month | 1. / 5. / 15. / 20. |
| Third-party direct debit | |
| Dynamic rate increase (inflation hedge) | |
| ETF distribution reinvestment (DRIP) For distributing ETFs, this broker automatically reinvests your dividends free of charge back into the same ETF, so you benefit fully from compound interest. | |
| Stock dividend reinvestment | |
| Account & taxation | |
| Partner & joint account | |
| Minor account | |
| Virtual sub-accounts | |
| Automatic capital gains tax This broker automatically pays all applicable taxes (capital gains tax, solidarity surcharge) directly to the German tax office. You receive an annual tax statement. | |
| Rating | |
Execution cost |
|
ETF range |
|
Convenience & plan |
|
Safety & tax |
|
| ETF product range | |
| ETF plans | 2.000 |
| ETF plans free of charge | 550 |
| Conditions & costs | |
| Account & custody fee | €23.40 p.a. |
| Savings plan execution | 1.50% |
| One-time purchase (manual) | €4.90 + 0.25% Via Xetra. Minimum €9.90. Maximum €59.90. |
| Interest on cash | No |
| More savings range | |
| Stock savings plans | 1.724 |
| Crypto-capable plans | |
| Savings plan mechanics & flexibility | |
| Minimum rate | €0 |
| Supported savings frequencies | monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, yearly |
| Execution days per month | 1. / 7. / 15. / 23. |
| Third-party direct debit | |
| Dynamic rate increase (inflation hedge) | |
| ETF distribution reinvestment (DRIP) For distributing ETFs, this broker automatically reinvests your dividends free of charge back into the same ETF, so you benefit fully from compound interest. | |
| Stock dividend reinvestment | |
| Account & taxation | |
| Partner & joint account | |
| Minor account | |
| Virtual sub-accounts | |
| Automatic capital gains tax This broker automatically pays all applicable taxes (capital gains tax, solidarity surcharge) directly to the German tax office. You receive an annual tax statement. | |
| Custodian (depository bank) | Commerzbank AG |
| Rating | |
Execution cost |
|
ETF range |
|
Convenience & plan |
|
Safety & tax |
|
| ETF product range | |
| ETF plans | 1.150 |
| ETF plans free of charge | 170 |
| Conditions & costs | |
| Account & custody fee | €0 p.a. |
| Savings plan execution | 1.50%, min. €1.50, max. €14.90 |
| One-time purchase (manual) | €4.90 + 0.25% Via Frankfurt. Minimum €9.90. Maximum €54.90. |
| Interest on cash | 2.8% |
| More savings range | |
| Stock savings plans | 1.151 |
| Crypto-capable plans | |
| Savings plan mechanics & flexibility | |
| Minimum rate | €0 |
| Supported savings frequencies | monthly |
| Execution days per month | 5. / 20. |
| Third-party direct debit | |
| Dynamic rate increase (inflation hedge) | up to 10% per year |
| ETF distribution reinvestment (DRIP) For distributing ETFs, this broker automatically reinvests your dividends free of charge back into the same ETF, so you benefit fully from compound interest. | |
| Stock dividend reinvestment | |
| Account & taxation | |
| Partner & joint account | |
| Minor account | |
| Virtual sub-accounts | |
| Automatic capital gains tax This broker automatically pays all applicable taxes (capital gains tax, solidarity surcharge) directly to the German tax office. You receive an annual tax statement. | |
| Rating | |
Execution cost |
|
ETF range |
|
Convenience & plan |
|
Safety & tax |
|
| ETF product range | |
| ETF plans | 2.400 |
| ETF plans free of charge | 0 |
| Conditions & costs | |
| Account & custody fee | €0 p.a. |
| Savings plan execution | 2.50%, min. €1.50, max. €3 |
| One-time purchase (manual) | 0.25% Via Xetra. Minimum €8.90. Maximum €34.90. |
| Interest on cash | No |
| More savings range | |
| Stock savings plans | 85 |
| Crypto-capable plans | |
| Savings plan mechanics & flexibility | |
| Minimum rate | €0 |
| Supported savings frequencies | monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, yearly |
| Execution days per month | 1. / 15. |
| Third-party direct debit | |
| Dynamic rate increase (inflation hedge) | |
| ETF distribution reinvestment (DRIP) For distributing ETFs, this broker automatically reinvests your dividends free of charge back into the same ETF, so you benefit fully from compound interest. | |
| Stock dividend reinvestment | |
| Account & taxation | |
| Partner & joint account | |
| Minor account | |
| Virtual sub-accounts | |
| Automatic capital gains tax This broker automatically pays all applicable taxes (capital gains tax, solidarity surcharge) directly to the German tax office. You receive an annual tax statement. | |
| Rating | |
Execution cost |
|
ETF range |
|
Convenience & plan |
|
Safety & tax |
|
| ETF product range | |
| ETF plans | 280 |
| ETF plans free of charge | 10 |
| Conditions & costs | |
| Account & custody fee | €0 p.a. |
| Savings plan execution | €2.50 + 0.25% |
| One-time purchase (manual) | €4.90 + 0.25% Via Frankfurt. Minimum €9.90. |
| Interest on cash | No |
| More savings range | |
| Stock savings plans | 155 |
| Crypto-capable plans | |
| Savings plan mechanics & flexibility | |
| Minimum rate | €0 |
| Supported savings frequencies | monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, yearly |
| Execution days per month | 1. / 15. |
| Third-party direct debit | |
| Dynamic rate increase (inflation hedge) | |
| ETF distribution reinvestment (DRIP) For distributing ETFs, this broker automatically reinvests your dividends free of charge back into the same ETF, so you benefit fully from compound interest. | |
| Stock dividend reinvestment | |
| Account & taxation | |
| Partner & joint account | |
| Minor account | |
| Virtual sub-accounts | |
| Automatic capital gains tax This broker automatically pays all applicable taxes (capital gains tax, solidarity surcharge) directly to the German tax office. You receive an annual tax statement. | |
| Rating | |
Execution cost |
|
ETF range |
|
Convenience & plan |
|
Safety & tax |
|
How the ETF savings plan calculator works
The calculator estimates your future portfolio value by combining your initial investment, regular contributions, expected annual return, and annual ETF fee. It then shows your total invested amount, gross value, final value, real value in today’s money, and performance over time.
The result is only an estimate. ETF returns are not guaranteed, and the real value of your investment can rise or fall depending on market performance, fees, taxes, inflation, and your personal investment period.
Initial investment
Your initial investment is the amount you invest at the beginning. For example, if you already have €5,000 saved and invest it immediately, the calculator includes this amount from the first year.
A higher initial investment can have a strong effect over long periods because it has more time to grow through compound returns.
Regular contribution
Your regular contribution is the amount you invest monthly or yearly. Many ETF savings plans in Germany allow small monthly contributions, often starting from €1, €10, or €25 depending on the German broker bank account.
Regular contributions are useful because they help you build wealth gradually without needing a large starting amount. They also reduce the pressure of choosing the perfect entry point, because you invest across different market phases.
Investment period
Your investment period is the number of years you plan to keep investing. ETF savings plans are usually best suited for long-term goals, such as retirement, financial independence, buying property later, or building wealth over 10, 20, or 30 years.
The longer your money stays invested, the more important compound growth becomes.
Expected annual return
Your expected annual return is the yearly growth assumption used by the calculator. A common long-term assumption for a globally diversified equity ETF is around 5% to 8% per year before taxes and inflation, but actual returns can be much higher or lower.
You should test different return assumptions. A conservative estimate can help you avoid unrealistic expectations.
Annual fee
Your annual fee is the ETF’s total expense ratio, often called the TER. This fee is charged by the ETF provider and reduces your investment return.
Even small fee differences matter over long periods. For example, an ETF with a 0.20% TER is cheaper than an ETF with a 0.60% TER, and the difference can become significant after 20 or 30 years.
Since January 1, 2025, German exit taxation can also apply to certain private investment funds and ETFs. Expats who have been tax resident in Germany for at least 7 of the previous 12 years should get tax advice before leaving Germany if they hold investment funds or ETFs with acquisition costs above €500,000. In these cases, moving abroad can trigger tax on unrealized gains, creating a potential dry income tax charge even if no ETF shares are sold.
What the calculator settings mean
| Setting | What it means | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | The ETF’s yearly cost, usually shown as TER. | Lower fees leave more of the return in your portfolio. |
| Contribution | The amount you invest regularly. | Higher contributions usually have the biggest impact on your final value. |
| Expected annual return | The assumed average yearly growth of your ETF. | Small return differences can create large differences over long periods. |
| Initial investment | The amount you invest at the start. | Money invested earlier has more time to compound. |
| Investment period | The number of years your money stays invested. | Longer periods usually make compound growth more powerful. |
More settings for taxes, inflation and contribution increases
The More settings section helps you make the calculation more realistic. These settings are especially useful if you live in Germany and want to understand the difference between gross growth and real after-tax value.
For many broad-market equity ETFs, Germany applies a 30% Teilfreistellung. This means 30% of capital gains, distributions, and taxable advance lump sums are tax-free if the fund qualifies as an equity fund with more than 51% stocks. Without church tax, this can reduce the effective tax rate on taxable ETF income from 26.375% to about 18.46%. With church tax, the effective burden is about 19.47% in federal states with 8% church tax and about 19.59% in federal states with 9% church tax.
Contribution increases
A contribution increase lets you raise your monthly or yearly ETF savings rate over time. This can reflect salary increases, inflation adjustments, or a personal plan to invest more each year.
For example, if you start with €200 per month and increase your contribution by 3% per year, your savings rate grows gradually instead of staying fixed for the whole investment period.
Fees
ETF fees reduce your return every year. Broker fees can also matter, especially if your broker charges for savings plan executions, custody, currency conversion, or foreign exchange trading.
Many German brokers offer free or low-cost ETF savings plans, but you should still check the exact fee structure before opening an account.
Inflation
Inflation reduces the purchasing power of your future money. This is why the calculator shows a real value in today’s money.
For example, €100,000 in 20 years will not buy the same amount as €100,000 today if prices keep rising. The real value helps you understand what your future portfolio could be worth after adjusting for inflation.
Taxes
If you apply taxes in the calculator, the final value may be lower. When investing in Germany, income is generally subject to capital gains tax, also known as Abgeltungsteuer. This is usually 25% plus solidarity surcharge and church tax if applicable. The solidarity surcharge is 5.5% of the 25% tax, giving an effective rate of 26.375% without church tax. If church tax applies, the effective rate is usually 27.82% in federal states with 8% church tax and 27.99% in federal states with 9% church tax, because church tax is treated as a deductible special expense in the withholding calculation. Use our German capital gains calculator to find an exact personal value.
German brokers usually deduct investment tax automatically. Foreign brokers may not, which means you may need to report ETF income yourself in your German tax return.
- Capital gains: Profits from selling ETFs are generally taxable in Germany.
- Distributing ETFs: Dividend payments are usually taxable when paid out.
- Freistellungsauftrag: You can use your annual tax-free allowance if your broker supports it. In 2026, the Sparerpauschbetrag is €1,000 for single filers and €2,000 for married couples filing jointly.
- Teilfreistellung: Equity ETFs with more than 51% stocks usually receive a 30% partial tax exemption, meaning only 70% of gains and distributions are taxed.
- Vorabpauschale: Accumulating ETFs can trigger tax before you sell, based on a yearly advance lump-sum calculation. For 2026, the BMF set the Basiszins at 3.20%, affecting the Vorabpauschale charged in January 2027.
Federal Ministry of Finance investment tax page: Investmentsteuer
Investment Tax Act: Investmentsteuergesetz
Income Tax Act: Einkommensteuergesetz
Foreign Tax Act: Außensteuergesetz
Accumulating vs distributing ETFs
The calculator lets you choose between accumulating and distributing ETFs.
Accumulating ETFs
Accumulating ETFs automatically reinvest dividends inside the fund. This is convenient for long-term investors because you do not need to manually reinvest payouts.
In Germany, accumulating ETFs can still create taxable income through the Vorabpauschale, even if you do not receive a cash payout. For the 2026 tax year, the Basiszins is 3.20%, so the advance lump-sum tax charged in January 2027 may be higher than in years with lower base interest rates.
Distributing ETFs
Distributing ETFs pay dividends to your broker account. You can use the payouts as income or reinvest them manually.
For long-term wealth building, reinvesting the distributions can help your portfolio grow faster. If you spend the distributions instead, your final portfolio value may be lower.
For many broad-market equity ETFs, Germany applies a 30% Teilfreistellung. This means 30% of capital gains, distributions, and taxable advance lump sums are tax-free if the fund qualifies as an equity fund with more than 51% stocks. Without church tax, this can reduce the effective tax rate on taxable ETF income from 26.375% to about 18.46%. With church tax, the effective burden is about 19.47% in federal states with 8% church tax and about 19.59% in federal states with 9% church tax.
Example ETF savings plan calculation
For example, assume you invest €5,000 initially, add €250 per month, invest for 20 years, and expect an average return of 7% per year before fees and taxes.
In this scenario, your total invested amount would be €65,000. If the market performs as expected, your gross portfolio value could be much higher than the amount you invested. However, the final result can change significantly once taxes, inflation, ETF fees, and broker costs are included.
This is why it is useful to test several scenarios instead of relying on one optimistic number.
ETF savings plans for expats in Germany
ETF savings plans can be useful for expats in Germany, but account opening and tax reporting can be more complicated than for German citizens.
Some German brokers require a German address, German tax ID, SEPA bank account, supported passport, and successful identity verification. If your documents or tax residency are more complex, your application may take longer or be rejected.
US citizens and green card holders should be especially careful. Many German and European brokers restrict US persons because of FATCA reporting obligations. US persons may also face additional US tax reporting issues when investing in non-US ETFs.
Since January 1, 2025, German exit taxation can also apply to certain private investment funds and ETFs. Expats who have been tax resident in Germany for at least 7 of the previous 12 years should get tax advice before leaving Germany if they hold investment funds or ETFs with acquisition costs above €500,000. In these cases, moving abroad can trigger tax on unrealized gains, creating a potential dry income tax charge even if no ETF shares are sold.
- Address: Use the same German address format shown on your Anmeldung or official mail.
- Broker tax handling: Check whether the broker deducts German tax automatically.
- Documents: Keep your passport, residence permit if available, and German tax ID ready.
- US status: Check whether the broker accepts US citizens or green card holders before applying.
ETF savings plans can lose money
An ETF savings plan is not a bank savings account. Your portfolio value can fall, especially during stock market crashes, recessions, interest rate changes, currency movements, or global crises.
A long investment period can reduce the risk of selling during a bad market phase, but it does not remove the risk completely. You should only invest money you do not need for short-term expenses, rent, emergency savings, visa security, or tax payments.
How to choose an ETF savings plan in Germany
When choosing an ETF savings plan, look at both the ETF and the broker. A good savings plan should fit your budget, investment horizon, tax situation, and language needs.
For many long-term investors, the most important factors are broad diversification, low ETF fees, low broker costs, and simple tax handling.
You may want to compare:
- Broker fees, including savings plan fees, custody fees, and currency fees.
- ETF costs, especially the TER and tracking difference.
- Fund size, because very small ETFs may be closed or merged more often.
- Index type, such as MSCI World, MSCI ACWI, FTSE All-World, or S&P 500.
- Tax handling, especially whether the broker handles German tax automatically.
Conclusion
An ETF savings plan calculator can help you understand how regular investing may grow over time. It shows the effect of your starting amount, monthly contribution, expected return, ETF fee, tax setting, inflation rate, and investment period.
For investors in Germany, the most important point is to look beyond the gross number. Taxes, inflation, ETF fees, broker costs, the Sparerpauschbetrag, the Vorabpauschale, the Teilfreistellung for qualifying equity ETFs, and possible exit tax rules for long-term expats can all affect the final result.
Use the calculator to test different savings rates and return assumptions, but do not treat the result as a guarantee. A good ETF savings plan should be affordable, diversified, low-cost, and suitable for your long-term financial goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
An ETF savings plan can be worth it if you want to invest regularly over a long period. It is usually best for people who do not need the money soon and can handle market ups and downs. For many investors in Germany, low-cost global ETFs are a simple way to build wealth over time.
The right amount depends on your income, expenses, emergency savings, and financial goals. Many people start with a small monthly amount and increase it later. You should only invest money you do not need for rent, bills, taxes, visa requirements, or short-term emergencies.
Yes. ETF profits are generally taxed in Germany through capital gains tax, also known as Abgeltungsteuer. German brokers usually deduct the tax automatically. If you use a foreign broker, you may need to report ETF income yourself in your German tax return.
An accumulating ETF reinvests dividends automatically inside the fund. A distributing ETF pays dividends to your broker account. Accumulating ETFs are often convenient for long-term investors, while distributing ETFs can be useful if you want regular payouts.
Many expats can open an ETF savings plan in Germany, but it depends on the broker. You may need a German address, German tax ID, SEPA bank account, supported passport, and successful identity verification. US citizens and green card holders should check carefully, because many European brokers restrict US persons.